Glycerin For Hair: Benefits, Masks & How to Apply

Some of us might remember the infamous glycerin-rosewater mixture that parents used to apply to us during a massage when we were children. It smelt great, felt great, and if you were brave/stupid enough, tasted great. Glycerin was, and still is, one of the best products for hair care, essential for anyone who wants to give their hair a little TLC.

What is Glycerin?

One of the most coveted ingredients in skin and hair care, glycerin (or glycerol), is extracted either from vegetable oil or animal fats. The compound is a perfect additive for homemade products as well as factory-manufactured ones. The odorless and colorless syrup acts as a moisture-retaining substance (also known as a humectant). For those who live in mildly humid climates, glycerin products are a great addition to your skin care and hair care routine.

What are the Benefits of Glycerin for Hair?

There are a few key things we always need for our hair. Whether for moisturizing purposes or damage control, glycerin is a natural ingredient that helps you cover all your bases.

Dandruff Control: A dry scalp eventually leads to dandruff, and dandruff can also cause problems for your skin. Glycerin acts as a humectant and allows you to lock the moisture and nourishment in and get rid of the dry, flaky skin on your scalp.

Conditioning: Frizzy hair? Don’t worry! Glycerin has your back. The nourishing quality of the compound can be enhanced when you mix it with your regular conditioner. Your hair will thank you post-shower, especially when all the locked-in moisture makes it soft, shiny, and frizz-free!

Anti-Itchiness: The naturally-derived product is a great way to treat an itchy scalp. Glycerin has antimicrobial properties that help combat itchiness due to dryness or dandruff. The scalp is a sensitive area, and it needs all the help it can get to stay moisturized and healthy. Glycerin gives you all you need in one compound.

Split Ends Ender: Dry and damaged hair inevitably means split ends. For anyone looking to grow their hair long, glycerin is a great way to prevent split ends. It strengthens and moisturizes your hair from root to tip, preventing breakage and leading to healthier, less damaged hair.

Curly Hair Maintenance: Curly hair always needs just a little more moisture to maintain its shape and bouncy softness. Glycerin is the best conditioner for those with curly hair, giving you long-lasting, healthy curls!

DIY Glycerin Hair Care

There are several different ways to incorporate glycerin into your regular hair care routine. Make sure to experiment and find out the best fit for you!

The Double Conditioner

Adding glycerin to your conditioner can help you retain the moisture you need for healthy and soft hair.

• Add glycerin to your conditioner in a 1:5 ratio. Too much of either can make hair greasy.
• Apply it to your hair with a gentle massage and leave for 3-4 minutes.
• Wash it off with plain water.

Hair Spray Trick

A simple concoction of glycerin, distilled water, rose water, and essential oil of your choice acts as great after-shower hair care.

• To ¼ cup of distilled water, add ½ a cup of rose water. You could add a few drops of your favorite essential oil to the mixture as well.
• Add two tablespoons of glycerin.
• Fill the entire mixture into a spray bottle and shake thoroughly to mix.
• Apply it to your hair and comb through gently. For those with dry scalps, make sure you work it intently into your scalp. For those with oilier hair, only apply to the length of your hair.

Glycerin-Aloe Vera Mask

Aloe Vera is famously known for its hydrating properties. Paired with glycerin, its benefits only get bigger and better. This mixture is especially great for preventing thinning of hair and adding volume to hair.

• Add 1 tablespoon of glycerin to 2 tablespoons of aloe vera.
• Massage it into your hair and scalp gently and leave it in for 3-4 minutes.
• Rinse your hair with lukewarm water for voluminous, healthy, and hydrated hair.

Rosemary and Glycerin Growth Promoter

Rosemary Oil is a great ingredient to promote hair growth. This hair spray is ideal for those looking to grow their hair long.

• To 2 cups of water, add a few drops of rosemary oil and 2 tablespoons of glycerin.
• Pour the mixture into a spray bottle, shake thoroughly, and spray it on your hair.
• Comb through gently with a wide-toothed comb and leave the mixture for 1 hour.
• Rinse it off with plain water. There is no need to shampoo your hair. Repeat the process 2-3 times a week for faster hair growth!

Castor Oil-Glycerin Hair Mask

Castor Oil and glycerin make a great combination for nourishing hair products. The two work together to soften and moisturize hair. Check out benefits of castor oil.

• Add 5 tablespoons of glycerin to 5 tablespoons of castor oil and mix well.
• Apply it to the length of your hair and leave it for 20 minutes.
• Rinse your hair with a gentle shampoo and condition your hair as usual.

The Ultimate Nourishment Hair Mask

This hair mask contains glycerin, honey, egg, castor oil, coconut oil, and olive oil. The mix of natural ingredients is great for damaged hair and helps moisturize dry hair.

• Add 2 tablespoons of castor oil, 2 tablespoons of coconut oil, 1 tablespoon of glycerin, 1 whole egg, and 1 tablespoon of honey to a bowl and mix it well.
• Apply the mixture on the scalp as well as across the length of your hair.
• Leave it on for an hour and rinse the mask off with a mild shampoo.

Apart from homemade glycerin hair masks, there are plenty of glycerin-rich products available on the market. Look for glycerin on the list of ingredients of the hair care products you use, and if glycerin is on that list, you’re on the right track. Learn what will work best in your hair care routine.

Remember that all hair is not the same! Experiment, try different combinations, and find out how you can use glycerin to get the best results for your hair!