Citric acid is popularly used in skincare products and cosmetics for its exfoliating properties but what you may not know is that citric acid uses are not just limited to skin. It is also often used in hair care products. With its powerful antioxidant properties, products with this ingredient can help a lot in repairing the damage to hair caused by rough chemical treatments and heat-styling tools. Citric acid for hair can also reduce hair breakage while strengthening its roots and giving it that healthy shine and gloss that we crave.
Keep on reading to learn what is citric acid, its benefits and how it can help promote a healthier scalp and initiate hair growth. Explore this super ingredient in more detail below.
What is Citric Acid?
Citric acid falls into the alpha-hydroxy acid (AHA) family and is also known as salt acid. It is found in all citrus fruits and vegetables and is one of the few molecules that is small enough to penetrate the hair cortex which is the most crucial layer of hair sitting beneath the protective cuticle. This is why the use of citric acid for hair growth is often considered smart as this ingredient is extremely potent and it can easily penetrate the entire hair fiber to reinforce and strengthen it from the inside out. Citric acid for hair care can help lower the pH levels, maintaining a healthy pH balance so that your hair stays healthy and nourished.
Keep on reading to learn about the various citric acid benefits for your hair.
Citric Acid Benefits For Hair
Citric acid uses and benefits for hair are many. Some of the most important ones are given below. Mentioned below are some of the significant benefits of citric acid for hair:
Stimulates Hair Follicles:
Citric acid for hair growth is a popular choice as it is known to stimulate the hair follicles by improving the blood circulation in the scalp. This nourishes and stimulates the hair follicles thereby promoting the growth of hair.
Smoothens Hair Texture and Adds Shine:
This natural compound is known to work within the cortex which helps reinforce strands and smoothen its texture. The smooth texture gives hair a glossy, healthy-looking shine.
Provides Relief From Itchy Scalp:
The human scalp is known to be slightly acidic and when alkalinity increases, it can damage your scalp and hair which in turn can create a lot of hair care issues. This is where a rinse that has citric acid diluted with water can balance the PH and prove to be beneficial for your scalp and hair.
Softens Hair and Reduces Frizz:
Citric acid for hair gives it a softer feel while also nourishing it adequately and making it resistant to breakage. Moreover, it also helps in reducing frizz, even in high humidity conditions.
Removes Excess Oil From Hair:
Citric acid is extremely popular as a product that can help in removing excess oil or sebum from the scalp. If used properly, it can help in reducing oil or sebum buildup and promote a healthy scalp and beautiful hair.
Act as a Natural Bleaching Agent:
It helps in hair lightening as it can act as a natural oxidizing agent or a natural bleaching product. Moreover, when exposed to the sun, the bleaching process speeds up. Citric acid works by chemically reducing the melanin pigment and this lightening effect is more visible in light brown or blonde hair.
How to Use Citric Acid for Hair Health
When it comes to citric acid uses in hair care, the application process is quite simple. However, ensure that you do not have a citrus allergy before applying. Also, it needs to be used in specific and correct concentrations in order to be safe and effective. Follow the steps given below:
- Dissolve citric acid hair powder or a few teaspoons of lemon juice in water to prepare a citric acid hair rinse.
- Shampoo your hair and then condition it as you do regularly. Now, pour the above prepared solution as the last rinse for your hair.
- Leave the solution on for a few minutes and then clean it out thoroughly with water. This process closes the hair follicles making your hair shiny and soft.Also, you can prepare scalp scrub just by taking a small amount of citric acid and infusing it into your shampoo in order to create an exfoliating scalp scrub and removing the buildup/ debris from your scalp. How to use it? It’s simple; gently massage it into your scalp and rinse off your hair.
One of the other citric acid uses can also be dandruff management. Add a few drops of lemon juice (loaded with a high amount of citric acid content) to your regular shampoo and wash your hair using this blended shampoo. One can see the difference after three to four applications using this hair care routine.
Conclusion
Citric acid is a great ingredient to have in your hair care products and it offers a lot of benefits to mostly all hair types. It cleanses the scalp, balances pH levels, controls dandruff and adds shine and gloss to your hair. Also, it is a favored skin care ingredient as well and acts as an exfoliant, toner and skin brightener. The only thing that you need to make sure of is that you use it in the correct amount following the proper application process.
