Lactic Acid For Hair? Here’s What It Does & Why It Works
Lactic acid is a naturally occurring, organic acid that’s found in many fruits, vegetables, and other foods. It’s also found in the human body where it helps maintain normal blood pH levels. When hair is damaged or broken, lactic acid can be produced by the body to help repair the tissue.
This beneficial process is called keratinization, which helps strengthen hair and prevent breakage by making it less susceptible to damage. The process occurs when a protein called filaggrin is released into the hair shaft from within the cuticle (the outermost layer). Filaggrin makes up about 10% of an individual’s total keratin content and is responsible for controlling the amount of moisture that can be absorbed into hair during this period
When it comes to repairing damaged hair after a cut or color treatment, lactic acid can help rebuild stronger and healthier strands. The benefits go beyond just helping your favorite styles look their best again! Lactic acid helps protect against heat damage by sealing in moisture while protecting against UV exposure (think: sunburn).