Myth Buster: You Can’t Use Glycerin Based Products in the Winter!

I’ve always been a bit confused about the whole glycerin in the winter time thing. I usually just avoided it in the winter months because that’s what I have always heard, but my recent obsession with Oyin Handmade has caused me to question my thinking. I recently purchased a sample size of their Juices and Berries and I was worried that I couldn’t use t because it contained glycerin.

MYTH: Since glycerin draws moisture from its surroundings if you use it in the dry winter months it will have to take moisture from your hair!

FACT: Glycerol (or glycerin, glycerin) is a simple polyol compound. It is a colorless, odorless, viscous liquid that is widely used in pharmaceutical formulations. Glycerol has three hydroxyl groups that are responsible for its solubility in water and its hygroscopic nature. The glycerol backbone is central to all lipids known as triglycerides(wiki)

In lamens terms this means that glycerin has 3 water groups (oxygen and hydrogen atoms, as in the O and H in H2O) that all work together to draw moisture from the atmosphere. This is where the myth comes from because it’s reasonable to think that if there is little to no water in the air, it will take it from the next best thing, your hair. This would probably be the case if you were to just use glycerin alone, but if the product you are using is mixed with water then the glycerin has the water it needs to saturate itself thus leaving your hair moisturized! Just make sure that the amount of water is greater than the amount of glycerin(as is with the juices and berries) and you will be all set!
Still not sure about glycerin here’s a tip I picked up from Jamyla at Oyin * apply your favorite glycerin product/concoction just before you shower. The moisture from the steam will give you sensational moisture! Seal it in with your favorite sealant and volia you are good to go.
This hair myth has been offically BUSTED!!!

***Disclaimer all hair types don’t react the same to all products, Just like some products/techniques work for some it may not work for others give glycerin a try if it’s still not for you on to the next one!*****

Here are a few links that may also aid in your research:
The Natural Mane
Curly Nikki
Oyin Handmade