Can you use hyaluronic acid for hair? Experts are weighing in

What's this? Hyaluronic acid for hair?! As is the case with most shortcuts nowadays, a viral TikTok clip has colored us curious. After experimenting with the skin treatment on her locks, a platform user is causing us to question if the buzzy beauty product is actually multipurpose. 

TikTok user @katilynroundtree decided to embark on a two-week experiment where she used The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid on her wet hair after a shower. Throughout each video clip, we catch a glimpse of her strands and how they've improved. 

"It feels so soft and is way more manageable," Kaitlyn wrote. 

The day-by-day progress, and ultimately the final result, have left us wondering: can you really use hyaluronic acid in your hair? In order to uncover if this TikTok hack is one to attempt (or avoid, like the Milk Crate Challenge), we've asked the experts. 

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@katilynroundtree (opens in new tab)

Saw a TikTok that said hair oil doesn't moisturize your hair, only water can. So I tried Hyaluronic Acid! 🤯 #hyaluronicacid #hair #hairhack #dryhair

♬ Good as Hell - Lizzo (opens in new tab)

Before we jump into the nitty-gritty details, let's back up. We'll tell you about the skincare product and its benefits before you attempt to spill some serum on your scalp.

What is hyaluronic acid?

"It can hold a thousand times its weight in water and, alongside collagen and elastin, it helps support tissue structure—resulting in smoother firmer skin," reveals Dr. David Jack (opens in new tab), one of London’s premiere aesthetic doctors.  

The doc also indicates that it's ideal for repairing and hydrating skin, but it doesn't necessarily have to be dry skin. Acne-prone skin also greatly benefits from hyaluronic acid as well. 

So...can you use hyaluronic acid for hair?

As it turns out, yes, this is something you can attempt at home and not worry about. Instead of keeping The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid in your vanity, perhaps you should move it next to your shampoo.   

"The great thing about it is it works on all hair types, by helping retain the proper balance of lipids, humectants and proteins required for healthy hair," the hair and aesthetics specialists at Vera Clinic (opens in new tab) tell us. 

"To be clear, hyaluronic acid is not a moisturizer (it's a humectant), but it helps by pulling moisture in from the environment. It can be applied topically on a daily basis if you have frizzy or curly hair, and those with straighter smoother hair can use it for an extra moisture boost on hair wash days."

How do you use hyaluronic acid for hair?

"You should always use hyaluronic acid with water, so don’t put straight onto dry hair," the Vera Clinic experts add. "When applied to damp hair after showering, the acid can use the water to help pull moisture into the hair. You can even pair it with your favorite hair oil, be that jojoba, argan or coconut for an extra moisture boost."

Well, well, well—it looks like TikTok might've been right on this one, and now we're dying to give it a go. Anyone else reaching for the hyaluronic acid as we speak?

For further questions about your strands, consult your stylist.