Our hair is often called our crown, and it’s no wonder we all desire beautiful hair and scalp. In this post, we will look at the several advantages of vitamin E oil for hair growth.
Experts have claimed that vitamin E aids hair growth, moisturizes the scalp, and enhances the quality of hair follicles. So, is vitamin E good for hair growth?
In this article, we’ll answer that and explore the scientific evidence supporting these claims. We want to give you a deeper understanding of how vitamin E contributes to natural hair growth. So, the next time you’re looking for effective natural hair growth oils, include vitamin E oils on your list.
Awesome Benefits Of Vitamin E For Hair Growth
There are numerous vitamin E benefits for hair, promoting healthy and lustrous locks. Here are some of its awesome health benefits:
- Hair growth stimulation.
- Nourishes and moisturizes both scalp and hair.
- Improves scalp health.
- Enhances hair shine.
- Protects hair from environmental damage.
Benefits Of Vitamin E For Hair
Vitamin E offers a wide range of helpful attributes for your hair. This makes it an essential nutrient for maintaining healthy and shiny locks.
The effects of vitamin E are that it first stimulates hair growth and prevents hair falling and breakage. It also nourishes the scalp and protects hair from environmental damage and UV radiation.
Here are vitamin E’s beneficial effects on hair and scalp:
Hair Growth Stimulation
Vitamin E, with its remarkable antioxidant properties,[1] supports hair growth by neutralizing free radicals. Free radicals can cause hair follicle damage, resulting in hair thinning and loss. Vitamin E may help to reduce hair loss and promote healthy hair development[2] by neutralizing free radicals.
The antioxidant properties of vitamin E significantly help maintain a healthy scalp and nourish the hair follicle cells. The result is vibrant and resilient hair strands.
Moisturizes And Nourishes
Vitamin E possesses emollient properties,[3] which help to soften, nourish, and moisturize the hair. It penetrates the hair shaft, retaining moisture and preventing dryness and brittleness. This leads to stronger, healthier hair that is less prone to breakage.
Boosts Scalp Health
Vitamin E’s anti-inflammatory properties contribute to a healthier scalp by reducing inflammation.[4] You may use this nutrient to treat scalp conditions such as dryness, dandruff,[5] and itchiness. Vitamin E has been used to treat atopic dermatitis at 400 IU/day doses, preventing excessive dryness.[6]
Enhances Shine
The moisturizing qualities of vitamin E improve hair health, making it softer, smoother, and more manageable. It also seals the cuticle,7] the outermost layer of the hair that reflects light and provides natural shine and luster.
Protects From Environmental Damage
For damage protection of your hair, this essential hair vitamin nutrient forms a beneficial protective barrier over each strand. This shields them[8] from environmental damage caused by UV radiation, pollution, and other harmful external aggressors. This protection helps maintain the hair’s integrity, preventing damage and preserving its health and appearance.
What Is Vitamin E?
Vitamin E,[9] a powerful antioxidant, is a group of fat-soluble compounds that play a crucial role in maintaining overall health. It comprises various forms, with alpha-tocopherol being the most biologically active. Vegetable and seed oils such as argan, soya, canola, and corn are naturally rich in vitamin E.
While widely recognized for the skin[10] and immune system;[11] vitamin E may be significant for hair and scalp health. Its effectiveness eliminates oxidative stress,[12] leading to better hair and a healthy scalp.
Vitamin E can be obtained through dietary sources such as green leafy vegetables, dietary supplements, and topical applications. Incorporating this fat-soluble vitamin into your hair care routine and diet can help you achieve healthy, vibrant hair strands, ensuring your locks are beautiful and well-nourished.
How To Take Vitamin E For Hair Growth?
You can incorporate vitamin E into your hair care routine through various methods. Here are several ways how to take vitamin E for optimal hair health:
Dietary Sources
Since our bodies function according to the amount of nutrition we provide, we need to have at least one superfood for hair in our meals. Add green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, and vegetable oils to your diet. These vitamin E-rich foods provide a natural source of essential nutrients and support overall hair health.
Supplement Use
Consider taking vitamin E supplements in capsule, powder, or oil form. When taking vitamin E capsules, please follow the suggested dosage and consult a registered dietitian.
Topical Application
Applying vitamin E oil to the scalp and hair strands is an easy way to use vitamin E. Use a hair mask or a carrier oil and gently massage the oil into the scalp. This further helps boost the antioxidant availability to the scalp and hair.
Hair Products
Another effortless way to take vitamin E for hair growth is to look for hair products with vitamin E. Wash your hair with these shampoos, conditioners, and hair oils. These hair care products can provide additional nourishment and protection to promote growth.
These are the best ways to use vitamin E for healthy hair and scalp but remember to maintain a well-balanced diet. Other nutrient and vitamin mixtures, such as vitamin C and selenium,[13] work synergistically with vitamin E for optimal hair health.
Consistency is vital, so regularly incorporate vitamin E into your hair care routine to maximize its merits for lustrous hair strands.
Side Effects & Recommended Dosage
It’s essential to be aware of safety concerns and adhere to the recommended dosage when adding vitamin E to your daily routine to stimulate hair growth. Natural vitamin E is generally safe, but nutrient deficiency and excessive vitamin E intake can lead to adverse effects.
The recommended daily dosage for people 14 and above is around 15 mg or 22 International Units or IU. Pregnant or lactating women should take more at 19 mg or 28 IU, according to the Food and Nutrition Board.
Too much vitamin E can cause gut issues such as diarrhea, vomiting, nausea, and stomach cramps. Additionally, excessive vitamin E intake may interfere with blood clotting.[14] Individuals taking blood thinners should contact a healthcare provider before supplementing vitamin E.
It is wise to follow the supplement container’s directions and seek tailored guidance from a healthcare professional. It’s crucial if you have any underlying medical health issues, are expectant, or are lactating.
Some individuals may have allergic reactions or irritated skin when using pure vitamin E oil. Always perform a patch test before applying vitamin E to the scalp to avoid this.
You can safely start consuming vitamin E in your hair care regimen by adhering to the recommended dosage.
The Bottom Line
Does vitamin E help hair growth, and can you use vitamin E for hair loss?
The answer to both questions is yes. Enough vitamin E may help with maintaining hair growth and shine while improving overall both your hair and skin health. It stimulates hair growth, strengthens it, and moisturizes all hair types. It also improves poor scalp health by providing antioxidant protection. Vitamin E prevents hair loss and rejuvenates damaged hair.
Whether you get your vitamin E in supplement form, from food sources, or in topical vitamin applications, it promotes optimal hair growth. However, you should adhere to the specified dosage and consult a healthcare practitioner to avoid adverse effects. By harnessing the power of vitamin E, you can enjoy the advantages of lustrous, strong, and beautiful hair.
+ 14 Sources
- Saradhadevi Varadharaj, Kelly, O.J., Khayat, R.N., Kumar, P.S., Ahmed, N. and Zweier, J.L. (2017). Role of Dietary Antioxidants in the Preservation of Vascular Function and the Modulation of Health and Disease. Frontiers in Cardiovascular Medicine, [online] 4. doi:https://doi.org/10.3389/fcvm.2017.00064.
- Beoy LA;Woei WJ;Hay YK (2020). Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers. Tropical life sciences research, [online] 21(2). Available at: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24575202/.
- Pinto, C., Martins, T., Renata Miliani Martinez and André Rolim Baby (2021). Vitamin E in Human Skin: Functionality and Topical Products. [online] ResearchGate. Available at: https://www.researchgate.net/publication/352470124_Vitamin_E_in_Human_Skin_Functionality_and_Topical_Products.
- Usda.gov. (2023). Publication : USDA ARS. [online] Available at: https://www.ars.usda.gov/research/publications/publication/?seqNo115=363658.
- Jourdain, R., Moga, A., Philippe Vingler, Charles el Rawadi, Pouradier, F., Luc Souverain, Bastien, P., Amalric, N. and Breton, L. (2016). Exploration of scalp surface lipids reveals squalene peroxide as a potential actor in dandruff condition. Archives of Dermatological Research, [online] 308(3), pp.153–163. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403-016-1623-1.
- Fariba Jaffary, Faghihi, G., Arghavan Mokhtarian and Sayed Mohsen Hosseini (2015). Effects of oral vitamin E on treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial. Journal of Research in Medical Sciences, [online] 20(11), pp.1053–1053. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/1735-1995.172815.
- Fernanda, M. (2015). Hair cosmetics: An overview. International Journal of Trichology, [online] 7(1), pp.2–2. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.153450.
- Delinasios, G.J., Mahsa Karbaschi, Cooke, M.S. and Young, A.R. (2018). Vitamin E inhibits the UVAI induction of ‘light’ and ‘dark’ cyclobutane pyrimidine dimers, and oxidatively generated DNA damage, in keratinocytes. Scientific Reports, [online] 8(1). doi:https://doi.org/10.1038/s41598-017-18924-4.
- Nih.gov. (2020). Office of Dietary Supplements – Vitamin E. [online] Available at: https://ods.od.nih.gov/factsheets/VitaminE-HealthProfessional/.
- Mohammad Abid Keen and Hassan, I. (2016). Vitamin E in dermatology. Indian Dermatology Online Journal, [online] 7(4), pp.311–311. doi:https://doi.org/10.4103/2229-5178.185494.
- Rizvi, S., Raza, S.T., Ahmed, F., Ahmad, A., Abbas, S. and Mahdi, F. (2014). The role of vitamin e in human health and some diseases. Sultan Qaboos University medical journal, [online] 14(2), pp.e157-65. Available at: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3997530/.
- Trüeb, R.M. (2015). The impact of oxidative stress on hair. International Journal of Cosmetic Science, [online] 37(S2), pp.25–30. doi:https://doi.org/10.1111/ics.12286.
- Almohanna, H.M., Ahmed, A.A., Tsatalis, J.P. and Tosti, A. (2018). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and Therapy, [online] 9(1), pp.51–70. doi:https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6.
- Schmölz, L., Birringer, M., Lorkowski, S. and Wallert, M. (2016). Complexity of vitamin E metabolism. World Journal of Biological Chemistry, [online] 7(1), pp.14–14. doi:https://doi.org/10.4331/wjbc.v7.i1.14.