Silicic acid, a form of bioavailable silicon, has been studied for its role in supporting hair health. Silicon is an essential trace element in the human body, and it is particularly concentrated in connective tissues, including hair, skin, and nails. Several studies suggest that dietary silicon, often provided as orthosilicic acid (a soluble form of silicic acid), may contribute to hair strength and growth by enhancing the synthesis of collagen and glycosaminoglycans, which are important structural components of hair follicles.

A randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in 2007 (Wickett et al.) showed that supplementation with choline-stabilized orthosilicic acid improved hair tensile strength and reduced brittleness in women with fine hair. The proposed mechanism is that silicon enhances the structural integrity of keratin, the main protein in hair. Additional in vitro and animal studies support silicon's role in connective tissue health, although direct large-scale human trials focused solely on hair are limited.

While the evidence is not overwhelming, and more robust clinical studies are needed, current research provides moderate support for the use of silicic acid in hair health supplements. The use is therefore justified by scientific evidence rather than tradition.