Top 9 Benefits of Vitamin E for Hair, Backed by Science

Does your mood depend on how good your hair is? Then you’ve landed on the perfect page! Uplift your mood while reading the benefits of vitamin E for hair!

When the “back-to-vacation” season knocks on the door, many of us are itching to color our hair or get a haircut. 

But constant hair treatments can lead to damage and dull its shine! Vitamins can come to your rescue. Out of the many vitamins, we will be talking about Vitamin E for hair today!

Vitamin E’s capacity to heal and repair hair and skin has recently grabbed a lot of attention. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin with a strong antioxidant activity that is thought to aid hair health and growth.

Vitamin E For Hair

As far back as the 1950s, dermatologists have been using vitamin E to help protect the skin and hair from the aging process, inflammation, and exposure to the sun. 

“The fat-soluble antioxidant is essential for good skin health and a robust immune system”– is what was known to everyone up to now!

Vitamin E has recently been lauded as a panacea for frizzy, damaged, and unruly hair, turning them into lustrous, luscious tresses fit for a shampoo commercial or a sun-kissed Instagram post.

According to preliminary findings, vitamin E may benefit the health of the scalp and hair in general [1]. 

More research is required to determine the true scope of this treatment’s potential benefits.

An average person loses 100 hair strands per day (out of the 100,000-150,000 strands that make up our head).

It’s important to keep in mind that your hair goes through growth, rest, and shedding cycles. New hair grows in to replace the hair that is shed.

However, if we begin to lose numerous strands of hair every day, it becomes a matter of concern. 

Hair loss isn’t a sickness, and there are various ways to prevent that from happening. One of them is to take vitamin E orally or try DHT blocker foods for hair loss or try different therapies like Mesotherapy for hair loss or use certain oils like Moringa oil for hair!

Since we are discussing vitamin E for hair today, let us look at the benefits of vitamin E for hair.

Benefits of Vitamin E for Hair

Vitamin E’s significance in maintaining hair health and encouraging hair growth is not supported by scientific research. However, a few studies have suggested that vitamin E may possess hair benefits.

1. Vitamin E restores hair loss

Vitamin E supplementation enhanced hair growth in adults with hair loss, according to a double-blind placebo study performed in 2010 [1].

The antioxidant properties of the vitamin are considered to have helped minimize oxidative stress in the scalp. Alopecia (hair loss) has been linked to oxidative stress [2].

What role does vitamin E play in preventing hair loss? To begin, vitamin E is known for its antioxidant abilities, which means it can help to restore damaged hair follicles. 

Vitamin E also helps to prevent tissue deterioration thanks to its antioxidant properties. To put it another way, vitamin E keeps hair follicles healthy and hence promotes hair growth.

Vitamin E can also aid to prevent hair loss by improving blood circulation and combating brittleness in your locks.

It will take additional research to figure out how vitamin E affects hair loss.

2. Vitamin E promotes scalp health

Vitamin E is important for healthy skin, including the skin on your scalp. The quality of the hair is linked to the health of the scalp [3].

Vitamin E protects the protective lipid layer on the scalp and offers your hair a firm foundation to grow from by decreasing oxidative stress.

Vitamin E, which has a natural antioxidant action and may help sustain hair growth, may be beneficial for a healthy scalp and hair [4].

3. Vitamin E helps in circulation

Vitamin E is thought to boost hair health by increasing blood flow. In a specific 2001 study, researchers discovered that enhanced blood flow stimulated hair growth and increased the quantity and quality of hair follicles in mice [5].

More research is necessary to confirm whether vitamin E has a direct effect on the blood supply to the scalp and, if so, what that means for hair growth.

4. Vitamin E boosts shine

Have you been straightening your hair way too much? Do you insist on blow-drying your hair after it’s been washed? A word of caution: These habits can leave your hair looking lifeless and lackluster.

Damaged hair may appear lifeless and frizzy. Stripping away the lipid layer that covers the hair’s cuticle makes hair dull and unmanageable. 

A vitamin E-rich oil can help restore shine by replacing the lipid layer that’s been removed [6].

A little bit of oil goes a long way toward sealing in moisture, reducing breakage, and shielding your hair from the environmental stress.

5. Vitamin E prevents split ends

Damaged hair follicles result in split ends. Vitamin E contains antioxidants that can help neutralize free radicals that can harm your hair follicles [7].

As a result, consuming a vitamin E capsule can aid in the healing of hair follicles and the elimination of split ends.

6. Vitamin E slows down greying of hair

Grey hair has become more common than it has ever been! It’s no longer surprising to see folks in their early twenties with a few grey hair strands. But it’s not all doom and gloom. 

Vitamin E might be a more natural alternative to salon treatments for reducing your greys. The oxidation of tissues generates greying of hair [8].

Free radicals can be neutralized by vitamin E and other non-enzymatic antioxidative compounds, reducing premature greying [8].

7. Vitamin E balances oil on the scalp

Vitamin E is necessary for the skin’s surface to form a protective barrier. This barrier aids in the retention of moisture. Vitamin E insufficiency can cause dry, itchy skin.

Although it’s uncertain whether topical vitamin E can assist balance scalp oil production, vitamin E-rich oils, such as avocado oil, can help hydrate the scalp. They may also aid in the reduction of excessive oil production.

8. Vitamin E may relieve scalp eczema

Scalp eczema can be activated because of stress and hormonal imbalance. The actual cause of it is unknown but 5% of the population is affected by scalp eczema [9].

Vitamin E may have a short-term eczema-relieving impact. It may be effective if used regularly, similar to how topical steroids are used in typical eczema treatment.

For four months, 70 people with mild to moderate eczema were given 400 IU of vitamin E. Dermatitis, redness, inflammation, excoriation, and skin thickening all improved better after vitamin E treatment than with placebo [10].

This impact, however, did not last three months after therapy ended. This study found no side effects, but there have been documented cases of contact dermatitis, burning, and itching associated with the topical application of vitamin E. 

9. Vitamin E can manage dandruff

Dandruff is a scalp condition brought on by dryness. The sebaceous glands are prompted to work harder to enhance the production of sebum  (a natural oily substance) when the scalp is dry.

Sebum subsequently clogs the hair follicles, resulting in dandruff and an irritated scalp.

Vitamin E can help treat and manage dandruff.

Side Effects of Vitamin E for Hair

Before using a vitamin E capsule on your scalp, hair, or skin, dilute it with a carrier oil. Vitamin E oil that has not been diluted can irritate or even result in a rash on the skin [7].

If you’re thinking about taking a vitamin E supplement, be sure to consult your physician first. Taking vitamin E supplements may be hazardous to one’s health because they can interact with certain medications, including chemotherapy.

It is estimated that the daily requirement for vitamin E in healthy adults is only 15 milligrams (22.4 IU) [11].

The dangers are only associated with a high intake of vitamin E supplements. Vitamin E obtained from food has no such side effects.

Vitamin E Capsules for Hair Growth

Your eating, drinking, and fundamental lifestyle choices determine how your skin and hair look, so if you want to make a difference, this is the time to do it. 

The good news is that a well-balanced diet may easily provide enough vitamin E for most people. Most people get plenty of vitamin E throughout the day from whole and fortified meals, therefore it’s very rare to experience a vitamin E deficiency.

But for those who are deficient in the vitamin or want to improve the quality of their locks, can take a look at how vitamin E capsules for hair can help you grow your hair back!

Proper oil production, appropriate pH levels, follicular health, and blood circulation are all essential for a healthy scalp.

Listed down are the benefits of taking vitamin E capsule for hair:

• The capsules have the potential to repair split ends.
• One of the benefits of vitamin E tablets for hair is that they can prevent premature greying of the hair.
• Vitamin E is an antioxidant that helps with blood circulation and hair growth. As a result, hair is nourished from the roots to the ends.

How to Use Vitamin E Capsule for Hair

Now that you’re aware that vitamin E capsules are beneficial to hair, let’s look at how you may use vitamin E on your hair.

Vitamin E capsules can be used in combination with your hair care routine. For example, in a hair mask, hair serum, or also a hair oil.

Wondering how to incorporate them in your hair mask? The vitamin E capsules can be mixed with aloe vera gel, avocado, eggs, and also certain hair oils!

Just prick the capsules and mix them with your hair mask preparation. Apply the oil and leave overnight or for a few hours and wash with shampoo and conditioner.

Vitamin E Capsule for Hair- Side Effects

The easiest approach to obtain enough vitamin E in your body is to take vitamin E tablets. Vitamin E pills, chews, and capsules are all options for supplementing your diet with this antioxidant.

Vitamin E can lead to nausea, impaired vision, lethargy, and diarrhea when taken in excess amounts. As a result, you must take the medication exactly as prescribed by your physician or the drug’s manufacturer. 

One of the side effects of supplementing with vitamin E capsules is that it might also lead to diarrhea, rashes, and weakness.

Vitamin E Supplements for Hair

Vitamin E supplements can be found in many different outlets, including drugstores, and online retailers.

People taking vitamin E should follow the label’s guidelines precisely. Because it is a fat-soluble vitamin, you might want to consider taking it with food.

Vitamin E in a synthetic form is found in supplements. Approximately half as much synthetic vitamin E as naturally occurring vitamin E is required to provide the same health advantages [4].

However, taking too much vitamin E through supplements comes with the risk of overdosing. In addition, unless you have a vitamin E deficiency, supplements are not advised. Therefore, talk to your doctor before you start taking vitamin E.

Wrapping Up

You don’t need a high-end product to incorporate Vitamin E into your hair care routine! You can start with the stuff you already have in your refrigerator.

Even though there are numerous products in the market that contain this potent antioxidant, it’s best to see your doctor before using a vitamin E prescription or supplement, especially if you struggle with hair, skin, or scalp problems.

There is a lack of strong evidence that vitamin E is beneficial to hair health. However, there are some studies that show that this antioxidant can maintain healthy hair. 

The most effective technique to replace your body’s supply of vitamin E is through oral supplementation. 

Excessive vitamin E supplementation, on the other hand, can lead to side effects. Therefore, you must consult your physician before using it.

What next?

Now that you know the benefits of vitamin E of hair, check out what else vitamin E has to offer in the top 16 health benefits of vitamin E.

References

1. Beoy, Lim Ai et al. “Effects of tocotrienol supplementation on hair growth in human volunteers.” Tropical life sciences research vol. 21,2 (2010): 91-9.
2. Guo, Emily L, and Rajani Katta. “Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use.” Dermatology practical & conceptual vol. 7,1 1-10. (2017). 
3. Schwartz, J R et al. “The role of oxidative damage in poor scalp health: ramifications to causality and associated hair growth.” International Journal of cosmetic science vol. 37 Suppl 2 (2015): 9-15.
4.  “Vitamin E- Fact sheet for health professionals”, National Institutes of Health, (2021).
5. Yano, K et al. “Control of hair growth and follicle size by VEGF-mediated angiogenesis.” The Journal of clinical investigation vol. 107,4 (2001): 409-17. 
6. Gavazzoni Dias, Maria Fernanda Reis. “Hair cosmetics: an overview.” International journal of trichology vol. 7,1 (2015): 2-15.
7. Keen, Mohammad Abid, and Iffat Hassan. “Vitamin E in dermatology.” Indian dermatology online journal vol. 7,4 (2016): 311-5.
8. Trüeb, Ralph M. “Oxidative stress in ageing of hair.” International journal of trichology vol. 1,1 (2009): 6-14.
9. Barak-Shinar, Deganit et al. “Treatment of Seborrheic Dermatitis Using a Novel Herbal-based Cream.” The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology vol. 10,4 (2017): 17-23.
10. Jaffary, Fariba et al. “Effects of oral vitamin E on treatment of atopic dermatitis: A randomized controlled trial.” Journal of research in medical sciences: the official journal of Isfahan University of Medical Sciences vol. 20,11 (2015): 1053-7.
11.  “Vitamin E – fact sheet for consumers”, National Institutes of Health, (2021).