Vegetable glycerin is a popular option for hair and cosmetic products because of its moisturizing properties. Because it is a natural humectant, it provides a clean, effective alternative for driving moisture to your scalp and hair.
But why has it been a critical component of hair routines for many women? Below, we highlight why vegetable glycerin is used for hair and its many benefits.
What is Vegetable Glycerin, And Why is It Used for Hair?
Vegetable glycerin is an odorless, clear liquid from various plant oils, which your body and hair love to have throughout the year. When mixed with natural ingredients and oils, it seals moisture within the top layer of skin. The other oils deliver long-lasting moisture by moving deep within your skin cells.
But where does natural vegetable glycerin come from? It is from plant seed oils like coconut, soy, or palm. According to Dr. Edward Group at Global Healing, vegetable glycerin is used for hair and beauty because it efficiently absorbs the skin and makes it easy for your skin to absorb other active ingredients.
Glycerin can work its way into your hair routine in a variety of ways, including:
- Hair spray – mixing it with coconut oil, olive oil, and jojoba oil
- Hair conditioner – mixing it with your current conditioner at a 1:5 ratio
- Hair mask – mixing it with lemon essential oil, castor oil, aloe vera, and honey
Benefits of Vegetable Glycerin for Hair
So, what are the benefits of using vegetable glycerin for hair? Below, we list the top reasons people incorporate it into their skin routine. It would be best if you were careful when searching for glycerin because there are non-vegetable alternatives derived from animal fat or petroleum, which can cause harmful drying.
Moisturizes and Hydrates Hair Effectively
Because glycerin is a humectant, it does an excellent job of strengthening the scalp layer through proper hydration. Not only does vegetable glycerin prevent dandruff, but it also delivers moisture to dry hair. After using vegetable glycerin, it will reduce frizziness, breakage, and dryness in the long run.
Encourages Hair Growth
Glycerin plays a crucial role in promoting fast-growing and strong hair. Because it nourishes the hair and eliminates breakage, vegetable glycerin optimizes hair growth over time.
Prevents Scalp Itching
Glycerin can help reduce scalp itching, especially when your head is dry in the winter. It contains moisturizing and anti-inflammatory properties, which eliminates the chances of dryness issues for an itchy scalp.
Eliminates Split Ends
When your hair is dry, frayed, or brittle, it causes split ends. As you use glycerin regularly in your hair routine, it strengthens and moisturizes hair on the inside. This increased hydration from within will help prevent and treat split ends.
Addresses and Repairs Damage
Many detrimental chemicals and heat tools could cause harm to your hair and scalp. Glycerin is essential in repairing damaged and weak hair because of its conditioning benefits. Moisturizing glycerin also nourishes your roots to lower the chance of future damage.
When Should You Avoid Using Vegetable Glycerin for Hair?
It would be best for you to consider the weather conditions before utilizing glycerin for your hair.
Glycerin will extract moisture from your hair to balance the levels in the atmosphere. And if the air is extra dry, it can cause issues for your hair. In drier climates with lower humidity, you should try and avoid using vegetable glycerin.
Wrap Up
Vegetable glycerin is an effective humectant and moisturizer for your hair. It can reduce damage, prevent split ends and scalp itching, and promote hair growth. When the outdoor humidity is optimal, it will enable your hair to look and feel fantastic.
Although you should be careful when the weather gets too dry, vegetable glycerin can make the difference when you use it with hairspray, conditioner, or a hair mask.