How to Use Glycolic Acid on Scalp?

Glycolic acid isn’t just a skincare staple anymore – it has become a must-have for scalp and hair care too. Touted for its skin exfoliating and brightening properties, glycolic acid, when used for scalp and hair care, helps remove product buildup, balance oil levels, and most importantly, boost shine and gloss. Consider this your ultimate guide to understanding how to use glycolic acid on scalp and hair, how to find the best glycolic acid products, and more!
February 19, 2026

How To Use Glycolic Acid on Scalp and Hair?

Step 1: Glycolic Acid Shampoo: Begin with a glycolic acid-based shampoo to gently exfoliate the scalp, remove impurities, excess oil, and buildup while prepping the hair for nourishment.

Step 2: Glycolic Acid Conditioner: Apply conditioner from mid-lengths to ends to smoothen hair cuticles, lock in moisture, and enhance shine.

Step 3: Glycolic Acid Spray: Use a glycolic acid spray or treatment to eliminate dullness, boost gloss, and protect hair from frizz and damage.

Step 4: Glycolic Acid Leave-in Serum: Seal the routine with a leave-in serum to control frizz, add long-lasting softness, and achieve glossy, manageable hair.

Step-by-Step Routine to Use Glycolic Acid for Hair

Using glycolic acid for hair benefits those struggling with dull, dry and damaged hair, and oily scalps. etc.  It works by exfoliating the scalp, removing dead skin cells, and breaking down buildup. Glycolic acid allows easy product absorption, strengthens strands, and activates more gloss.

Wondering how to use glycolic acid on scalp? Let us tell you! Unlock the benefits of glycolic acid for scalp and hair by indulging in a multi-step routine.

Step 1: Glycolic Acid Shampoo

Start your hair care routine with a glycolic acid-infused shampoo. It gently exfoliates the scalp, clearing out impurities, product buildup, and excess oil. This process answers to your query on how to use glycolic acid on scalp with ease while preparing your roots for nourishment.

Product Recommendation – Consider using Glycolic Gloss Shampoo. Powered by 3% Glycolic Acid Complex, this professional-grade glycolic acid shampoo thoroughly cleanses, deeply nourishes, and improves hair quality. Use this shampoo to smooth hair fibre, improve hair quality**, achieve salon-worthy finish, and 3X more gloss* and protection at home.

*Instrumental tests for the glycolic gloss franchise
** Usage test of shampoo + conditioner with 144 participants. Self-assessment in percentage of agreement

Step 2: Glycolic Acid Conditioner

Follow with a glycolic acid-infused conditioner for smooth, sleek, and moisturized hair. Curious to know how to use glycolic acid on hair? Apply the conditioner from mid-lengths to ends. Rinse to reveal healthy and shiny hair.

Product Recommendation – Add life to dull, porous hair with Glycolic Gloss Conditioner. Enriched with 4% Glycolic Acid Complex, this conditioner smoothen hair surface, seals in moisture, laminates hair cuticles, and activates 3X more gloss*.

*Instrumental test after application of the shampoo and conditioner

Step 3: Glycolic Acid Spray

Treat your hair with the ultimate power of glycolic acid spray. Designed to eliminate dullness and smoothen hair cuticles, a good glycolic acid hair drink reflects light, resulting in shinier and beautiful hair. No wonder it's a must-do step in learning how to use glycolic acid on hair effectively.

Product Recommendation – Glycolic Gloss Acidifier is a new-age lightweight hair spray formulated with 6% Glycolic Acid Complex that nourishes hairwithout weighing it down. It delivers up to 2 weeks of glossy shine*, 3X more gloss that resists up to 6 washes, 24-hour anti-frizz protection, and heat protection up to 230°C*. Apply the glycolic acid-infused spray directly on conditioned hair, leave on for 5 minutes, and rinse.

*Instrumental test

Step 4: Glycolic Acid Leave-in Serum

How to use glycolic acid on hair, you ask? Complete your glycolic acid hair care routine with a leave-in serum. This gloss-inducing elixir provides long-lasting softness, frizz management, and shiny gloss. Get salon-quality gloss at home with a glycolic acid serum for hair. Apply the serum to damp or dry hair, distribute evenly through mid-lengths to the ends. Leave on and style as usual to flaunt frizz-free, shiny hair.

Product Recommendation – Make Glycolic Gloss Leave-in Serum your BFF. It’s 3% glycolic acid complex formula improves natural light reflection for a polished, glass-like finish. What’s more! You can get up to 72 hours gloss*, restores hair quality, 3X more gloss**, makes hair stronger, manageable, and easy for styling. For best results, pair it with Glycolic Gloss shampoo, conditioner, and acidifier.

*Instrumental test
**Instrumental tests for the Glycolic Gloss franchise.

With a consistent glycolic acid haircare regimen, you can achieve a clear, fresh, and balanced scalp, ultra-glossy, shiny, and soft hair. Whether you're learning how to use glycolic acid on scalp for a cleaner base, or how to use glycolic acid on hair for a healthy gloss, this four-step system is the key.

For more hair care-related assistance, browse through the L'Oréal Paris hair care products range and hair care blogs and pave the way for healthy hair.

Read our guide on Hyaluronic Acid for Hair to learn how this hydration superhero can benefit your hair.

FAQs

1. Is glycolic acid good for your hair?
Yes, glycolic acid is beneficial for hair as it helps exfoliate the scalp, unclog build-up, and improve overall scalp health. This potent AHA increases hydration level, fortifies hair strands, reduces frizz, and promotes healthier, shinier, and more manageable hair over time.
2. Can I leave glycolic acid in my hair overnight?
It is not generally recommended to leave glycolic acid overnight unless instructed otherwise. For instance, while using a glycolic acid leave-in serum like Glycolic Gloss Serum, you can leave the product overnight and wash it the next day if needed. For best results, read the product label thoroughly and use it as directed.
3. How to apply glycolic acid to hair?
Apply glycolic acid through haircare products like shampoo, conditioner, spray or leave-in serums. Massage gently into the scalp, focusing on roots, then rinse or leave on as directed. Always follow instructions for duration to avoid dryness or over-exfoliation.
4. How many times should I use glycolic acid on hair?
Glycolic acid should generally be used one to two times a week, depending on your hair’s needs. Overuse can lead to dryness. For best results, start slow and gradually increase frequency as your scalp builds tolerance.
5. What hair types benefit most from glycolic acid?
Glycolic acid benefits oily, buildup-prone, frizzy, or dull hair types the most. It effectively cleanses residue, enhances shine, and improves manageability. Curly and textured hair also gain hydration and softness, making it versatile for many different hair concerns.