Is Vitamin E Good for Hair?
What is the purpose of vitamin E?
Vitamin E is well recognised for its antioxidant qualities, which aid to protect the body's cells by reducing free radical damage. Many firms include vitamin E in their cosmetic products, despite the fact that it can be found in the supplement aisle. And rightfully so!
Since the 1950s, dermatologists have employed vitamin E to help protect the skin from ageing, inflammation, and sun damage. The morbidly obese antioxidant is required for healthy skin and a strong immune system.
Vitamin E has recently been lauded as a panacea for transforming frizzy, damaged, and unruly hair into lustrous, luscious tresses fit for a shampoo commercial — or a sun-drenched Instagram photo.
Continue reading to understand how vitamin E's skin-boosting effects can be used to increase hair health and growth.
What are the hair advantages of vitamin E?
Vitamin E appears to aid in improving general scalp and hair health, according to preliminary research. More research is needed to fully comprehend its potential benefits.
Circulate blood flow at the scalp better
Vitamin E is thought to boost hair health by increasing blood flow. According to a 1999 study, high doses of vitamin E improved blood flow to the eyes in people with type 1 diabetes.
In a separate 2001 study, researchers discovered that enhanced blood flow stimulated hair development and increased the size and number of hair follicles in mice.
More research is needed to determine whether vitamin E has a direct effect on the blood supply to the scalp and, if so, what this means for hair development.
Oil production will be balanced
Vitamin E is necessary for the skin's surface to form a protective barrier. This barrier aids in moisture retention. Dry, itchy skin can be caused by a lack of vitamin E. Although it is unknown if topical vitamin E can help balance scalp oil production, vitamin E-rich oils like avocado oil can moisturise the scalp. They may also aid in the reduction of excessive oil production.
Boosts radiance
When hair is damaged, it might appear lifeless and frizzy. According to the Academy of Dermatology, when the protective fat layer on the exterior of the hair's cuticle is gone, the hair loses its shine and becomes difficult to manage or style. A vitamin E-rich oil can help restore shine and replenish that protective layer. Oil helps to lock out moisture, minimise breakage, and preserve the hair from harm in general.
Maintains a healthy scalp
Vitamin E is required for healthy skin and hair, especially the scalp. Hair quality has been linked to poor scalp health. By reducing oxidative stress, vitamin E supports the protective lipid layer on the scalp and provides a stable foundation for your hair to grow on.
What is the best way to utilise vitamin E for hair?
The good news is that vitamin E is readily available in a well-balanced diet. In fact, most people obtain enough vitamin E throughout the day through whole and fortified meals, therefore vitamin E insufficiency is extremely unusual.
If you want to target your hair especially, vitamin E can be given topically in the form of a shampoo, conditioner, mask, or oil.
Diet
It's critical to watch what you eat — and how much you consume — if you want to have good hair. A shortage of calories, protein, or micronutrients like vitamin E can affect the growth, structure, and loss of your hair. Vitamin E is found in a variety of foods, including nuts, leafy greens, olive oil, and sunflower oil. It's also found in fortified meals like morning cereals and meats.
Supplements
Supplements are widely accessible, although they aren't required. The majority of people obtain adequate vitamin E from their diet alone. According to several studies, people gain more from vitamin E when they consume it in whole meals rather than as a supplement. Supplements can also increase your chance of obtaining too much vitamin E, which can be harmful. Before beginning a new supplement, please consult with your healthcare professional.
Vitamin E oil is an extremely effective antioxidant
Most vitamin E oils include a carrier oil to help dilute the oil and prevent skin irritation. If you wish to utilise pure vitamin E oil, make sure you dilute it adequately first. Vitamin E oils, on the other hand, are generally pricey and difficult to work with because they're thick and oxidise quickly when exposed to air.
To get the most out of the vitamin E-rich oil, follow these steps:
- It's best if you massage it into your scalp. Gently brush through the tresses with a broad comb.
- Give at least 15 minutes for the oil to settle before using.
- When you're through, use your regular shampoo to remove the oil from your hair.
- You can skip the conditioner if your hair already feels moistened.
Conditioner and shampoo
Looking for a treatment that you can do more frequently without taking more time out of your day? Several shampoos and conditioners contain vitamin E. Our products are designed to be used frequently and are made for dry, damaged hair.
Allow for a few moments for the product to absorb into the scalp and hair prior to your shower regimen. For further hair benefits, look for our products that contain essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil.
Mask for the hair
A hair mask, like the one you'd use on your face, is intended to calm or treat the scalp. Although vitamin E oil can help hydrate your hair, it cannot "repair" damaged hair strands. Instead, concentrate the mask on your scalp to allow it to absorb.
Combine the following items in a blender to prepare a simple vitamin E mask at home:
- a single avocado
- a single banana
- avocado oil (1 tbsp.)
- 1 tablespoon of coconut oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
Take Away
Vitamin E is a fantastic addition to your hair care routine, and you don't even need an expensive product to do it! Starting with the things in your refrigerator is a good idea. Although there are many products that include vitamin E, it's best to see your doctor before using vitamin E therapy or taking a supplement, especially if you have hair, skin, or scalp disease.