On the Study of Glycolic Acid on Hair Damage
In recent times, the technique of dyeing and protecting is becoming more and more new, and glycolic acid is gradually emerging in hair care products. However, there are different opinions on whether it affects hair damage, so it is a hot topic in the academic community and the community.

The glycolic acid belongs to the α-hydroxy acid category, which has weak acidity and good hydrophilicity. In the field of skin care, it is famous for exfoliating, promoting skin metabolism, and brightening skin tone. And in hair care, or because it can moderately adjust the acid base of the scalp and clear the scale of the hair follicles, when used for the first time, the hair may appear supple and shiny.

However, the acidity of glycolic acid can break the acid-base balance of the stratum corneum of the hair. The stratum corneum of the hair, like the city wall, protects the inner pulp of the hair shaft. When the concentration of glycolic acid is high or used frequently, the keratin of the stratum corneum is gradually eroded. Keratin, the essence of the hair, rich in sulfur bonds and other structures, to maintain the strength and elasticity of the hair. The acid ions of glycolic acid can react with certain groups of keratin, the sulfur bonds are broken, the structure of keratin is destroyed, the hair loses its toughness, and it is fragile and fragile.

And the ability of glycolic acid to promote metabolism can change in the scalp or other changes. Scalp metabolism is too fast, or the keratinocytes are exfoliated and disordered, the new cells are not ripe, and the scalp barrier is weak. In this way, external stimuli are easy to invade, the scalp is itchy, the hair roots are also unstable, and the appearance of hair fall is gradually apparent.

Looking at various experiments, agents containing different concentrations of glycolic acid are applied to the hair bundle. After time inspection, the tensile force of the hair in the high concentration group decreases, the gloss decreases, the surface is rough, and the scales of the stratum corneum are tilted and peeled off under microscopic conditions. In human trials, some subjects used high-concentration glycolic acid hair care products for a long time, and their hair felt dry and rough, and their hair broke when combing increased.

To sum up, the damage of glycolic acid to the hair should not be underestimated. Although low concentrations may have the effect of hair care when used for a short time, high concentrations are used for a long time, which will hurt the quality of the hair Therefore, those who use hair care products containing glycolic acid should carefully review the concentration and frequency of use, observe the change between hair and scalp, use it when appropriate, stop when uncomfortable, protect the luster and toughness of the hairdressing, and ensure the safety and health of the scalp.