By Nancy Chandia
Designed by Freepik
Salicylic acid, glycolic acid, hyaluronic acid – these are some of the AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids that have become buzzwords in the skincare industry, garnering a cult following amongst beauty influencers and experts alike. In a world where clear, blemish free skin is the new ideal, AHAs have proven to become the go-to skincare component for the best results. But did you know that AHAs are equally as effective in haircare and scalp care?
What are AHAs?
AHAs or Alpha Hydroxy Acids are a group of plant- or animal-derived acids used in high-performance skincare products, from daily moisturisers to salon-grade chemical peels. They are famed for their many skincare benefits which include imparting moisture, exfoliating, clearing the skin’s pores, activating collagen production and many more. Popular AHAs like citric acid derived from citrus fruits, glycolic acid found in sugar and salicylic acid found in the bark of willow trees, are in everything from serums, moisturisers, shampoos and conditioners.
Why are AHAs excellent for scalp care?
AHAs like salicylic acid are popular additions to shampoo as they help to deep cleanse and gently exfoliate the scalp, promoting scalp health. They also aid deep cleansing, helping to dislodge dandruff flakes and chemical build up. Deep cleansing clears the pores of dirt, oil, pollutants and products, helping the scalp breath and promoting healthy hair growth. Citric acid and lactic acid are finding their way into high performance hair care products too.
Niacinamide and hyaluronic acid are hydrating ingredients that often pair well with AHAs. While AHA are primarily used for exfoliation, niacinamide and hyaluronic acid-based serums are great follow up products to help with soothing and rehydration and the scalp.
Use with caution
Before you rush out to pick up any product that promotes your favourite AHA, ensure that the product is designed for your hair type and scalp care needs. Although popular, salicylic acid shampoos and prewash treatments can be drying to the scalp as they offer deep cleansing and exfoliation. These are best suited for oily and flaky scalps.
Some AHAs have been known to cause irritation in higher quantities. Glycolic acid and salicylic acid need not be used in quantities higher than 5%. Ensure that high performance scalp serums are within this range or lower. Higher quantities can be used in wash-off products like shampoos, but the full benefit of the ingredient is often achieved in leave-on products. Have you tried an AHA based scalp care product?