Who doesn’t love a double-duty beauty product? Especially when you find a second purpose for one you’ve already splashed the cash on.
But when we saw a TikToker coating their hair in The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic 2% + B5 ($12.90 at Priceline), we’ll admit our brains were quick to think “what an absolute waste”.
Even though it’s considered an affordable serum, if you’ve got some length to your mane, using it as a hair treatment would see the vial empty in a matter of uses.
However, the road-test did conclude with some pretty impressive results.
The poster of the video, Kaitlyn Boyer, said that her hair felt “so soft and way more manageable” after two weeks of use. And we have to admit, her dry and straw-like bleached ends certainly looked more hydrated and shiny afterwards.
So is there some truth behind her experiment?
Is there a benefit to using hylauronic acid on the hair?
Those already clued up on hyaluronic acid as an ingredient will know that it’s a humectant that draws moisture from the environment. It’s why in order to apply hyaluronic acid serum correctly, your skin should be damp.
It’s the same rule for your hair; if you’re going to try it, make sure your lengths are damp.
It also doesn’t mean it’s moisturising the hair on its own. It simply does the job of holding 1,000 times its weight in water, therefore it’s more about what your hyaluronic acid is combined with in its concotion that’s going to make a difference.
In the case of The Ordinary’s Hyaluronic Acid 2% + B5, cosmetic chemist Ginger King told Allure that it actually “does make sense for hair treatment”.
“It uses a combination of hyaluronic acid, hyaluronic acid crosspolymer, and B5,” he said, of which the hyaluronic acid crosspolymer works as a film to seal in the moisture held. Interesting.
If you do want to try using a HA serum on your hair, but aren’t keen on waste, we’d recommend applying it to your scalp and combing it through to evenly disperse, rather than slathering it all over.
Alternatively, for those with dry hair seeking moisture, you could simply look for a hair treatment with hyaluronic acid as an ingredient.
bh recommends: Kérastase Densifique Masque Densite Absolu ($66 at Adore Beauty) and Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Hyaluronic Moisture Kick Treatment ($27.95 at Price Attack).
What do you think about using hyaluronic acid on the hair? Have you tried any hair products with the ingredient?
Why not
Ok I have never heard of that before! Don’t know if I would try it out
Def not doing this!
I love The Ordinary, but it does seem a bit extreme. That said, the Kérastase mask is a bit dear. Maybe worth checking out Schwarzkopf.
Hmmm I think the advice about using it on the scalp makes more sense than just applying it to the ends, might be worth a try!
Um? I don’t think I’ll be trying this one.
Interesting. I do think im doing ok with my hair oil though.
Not for me thanks
Makes sense to me. What did we do before TikTok? lol
I prefer using a hair masque which gives plenty of condition to my hair but time will tell if more people try this and like it maybe . I have thick heavy hair so absorbing more moisture does not sound like ideal for me.
Very interesting to read more about it more hair.
Not sure this is something I would try, but it was interesting to read about the results.
Interesting how hyaluronic acid can have multi uses
It’s good to know that it should be combined with the right other things like water. I’m not sure if this HA stuff sounds just too fussy and complicated for me though. I’d probably end up doing damage instead of good!
Never heard of this before.
Interesting. let me get through my stash of hair products before I give it a try.
Would like to try this Schwarzkopf Professional Bonacure Hyaluronic Moisture Kick Treatment at the moment my hair has thinned out quite a bit and will definitely consider buying this to see if the treatment works with hyaluronic acid.
Thank You BH for such great advice with this Article.
I do need a new serum but for my face! I guess if you have a product you don’t like it’s worth seeing what else you can use it for.
I don’t think hyaluronic acid is found in hair naturally. Scalp – yes, hair – probably not.
I don’t understand why do I want “moisture” in my hair. Moisture makes my hair so frizzy…
You’ve got a good point there sj. I don’t think it would suit many people and for me it could make my hair even lanker than what it naturally can be. I can imagine it would make my curly haired daughter’s hair even curlier as humidity sends her hair into ringlets. Not a bad looik for her in my opinion but for my hair I dunno. It could make it more lank
Hmm don’t think I’ll try this, as adding water just makes my hair frizz up….
Not something I feel the need for.
No, I don’t think I’d be bothered with this.
I’d love to try it on the tips of my hair.
I’ve recently started using The Ordinary’s hyaluronic acid (only on my face) and very impressed so far. I only need the tiniest dab to do my whole face. I might try the hair thing & see how it goes.
Hmm…. I think I will stick to conditioner.
I’d try it.
I would have liked to see the photos IO do use an oil but so sparingly as i have fine hair
HA for hair? Does nothing. Probably accompanying ingredients do some conditioning. For a slip
I am happy using garnier leave in conditioner treatment
It might be worth trying, I like to add things to my conditioner.
Hmmm, I never considered HA for the hair
Yeah… Nah… Next….
the tips of my hair do get a bit dry, maybe HA is the answer.. If I have any spare at home, I’ll give it a try
Interesting information, can’t say I’ve thought about it before.
I swear by it in facial skin products but would not be bothered using it on my hair.
I wouldn’t try this – too wasteful as you said.
hyaluronic acid is now my new favourite ingredient, I’ve been on the hunt for products in helping moisturise my hair.
I don’t think i have heard it in hair care products