Beauty ingredients are our favourite things to read about. And when we find out that an ingredient is good for more than one purpose, it feels like Christmas came a little early. Vitamin E is just such an ingredient with multiple benefits and uses you’ll swoon over.

Vitamin E is known for its antioxidant properties that help counter free radical damage that could otherwise result in a whole host of health problems like heart disease, arthritis and even cancer.

There are supplements containing this vitamin available in the other aisle of your local drug store, but cosmetics companies often choose to add Vitamin E to their beauty products which have also been used by dermatologists since the 1950s to help protect the skin against ageing and sun damage.

A skincare favourite ingredient, Vitamin E has recently been found to be a great addition to the lives of those with damaged locks. Not only is it known for reducing signs of ageing and promoting new cell growth, but also repairs signs of age-related damage on your strands.

Benefits of Vitamin E for hair

Vitamin E for hair and scalp can be a boon! Dive deeper into how it can make your scalp and hair healthy:

Prevents hair loss 

Research figured 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 loss.

Improves scalp circulation

Vitamin E is said to increase blood flow, which improves hair health. Vitamin E increases blood flow to the eyes in people with type 1 diabetes which led to researchers diving deeper to understand its benefits for hair. They found that increased blood supply encouraged hair growth and increased the hair follicle.

Retains moisture

Vitamin E is important for creating a protective barrier on the scalp’s surface. This barrier helps lock in moisture, leading to nutritious, hydrated, and healthy hair.

Adds 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. A Vitamin E-rich oil can help replace that protective layer and bring back shine.

How to use vitamin E for hair

The good news is that Vitamin E is easy to get through a balanced diet. 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 the quantity you consume is essential 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.

Supplements

While most people get enough Vitamin E through diet alone, it’s not sufficient for the human body and that’s why it is important to resort to supplements that are readily available in the market.

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. We recommend trying the Pure Sense Macadamia Deep Nourishing Hair Cleanser that’s meant for dry, damaged and coloured hair. They work in conjunction to make your hair healthy and hydrated.  What makes it a must-try is the fact that this combo doesn’t just nourish your scalp but is also free of sulphates and parabens.