Rufus R. Noble You’ve probably lost hair due to the unfortunate bubble gum. The thought of gum in your hair is likely to send chills down your spine. Although the name may seem scary, tara gum is a natural ingredient in many beauty products and ice creams. Tara gum is a popular ingredient that helps improve hair products’ texture.
Tara Gum’s Hair Benefits
Tara gum, a white-colored to yellowish powder, is made by grinding the seeds from the Caesalpinia Spinosa.
Products are only as effective as their active ingredients, but they wouldn’t be the same without stabilizing ingredients such as tara gum. Bird explains how tara gum regulates the final products (e.g., shampoo, conditioner or mask). Viscosity, stability and softness. Imagine reaching for your favorite conditioner and finding it grainy or completely liquified. Tara gum prevents that from happening. Tara gum is also found in high-sugar foods such as ice cream and gummy candy.
Tara gum’s benefits extend far beyond its ingredient list to your hair. Engelman says that tara gum, rich in vitamins C and A and complex sugars, is well-known for preventing hair loss and protecting the scalp’s moisture barrier. Bird also agrees that tara gum has many benefits for hair and scalp, including improved texture, appearance, and moisture.
- Stabilizes hair product: Tara Gum works to preserve the desired viscosity of hair products. Bird explains that it is used in shampoos, conditioners, gels, creams and serums. It helps to improve texture and make products spreadable. It also helps gels stay smooth and not become stringy, Bird says.
- Thickens formulations Although tara gum is a powdered product, it quickly hydrates. Bird shares that tara gum, once hydrated, will give rise to a thick consistency. This helps thicken the consistency in the products it is included in.
- Moisture to hair and scalp: Experts agree that tara gum can give your hair and scalp the moisture it needs. Engelman claims tara gum locks moisture in your hair, which is especially beneficial for those with dry or damaged hair. The importance of scalp moisture is even greater since it has the power to influence new growth.
- Enhances hair’s strength and elasticity: Tarag gum strengthens hair due to the moisture it provides. Engelman explains that tara gum can moisturize hair in hair care products. This, in turn, makes it more resistant to breaking and helps to maintain its sugar coating.
- Stops frizz: Tara gum addresses two main causes of frizz. Engelman states that frizz is less common when your hair is less dry.
- Prevents scalp itching: Itchy scalps can be caused by many things, including dryness. Birds share that tara gum can hydrate the scalp to prevent dryness, irritation and cracking.
- Enhances the hair’s overall appearance. Frizz or breakage can make hair look dull. Engelman claims tara gum improves hair’s resistance to external damage such as the sun, heat styling, chemical treatments and environmental aggressors.
Hair Type Considerations
Experts agree that tara gum is best for damaged, curly, dry, frizzy or frizzy hair. People with dry scalp conditions can also benefit from nourishment and hydration. Tara gum can be used in pre-formulated products. It is safe for all hair types and can improve elasticity. Engelman says that anyone and everyone can use this ingredient. Bird warns that pregnant women and those with sensitive skin should not use pure tara gum without consulting a doctor. To rule out allergy or sensitivity, pure tara gum should be kept in an inaccessible area.
How to use Tara Gum for hair
Although it is possible to add tara gum to haircare products, using products that already have it is safer. A product that contains the right amount of tara gum is more likely to cause skin reactions than a product with raw tara gum. Some products that you use already contain tara gum. There are also hair care lines that highlight the use of tara gum.
