Lactic Acid for Haircare: The Science behind its Benefits

Lactic acid is a naturally occurring alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) that is commonly used in skincare products. However, it's not just beneficial for your skin. It turns out that lactic acid can also work wonders for your hair!

In this blog, we'll explore the science behind how lactic acid works in hair care and the benefits it can bring to your locks.

Firstly, what is lactic acid? It's a byproduct of the anaerobic metabolism of glucose in muscle cells. When muscles don't receive enough oxygen, lactic acid accumulates, leading to the burning sensation you feel during intense exercise. However, in haircare, lactic acid is used in low concentrations and has an entirely different effect.

One of the main benefits of lactic acid in hair care is that it helps to maintain the hair's natural pH balance. Our hair has a slightly acidic pH of around 4.5-5.5, which helps to keep the cuticle layer closed and prevent damage. When we use harsh shampoos or styling products, the pH balance of our hair can become disrupted, leading to breakage and frizz. Lactic acid can help to restore this balance, ensuring that our hair stays healthy and strong.

Another benefit of lactic acid is that it helps to exfoliate the scalp. Just like our skin, our scalp can also become clogged with dead skin cells, oil, and product buildup. This can lead to an itchy, irritated scalp and even hair loss. Lactic acid helps to gently exfoliate the scalp, removing any buildup and leaving the scalp feeling refreshed and healthy.

But how does lactic acid actually work on the hair? Lactic acid is a small molecule that can penetrate the hair shaft, helping to strengthen and smooth the hair from the inside out. It works by breaking down the disulfide bonds in the hair, which are responsible for holding the hair's shape. By breaking down these bonds, lactic acid helps to reshape the hair, making it smoother and more manageable.

In addition to all of these benefits, lactic acid also has anti-inflammatory properties, which can help to soothe an irritated scalp and reduce dandruff. It's also a natural humectant, which means it can help to lock moisture into the hair, keeping it hydrated and healthy.

So there you have it - the science behind lactic acid in haircare. By restoring the hair's natural pH balance, exfoliating the scalp, and strengthening and smoothing the hair from the inside out, lactic acid can be a game-changer for your haircare routine.