Glycine (not to be confused with glycerin) is an amino acid that plays an important role in skin health and a scalp environment conducive to hair growth. Due to its potential as a supportive contributor to healthy and happy hair, glycine is often included in hair care products. Consequently, it is often included in Divi’s list of science-backed ingredients, like those used in our Scalp Serum, Shampoo and Conditioner.
Keep reading to learn more about glycine and how it may support a healthy environment for hair growth!
What is Glycine?
Glycine is one of the smallest and simplest amino acids, which the body uses in protein creation. Glycine helps produce an antioxidant, and that antioxidant helps fight free radicals that can damage cells, including those of the hair and scalp. Additionally, it helps with the synthesis of creatine – an amino acid that provides energy to the brain and muscles. Its potential for improving sleep quality may be another benefit. After all, sleep issues can be a source of stress, and reducing stress helps support a healthy environment for hair growth.
Glycine is actually produced by the human body. It is also available in some food sources that are high in protein and in supplements, which typically provide much more substantial amounts of it. Hearty chilis and stews that incorporate meat, dairy products and legumes are an opportunity to give your glycine intake some attention!
What Role May Glycine Play in Hair and Scalp Health?
Although it may be small and simple, glycine’s utility and participation in multiple processes in the body make it an important ingredient for hair and scalp health. Below, we highlight the potential benefits it can provide and the symptoms of hair concerns that it may help alleviate.
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Stimulates the Generation of Antioxidants
Antioxidants are really important for controlling the presence of free radicals. What's wrong with free radicals? Oxidative stress occurs when there are too many free radicals, and this source of stress may result in hair follicle miniaturization (also known as shrinking). This shrinkage may interrupt hair growth to the point of even prompting loss of existing hair. However, glycine is one of three amino acids that creates the antioxidant glutathione, which helps protect cells against oxidative stress and reduce those free radicals.
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Aids in the Growth of New, Healthy Hair Strands
Keratin is one of the key components of all hair fibers, so the body needs enough amino acids to keep producing it. Glycine is one of those particularly important amino acids that can cause keratinization to occur in the hair follicles. Keratinization is the process where newly formed cells develop when old cells are pushed from the base layers of the skin to the surface, which forms the hair shaft.
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Supports Collagen Production
Glycine is crucial for collagen production. Collagen may promote hair growth by building hair proteins and strengthening your scalp, which contains your hair roots.
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Aids against Dry Scalp
Glycine in hair products can help combat dry scalp because of its contribution to dermal structure proteins. When glycine reaches the dermis, it begins stimulating collagen production. This process helps repair damage for stronger, healthier scalp skin.
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Help Reduce the Potential for Hair Loss and Thinning
Glycine is an essential contributor to human hair growth. It aids in the formation of new hair strands by stimulating the hair follicles and triggering keratinization. Additionally, research like this study conducted on men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) (also known as androgenic alopecia, or male-pattern baldness), offers encouraging findings about how the use of glycine in conjunction with other ingredients like other polyphenols (plant-based compounds) and caffeine may increase hair density.
Is Glycine Safe for the Scalp?
Generally, glycine is considered safe and the topical application in hair care products does not cause any side effects. At Divi, we use science-backed ingredients that are dermatologically tested to greatly reduce the chance of any negative effects. However, as with any new product or supplement, it is advisable to consult with your doctor about your choices to ensure that there is no conflict with existing conditions or medications. Additionally, conducting a patch test with any topical applications may reveal any potential irritation. In the event that you experience any worrisome side effects, stop using the product and talk with your doctor.
For its importance in protein composition, which may help to stimulate hair follicle growth and scalp health, glycine is one of many science-backed ingredients used in Divi’s products. This ally in supporting scalp health and in helping to create an environment for hair to flourish is incorporated in our Scalp Serum, which is designed to assist with improving the appearance of thinning hair, scalp nourishment and product and oil buildup reduction. Looking to elevate your hair washing and conditioning routine? Try out our Shampoo and Conditioner Bundle, which leverages the hair and scalp support of amino acids like glycine, menthol and other clean ingredients!
