In the following section, we will look at the benefits of glycerin backed by some research.
Benefits Of Glycerin For Hair
How To Use Glycerin For Hair
1. Hairspray
You Will Need
Rosewater: ½ cup Peppermint or rosemary essential oil: 4 to 5 drops Glycerin: 2 tablespoons Water: ½ cup A spray bottle
Preparation Time 2 minutes Processing Time N/A Procedure How Often Once every week Why It works Research shows that rosewater can help retain skin moisture (8). This may treat dry and itchy scalp disorders. Peppermint and rosemary have antimicrobial and antifungal properties that may help keep the scalp clean (9).
2. Castor Oil With Glycerin
You Will Need
Castor oil: 1 tablespoon Glycerin: 1 tablespoon Water: 2 tablespoons Apple cider vinegar: 1 tablespoon Egg yolk: 1
Preparation Time 2 minutes Processing Time 20-45 minutes Procedure How Often Once every week Why It Works Castor oil may help stimulate hair growth. Apple cider vinegar is known to help preserve the pH level of the scalp. It also acts as a cleansing agent. Egg yolk contains peptides that can stimulate hair growth (10).
3. Olive Oil, Glycerin, And Honey
You Will Need
Olive oil: 1 tablespoon Glycerin: 1 tablespoon Honey: 1 tablespoon
Preparation Time 2 minutes Processing Time 30 minutes Procedure How Often Once every week Why It Works Research shows that olive oil can penetrate the hair follicles and protect the hair from within (11). It contains oleic acid that can inhibit 5-alpha reductase and help prevent hair loss (12). This enzyme converts testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which causes alopecia (13). Honey helps treat chronic dandruff and moisturizes the scalp and hair (14).
4. Rose Water And Glycerin
You Will Need
Rosewater: 2 tablespoons Glycerin: 1 tablespoon Water: 2 tablespoons
Preparation Time 2 minutes Processing Time N/A Procedure How Often Once every week Why It Works Rosewater and glycerin are beneficial for the hair. Anecdotal evidence suggests that this mask helps maintain hair health.
5. Aloe Vera And Glycerin
You Will Need
Aloe vera gel: 1 tablespoon Glycerin: 1 tablespoon
Preparation Time 2 minutes Processing Time 1 hour Procedure How Often Once every week Why It Works The benefits of aloe vera are well known. It helps stimulate hair growth, hydrates dry hair, and repairs dry, damaged hair (15), (16). This combination is ideal for dry, damaged, and chemically treated hair.
6. Honey And Glycerin
You Will Need
Honey: 3 tablespoons Glycerin: 2 tablespoons Water: 2 tablespoons
Preparation Time 2 minutes Processing Time 30 minutes Procedure How Often Once every week Why It Works Honey is a well-known emollient and keeps the scalp clean from infections like dandruff. Research shows that honey is often used to treat hair and scalp disorders (17). Pairing it with glycerin can boost hydration, making hair healthier and bouncier.
7. Lemon Juice, Eggs, And Glycerin
You Will Need
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons Glycerin: 1 tablespoon Eggs: 2
Preparation Time 2 minutes Processing Time 45 minutes Procedure How Often Once every week Why It Works Lemon has a high concentration of vitamin C. Vitamin C deficiency is known to cause scurvy and may lead to hair loss (18). It may also help treat hair loss, dandruff, lice, and scalp acne (19). Lemon and glycerin also clarify the scalp and hair.
8. Hair Products
You can also add glycerin to your conditioners and shampoos to boost their moisturizing properties. Glycerin retains moisture and softens the hair. Although glycerin has certain benefits for the hair, one must be aware of its disadvantages too. We have listed the pros and cons of using glycerin for the hair in the following section.
Pros And Cons Of Using Glycerin For Hair
Types Of Glycerin
Vegetable glycerin is a thick, colorless, and odorless liquid obtained from coconut and soybean. It is popular in the cosmetic industry for its skin moisturizing benefits. Animal-derived glycerin is extracted from animal fats. It is commonly used in beauty and personal care products.
Did you know glycerin is also called glycerol, glycerine vegetale, and glyceryl alcohol when used in cosmetic products? Since it is often used in hair and skin products, it is important to know if it may cause any side effects.
Side Effects
The topical application of glycerin is considered safe (20). But it should not be used on cracked or broken skin. When used on the hair, glycerin should be paired with oils, water, or other serums to ensure it does not weigh the hair down or make it greasy. Glycerin carries heat very well. Hence, it must not be applied to the hair when using heating tools like curling irons or blow dryers. It may also cause hair damage and make the hair and scalp feel very sticky. Glycerin may also cause allergic reactions in some. Perform a patch test on your wrist, forearm, or just below the back hairline before using. Check for any redness, swelling, burning, bumps, or itching. Most of these adverse effects are based on anecdotal evidence. It also must be noted that glycerin cannot be used at all times. We will discuss this further in the coming section.
When You Should Not Use Glycerin
It is advisable not to use pure glycerin during winters. In winters, our skin tends to crack. Hence, do not use pure glycerin on the skin without any carrier oil or water. Glycerin tends to thicken when cold and may thicken when applied to the hair and dry it up. Can I mix glycerin with coconut oil? Yes. You can mix glycerin and coconut oil in a 1:1 ratio in a cup of water to make a nourishing hair spray. Is glycerin bad for curly hair? It depends on the weather. Glycerin is a humectant and pulls moisture from the air to hydrate your hair. If the weather is too humid or too dry, it might end up making your curly hair lose its definition or become too frizzy. Is glycerin good for relaxed hair? Yes. Glycerin helps hydrate your relaxed hair and protect it against frizz and breakage. Can I use glycerin overnight? Yes. Glycerin is considered safe for overnight use on your hair as it helps keep it moisturized.
