Skim through

What it does: binding, emulsifying, emulsion stabilizing, gel forming, conditioning, surfactant, viscosity controlling 

The science

Xanthan gum is one of the most commonly used thickeners and emulsion stabilizers. If a product is too runny, xanthan gum will make it more gel-like. Used alone, it can make the formula sticky, but works great with other ingredients so it is usually combined with other thickeners and so-called rheology modifiers (helper ingredients that adjust the flow and thus the feel of the formula). 

Xanthan gum is all natural, a chain of sugar molecules (polysaccharide) produced from individual sugar molecules (glucose and sucrose) via fermentation.

Benefits for your hair

Promotes hydration

This ingredient moisturizes the skin and hair by keeping moisture locked in, helping with a dry scalp. As a result, hair becomes softer.

Promotes conditioning

As a conditioning ingredient, xanthan gum helps to soften the hair, which helps in decreasing tangles and reducing frizz. 

TLDR 

Xanthan gum helps to condition, moisturize and soften the hair while simultaneously making the texture better for application.