Glycolic acid derivatives, such as glyoxylic acid, are used in keratin hair treatments as an alternative to formaldehyde to restructure and straighten hair by interacting with keratin fibers.
We have found that the combined use of GA and glycolic acid (GCA) has a strong hair straightening effect. Methods: Straightening hair test was carried out to the evaluation of the effect of additives.
Deciem's science communications associate manager, Rita J Silva, explained that glycolic acid has the ability to soften hair fibers, temporarily reducing stiffness. It doesn't evaporate as quickly as something like water, so the hair-softening benefits last longer.
Benefits of Glycolic Acid for Hair
Reduces tangles by reducing friction! Resilient to heat/sun/bleach. Reflective shine after treatment. Rough hair softens immediately.
Sodium Hydroxide (Lye) Sodium Thioglycolate. Triclosan.
Aloe vera: This natural ingredient is known for its moisturizing and smoothing properties, which can help to straighten and tame frizzy hair.
“Glycolic acid can help exfoliate the surface layer of skin, preventing hairs from becoming trapped beneath the skin. By sloughing off dead cells, it allows ingrown hairs to emerge without obstruction, reducing bumps and inflammation,” she says.
In contrast, straight hair has round follicles, and cysteines are not close enough to form these texturizing disulfide bonds. Therefore, the more hooked the hair follicle and the more disulfide bonds found in the hair, the curlier and coarser it will be.
Glycolic Acid penetrates the hair's fibre improving shine, smoothness, strength.
Apply the glycolic acid straight to your dry hair, focusing more on the scalp. Leave the glycolic acid on your scalp for 10-20 minutes as a pre-shampoo treatment. Finally, wash the glycolic acid out, shampooing and conditioning your hair as usual.
Common side effects of Glycolic Acid include dry skin, erythema (skin redness), burning sensation, itching, skin irritation, and skin rash. Glycolic Acid can make the skin more sensitive in the sunlight, hence always use sunscreen and protective clothing before you step outdoors.
Everyday usage is acceptable while using a rinse-off product, like a cleanser with glycolic acid. But, while using a leave-on glycolic acid product (such as a serum, gel, cream, mask, or peel), one should only apply it one to three times per week.
Overusing glycolic acid on the scalp or leaving it on too long too frequently can actually cause irritation and further flakiness issues, as well as weaken your hair. Limit your use of this product to once, maybe twice a week if that, and no more than 20 to 30 minutes at a time.
Moreover, glycolic acid should not be applied too frequently or left on for too long. That is because prolonged exposure to any acid can be harmful, potentially causing irritation or a burning sensation on the scalp.
Hormones and hair texture
Hormones are the main culprit responsible for such drastic hair texture changes. During puberty, menopause and pregnancy, many people will find their will go from straight to curly or vice versa over a period of months.
Perm: If you're looking for a longer-lasting solution, consider getting a perm. This process will chemically alter the structure of your hair to make it curly. Products: Volumizing and texturizing products can also help give your flat hair some much-needed body and curl.
"Glycolic acid is one of the best options for minimizing pores. It helps to remove dead skin cells and unclog pores, which can lead to a reduction in their size. Plus, it can help to improve the overall texture and appearance of the skin." - Dr. David Lortscher, a board-certified dermatologist.
Typically, users can start seeing improvements in their skin texture and appearance within two to four weeks of consistent use. This makes it a go-to choice for those looking to enhance their skincare routine and see quick results. The effectiveness of glycolic acid depends on several factors.
Glycolic Acid is your go-to for an eye cream, gentle yet effective to demolish dark circles.
Relaxers/chemical straightening - Chemical relaxers break hair's disulfide bonds. Lye relaxers contain sodium hydroxide, while non-lye relaxers contain calcium hydroxide and can be used on more sensitive scalps.
The degree of our wave, curl or kink is mainly determined by the shape of our hair follicles. Hair follicles that are round produce straight hair. The more a follicle's shape is flattened (or ellipsoid), the larger the wave, curl or kink, resulting in your hair displaying greater volume.