When selecting the right hair care product, reviewing its ingredients is a good idea, as it is usually possible from the components of a product to predict their efficiency. Lecithin is possibly one of the best ingredients to look for in a hair care product. There are several benefits that come with this naturally occurring substance for your hair health in general. Therefore, continue reading to find out everything you need to know regarding lecithin uses in hair care products.
What is Lecithin?
Lecithin is a natural emulsifier and is found in the liver, kidney, and heart. It promotes overall well-being of the body due to its ability to assist in cell regeneration which is integral for a healthy human body. Lecithin is also synthesized naturally in animals and plants. This yellowish brown oily substance has been known to improve both cognitive and cardiovascular health. Moreover, it is also an important food component as well as used in making other skin and hair care products because of its nutrition content.
Lecithin is composed of different essential nutritional components like phospholipids, ethanolamine, choline, inositol (vitamin B8). It is also a rich source of various fatty acids, including linoleic acid, linolenic acid, palmitic, oleic and stearic. All of these nutrients play a crucial role in maintaining the appearance and overall health of your hair, making lecithin excellent for hair care.
Lecithin Benefits for Hair Health
Available in a variety of hair care products, lecithin benefits hair health in many different ways.
- Lecithin is a rich source of choline and inositol, which are B complex vitamins essential to ensure healthy hair growth.
- It is loaded with fatty acids that create a protective barrier on your hair to seal in the moisture and keep your hair hydrated, giving it a softer and smoother texture.
- The moisturizing properties of lecithin makes it a great solution for dry, brittle hair as it restores your hair’s natural protective coating that is often damaged by heat, styling or chemical treatments.
- It also supports the synthesis of proteins required for hair growth while adding shine and strength to your hair.
- Moreover, owing to its penetrating abilities, lecithin helps other active ingredients penetrate into your hair and scalp, replenishing hair from deep within the shaft.
- Lecithin also helps reverse the adverse effects of aging on your hair, making it silkier, shinier and healthier.
Lecithin Sources
There are plenty of shampoos, conditioners and hair masks that contain lecithin. In addition, it is naturally present in a variety of foods. Lecithin is especially abundant in egg yolks and plant oils. Plant-based lecithin is derived from oil seeds such as soybean, canola seeds and sunflower. Other natural sources of lecithin include:
- Seafood
- Whole grains
- Peanuts
- Milk
- Wheat germs
- Lentils
- Kidney beans
- Legumes
- Black beans
Conclusion
Lecithin is a naturally occurring emulsifier synthesized by plants and animals. It is loaded with a wide range of vital nutrients that make it highly beneficial for enhancing hair health. Lecithin helps keep your hair moisturized, softens its texture, promotes growth and adds strength and luster. With so many different lecithin uses for hair, it can prove to be a great idea to add lecithin-infused hair care products to your regimen.
