What Is Glycerin Used For? | Its Benefits For Hair
In terms of hair care, what is glycerin used for? Whenever you shop for hair and skin care products, you are likely to see glycerin included in the list of ingredients.
It is a common ingredient in lotions, moisturizers, and other cosmetic products. We are here to cover what this ingredient is and what it’s used for.
Glycerin and its Origin
Also known as glycerol, it is a natural compound that is formed through alcoholic fermentation from sugars. It has a naturally sweet taste, less than sugar, but contains more calories than sugar. That means that it is used as an ingredient for food and beverages to add texture, and sweetness, and prevent sugar crystallization.
Glycerin is also derived from plant oils and animal fat. So it looks clear while having a fat texture to it, while also being odorless. It acts as a natural humectant, allowing it to pull moisture from the environment.
This also allows Glycerin to pull moisture from deep within the skin onto the surface. It is why it’s a key ingredient in many lotions and moisturizing creams.
Glycerin Benefits For Hair
Now that you know more about glycerin, you may be wondering how it can benefit you and your natural hair. Here are some reasons to potentially incorporate it into your hair care routine:
Anti-inflammatory and Anti-irritant
An inflamed scalp can create problems for your hair. It can create discomfort, which includes itchiness, rashes, soreness, and flakiness.
However, glycerin acts as a base to cover the scalp with moisture. This will hydrate the scalp in order to minimize inflammation and irritation. That means scalp-related problems like rashes, soreness, and uneven patches on the skin can be prevented.
So if you find yourself scratching your scalp often, it’s because of irritation and potential inflammation. So it’s best to incorporate this ingredient into your routine.
Locks in moisture for the scalp
The good thing about glycerin is that it draws water from the environment plus the inner layers of your skin. This hydrates and moisturizes the scalp. This in turn minimizes dryness of the skin. This prevents dandruff as well, which is usually caused by a dry, itchy scalp.
Consistent use of glycerin, with its moisturizing properties, will help improve the scalp layers. This will help to promote a healthy scalp overall. This is needed in order for hair to grow naturally.
Moisturizes and hydrates the hair
The glycerin’s humectant properties allow it to transfer water into the hair shaft as well. This helps to hydrate the hair. What it also does is create a barrier to block moisture from leaving the hair follicles. This means that hair strands can maintain moisture while looking smooth and easier to style.
Prevents split ends
The ends of the hair can be a target of dullness and splitting off to make hair hard to manage. The dryness of the ends can also hinder hair growth. Glycerin helps to hydrate the ends of your hair as well, minimizing dullness so hair is full of life from the root to the ends.
Aids in preventing hair breakage
Dryness can be one of the causes of hair weakening and breaking off when styling. The hydrating properties of glycerin help feed moisture into the hair follicles. By doing so every hair strand is strengthened from within. This will help prevent hair breakage when combing, brushing, or styling hair. The added moisture also enhances the patterns of wavy or curly hair.
Who can benefit the most?
Now that you are familiar with what is glycerin used for in terms of hair and skin, you may be wondering who may benefit the most. Pretty much all hair types can benefit from using this ingredient.
However, women with hair that is thick or very curly will benefit the most. A common problem for women that have hair that is curly or thick is maintaining moisture. Glycerin will help to hydrate thick strands and help to maintain the moisture needed.
Women who also suffer from frizzy hair or split ends should consider using this ingredient. The moisturizing properties of glycerin will fight off frizz and keep the ends of the hair hydrated. So if you fall into any of these categories, while also living in an area that’s moderately humid, then you should consider using glycerin.
Using Glycerin in your hair care routine
Remember that this ingredient has a thick texture to it. That is why it is effective in terms of being used as a base for other ingredients. That said, it is good to use in conjunction with essential oils like peppermint oil and ingredients like aloe vera if you want to take the DIY approach to a hair mask.
You can also mix it in a spray bottle with distilled water to create your own hairspray to use on wet or dry hair. This will help in the event that you are preparing to style your hair before going about your day.
Conclusion
Of all of the glycerin benefits to hair, the main thing it excels at is hydrating and moisturizing the hair and scalp. The dryness of either can create problems in the long run. But this is why this natural compound has a place for promoting moisturized and healthy hair.
It is widely used in skincare products for hydrating and improving the outer layers of the skin. That is why the scalp greatly benefits. But it’s an agent for maintaining moisture as well. It is why companies include this natural sugar alcohol element in their hair products.
That is why we also included glycerin in our product A&A Strengthening Hair Balm. Within the pomade family, our product, available in 4oz, is a lightweight creamy grease. It’s also packed with amazing essential oils including coconut oil, olive oil, and shea butter. So it has plenty of moisturizing power to fight off frizz, split ends, breakage, and a dry, itchy scalp.
You can learn more about the product by clicking on this link. But if you frequent shopping on the online Walmart store, you can find our product there as well and take advantage of FREE SHIPPING.
But if you rather shop at a local store, check to see if your local beauty supply store carries our product through our product locations page. But if they don’t, then give them a call to tell them about us. We really appreciate the word-of-mouth.
