Has your quest for bouncy and lustrous hair led you to disappointment most of the time? Well, it’s probably time to include Vitamin E in your hair care regimen as per experts worldwide.
If you are contemplating whether it would be a wise decision, allow us to clarify what our lead scientist Dr. Kaustav Guha have to say about it.
Highlights:
- What Is Vitamin E? Does Vitamin E help hair?
- How to Use Vitamin E for Healthy Hair?
- Benefits of Vitamin E For Hair
- Where Does Vitamin E Oil Come From?
- Recommended Dosage
- Side Effects Of Vitamin E
- What Are The Signs Of Vitamin E Overload?
- Is It Good To Apply Vitamin E Capsules Daily In My Hair?
- Is It Better To Take Vitamin E Capsules, or To Apply Them Directly To My Hair For Growth?
What Is Vitamin E? Does Vitamin E Help Hair?
Vitamin E is a fat soluble nutrient that can be consumed from food sources [1] or can be taken via supplements. There are several claims that vitamin E benefits the hair due to its antioxidant properties. But there isn’t enough scientific evidence yet.
How To Use Vitamin E For Healthy Hair?
1. Vitamin E in Hair Care Products
You can opt for shampoos, oils and conditioners containing vitamin E. These hair care products contain fortified vitamin E and can be rinsed off like the regular shampoos and conditioners. Make sure to follow the instructions provided on the labels of these shampoos and conditioners.
2. Vitamin E in Food Sources
A well-balanced diet is your go-to if you are looking to add vitamin E. Following are the foods that are rich in vitamin E [2].
- Vegetable oil (olive oil, sunflower oil, etc.)
- Nuts and seeds (almonds and sunflower seeds are a great source of vitamin E)
- Green leafy vegetables
- Fortified breakfast cereals
- Broccoli
- Peanut butter
3. Vitamin E Supplements
Vitamin E supplements [3] are available as over-the-counter capsules. Doctors opine that people need 50% more vitamin E from supplements than naturally occuring vitamin E to get maximum health benefits. Speak to your doctor before you turn to vitamin E supplements.
4. Vitamin E Oils
There is a growing popularity for vitamin E oils for hair and skin. A lot of oils in the market contain vitamin E infusion. In order to prevent skin irritation, mix these oils with another oil.
How to use the oils:
- Massage the oil onto your scalp.
- Use a wide-tooth comb to comb gently.
- Leave on the oil for 15 minutes.
- Wash off with shampoo and air dry.
Pro Tip:
You can skip the conditioner because vitamin E offers enough moisturization to your hair.
Benefits of Vitamin E For Hair
1. Helps In Hair Health
The antioxidant property [4] of vitamin E reduces this cell damage and improves hair growth. Let's go back to antioxidants for a bit. Antioxidants are compounds that protect your body from oxidative damage and neutralize free radicals.
Free radicals are atoms or molecules that are formed when your body is subjected to external aggressors like sunlight, pollution, smoking and aging. Free radicals are wild and are always on the lookout for free electrons. During this hunting process, they cause damage to your body.
Vitamin E stimulates the capillaries, thereby increasing blood flow to the scalp and encouraging hair growth.
2. Prevents Hair Loss
One study [5] found out that vitamin E prevents hair loss, hair breakage and split ends. However, this study involved a small group of participants. More research is needed to back up the claim that vitamin E can prevent hair loss.
3. Contributes To Hair Shine
Many people feel that their hair becomes shiny after the use of vitamin E capsules or hair products with vitamin E. “Pollution, heat and hair products cause damage to the hair, leaving it dry, frizzy and dull. Vitamin E is believed to bring back the lost shine in the hair,” says Dr. Kaustav.
4. Balances Oil On The Scalp
Vitamin E forms a protective layer on the scalp to lock in the moisture. Dry and irritated scalp is home to many hair concerns. Vitamin E balances the oil and moisturizes the scalp.
Where Does Vitamin E Oil Come From?
Vitamin E is derived from vegetable oils like soybean oil. It is produced synthetically from petrochemicals.
Recommended Dosage
Adults need 15 mg (22.4 IU) of vitamin E each day. Doctors recommend not more than 1500 IU of naturally occuring vitamin E or 1100 of synthetic IU of vitamin E per day [6].
Side Effects Of Vitamin E
Undiluted vitamin E increases the risk of skin irritation. Make sure you dilute vitamin E before applying it to your scalp. Vitamin E supplements can also interfere with chemotherapy.
What Are The Signs Of Vitamin E Overload?
Elevated doses of vitamin E can cause one or all of the following:
- Disruption in thyroid hormone
- Increased risk of prostate cancer
- Weak bones
Is It Good To Apply Vitamin E Capsules Daily In My Hair?
Too much of anything is bad. If you are experiencing hair thinning problems, you can use vitamin E capsules every alternate day. Mix it with a carrier oil like coconut or olive oil to make the most out of vitamin E.
Is It Better To Take Vitamin E Capsules, or To Apply Them Directly To My Hair For Growth?
Dr. Kaustav explains that while ingestion is the best mode, topical application can greatly boost the efficacy of Vitamin E.
Vitamin E can turn out to be a great addition to your hair care. So go back to your kitchen to find it in natural food sources first. You can opt for supplements only if you are not able to include enough Vitamin E-rich foods in your diet. If you choose to use hair care products containing vitamin E, consult your doctor before use.
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