We all want to have healthy and beautiful hair. For this, there are several products and ingredients that can moisturize our hair, prevent dryness and control frizz But does glycerin really benefit the hair?

Dr. Gabriel Monteiro de Castro, dermatologist specialized in aesthetic medicine and member of the Doctoralia If you remember when we were studying chemistry, everything that ends with "ol" is an alcohol," he recalls.

The dermatologist complements that glycerin is, in fact, a tri-alcohol, that is, a carbohydrate derived from some oils, from specific vegetables and also from animal origin, such as lard.

Can you use glycerin on your hair?

But, after all, can you use glycerin on your hair? Dr. Gabriel Monteiro de Castro says yes, you can!

However, the aesthetic medicine specialist informs that you can use the product on your hair with some care. In addition, the ideal is to follow the indication of the specialists who suggest glycerin of vegetable origin.

Vegetable glycerin is also known as vegetable glycerol, a carbohydrate product derived from vegetable oils For this reason, many cosmetic products have this type of glycerin in their composition.

What is it used for?

According to the specialist, glycerin creates a protective film that moisturizes and leaves hair more beautiful, with more shine and less frizz.

According to the dermatologist, this ingredient has a very moisturizing and humectant property, ideal for protecting our strands.

Glycerin can also be used in some products as a preservative It helps the cosmetics themselves not to dry out by retaining the water.

Benefits

We have already mentioned some benefits that glycerin brings to our strands, but we can round up the main advantages of using this ingredient as a hair moisturizer:

• It reduces frizz;
• It moisturizes the hair;
• It leaves the hair more defined;
• It leaves hair shinier;
• It avoids drying out the strands;
• It reduces the formation of split ends;
• Strengthens hair and thus makes them more resistant to breakage;
• It creates a protective film that retains the natural moisture within the hair.

How to use

What would be the best way to use glycerin in the hair? According to Dr. Gabriel Monteiro de Castro, it is interesting to use glycerin in mixture with other substances such as essential oils for the threads.

In addition, you can also put the glycerin in the hair mask of your choice, which already has moisturizing properties.

See the expert's instructions for use below:

1. Put a shallow teaspoon of glycerin powder or liquid into your mask of choice;
2. Mix the glycerin well into your hair mask;
3. Apply a little of the product to the entire hair, avoiding the roots;
4. Let the product act according to the directions on the package, usually for 10 to 15 minutes;
5. Rinse your hair thoroughly;
6. Finish as usual.

Without a doubt, this mask with glycerin in the hair to confer a better hydration. "It is important to remember that when we mix the glycerin with other substances it has an even better effect on the hair," adds the expert.

Cautions when using glycerin on hair

For Dr. Gabriel Monteiro de Castro, the biggest concern is the amount of glycerin used.

"This is because if the glycerin is not very well dissolved, in water, in oil or even in some product, it can end up generating a reverse effect, taking away this hydration from the hair," warns the dermatologist.

So this is the biggest harm of glycerin on hair, as this ingredient always works best with water or oil vehicles.

"It is possible that the exacerbated use 'robs' the hair hydration so less is always more," reminds the specialist in aesthetic medicine.

Straighten your hair with glycerin

When you rub glycerin on your hair, you get the feeling that your hair structure is smoother. However, this "swooning" effect has another explanation.

"Glycerin does not straighten hair because it does not have a straightening potential. easily straightened and will have a more aligned look," clarifies the Doctoralia member.

Finish your hair with glycerin

At first you can finish your hair with glycerin, but it is important to know that the results will depend on the humidity of the environment, the climate, and the dilution in water.

According to the expert in aesthetic medicine, finishing with glycerin is not so interesting because the prolonged effect of this ingredient can have a large negative side effect.

"So for a lower risk of hair damage you need to get that glycerin out of your hair with the washing But you can even put a little bit in a hair mask. leave in but never use pure glycerin on the hair", warns the dermatologist.

Source: Dr. Gabriel Monteiro de Castro, dermatologist specialized in aesthetic medicine and member of Doctoralia.