 Vitamin E is best known for its antioxidant properties that help reduce free radical damage and protect the body’s cells. Although you can find it in the supplement aisle, many companies add vitamin E to their beauty products. And for good reason! Vitamin E has been used in dermatology since the 1950s to help protect the skin against aging, inflammation, and sun damage. The fat-soluble antioxidant is vital for maintaining healthy skin and a strong immune system. Recently, vitamin E has been hailed as a cure-all to turn frizzy, damaged, unmanageable hair into shiny, luscious locks worthy of a shampoo commercial — or a sun-soaked. Keep reading to learn how the skin-boosting properties of vitamin E may be used to improve hair health and promote growth. What can vitamin E do for your hair? Early research suggests that vitamin E can help improve overall scalp and hair health. More studies are needed to truly understand its possible benefits. Prevent hair loss A small trial from 2010Trusted Source found that vitamin E supplements improved hair growth in people with hair loss. It’s thought that the vitamin’s antioxidant properties helped reduce oxidative stress in the scalp. Oxidative stress has been linked with hair lossTrusted Source. Improve scalp circulation Vitamin E may increase blood flow, which is said to improve hair health. Researchers in one 1999 study found that high doses of vitamin E increased blood flow to the eyes in people with type 1 diabetes. A separate study found that increased blood supply encouraged hair growth and increased the hair follicle and size in mice. However, more research is needed to see if vitamin E directly affects blood supply to the scalp and if so, what that means for hair growth. Balance oil production Vitamin E is important for creating a protective barrier on the skin’s surface. This barrier helps lock in moisture. Dry, irritated skin can be a sign of vitamin E deficiency. Although it’s unclear whether topical vitamin E can balance out scalp oil production, oils that contain vitamin E — like avocado oil — may help moisturize the scalp. They may also help prevent excess oil production. Add shine Hair can look dull and frizzy when it’s damaged. When the protective fat layer on the outside of the hair’s cuticle is removed, it loses its shine and becomes difficult to manage or style according to the Academy of Dermatology. A vitamin E-rich oil can help replace that protective layer and bring back shine. Oil in general also helps seal out moisture, reduce breakage, and protect the hair from damage. Support a healthy scalp Vitamin E is essential for healthy skin — and this includes your scalp. Poor scalp health is linked to lackluster hair quality. Vitamin E supports the scalp and gives your hair a strong base to grow from by reducing oxidative stress and preserving the protective lipid layer. How to use vitamin E for your hair The good news is that vitamin E is easy to get through a balanced diet. In fact, a vitamin E deficiency is extremely rare, because most people get plenty throughout the day from whole and enriched foods. But if you want to specifically target your hair, vitamin E can also be applied topically with a shampoo, conditioner, mask, or oil. Diet What you eat — and how much — is crucial for healthy hair. A lack of calories, protein, or micronutrients like vitamin E can impact your hair’s growth, structure, and loss. Nuts, leafy greens, olive oil, and sunflower oil are some of the richest sources of vitamin E. It’s also found in meats and fortified foods like breakfast cereal. Supplements Although supplements are readily available, they aren’t necessary. Most people get enough vitamin E through diet alone. Some research even suggests that people benefit more from vitamin E when they get it through whole foods rather than a supplement. Supplements can also put you at risk of getting too much vitamin E, which can be dangerous. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement. Vitamin E oil Most vitamin E oils contain a carrier oil to dilute the oil and help prevent skin irritation. If you want use pure vitamin E oil, be sure to properly dilute the oil before use. That said, vitamin E oils are often expensive and can be difficult to work with — they’re usually thick and oxidize quickly when exposed to air. Your best bet is to use a hair oil that contains vitamin E as a secondary ingredient. Popular options include: To get the most out of the vitamin E-rich oil:
Shampoo and conditioner Looking for a treatment you can do more often without adding time to your routine? Many shampoos and conditioners include vitamin E. These products are formulated for frequent use and are often made for dry, damaged hair. It’s best to let the product sit for a few minutes while you continue with your shower routine to help the product work its way into the hair and scalp. Look for products that contain essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil for added hair benefits. Popular options include:
Hair mask Much like the kind you would put on your face, a hair mask is meant to soothe or treat the scalp. Although vitamin E oil may help moisturize your locks, the strands of your hair can’t be “healed” by it. Instead, focus the mask on your scalp where it can be absorbed. To make an easy mask rich in vitamin E at home, combine the following ingredients in a blender:
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AuthorBy Masaakii Archives
May 2024
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