Is Vitamin E actually good for your hair? We spoke to a specialist to find out

 Vitamin E has received a lot of love on the Internet in the last couple of years, with those who love it considering it as a fail-safe cure to hair prone to breakage and greys, and skin prone to breakouts. The fat-soluble vitamin has also antioxidant properties, making it a great repairing agent. “A small study comparing Vitamin E to placebo for hair growth did show some mild improvement in hair growth, but more data is yet to be seen,” says Dr Kiran Sethi of Isyaderm Clinic in New Delhi. “How much to apply? How often? What percentage of Vitamin E should be in the oil? How does it compare to coconut oil? How does it compare to minoxidil? These are all questions we need to ask.” Ahead, Sethi gives us a complete decode of how Vitamin E may benefit hair if used right.

Benefits of Vitamin E: What does it actually do to hair?

“With pollution, environment, and sun exposure, our hair strands cumulatively get damaged, causing more breakage, discolouration (greying), roughness and even hair fall. Vitamin E has been shown to increase capillary circulation in the scalp, thereby helping to increase hair growth. As it turns out, minoxidil also works by increasing circulation, although to a much stronger effect,” explains Dr Sethi.

Antioxidants like Vitamin E are supposed to help boost hair’s elasticity and shine—the two things that get destroyed when you blow-dry your hair or use heat to style it. “There have been many studies on how Vitamin E forms a protective barrier on skin to keep it healthy. Although not enough research has been conducted to see if the same stands true when the vitamin is applied on the scalp, it’s sometimes recommended to use oils rich in Vitamin E to balance the oil production on your scalp,” says Dr Sethi.

Oiling your hair has been a millennia-old tradition in India, and Dr Sethi suggests an easy way to upgrade it with Vitamin E. “I believe the carrier should be coconut oil for best results, given that coconut oil is scientifically the best oil for hair growth. Carrier oil is what solubilises Vitamin E. Use this oil to gently massage your scalp at least three times a week for five to 10 minutes, and wash it off in an hour. I like Cococare 100% Vitamin E oil; just don’t forget to dilute it with some coconut oil.” Remember not to use Vitamin E oil directly, since it may react adversely with your skin.

 Vitamin E can also help with frizzy hair, depending on what is causing the frizz. For example, heat-styled hair may appear dry, brittle and frizzy, as the lipid layer of fat that is on the outside of our strand of hair—which is responsible for the shine—is often compromised. Ergo, over-heated hair equals a dull and frizzy mane. Vitamin E may help form a protective barrier (over time, not overnight), resulting in shiny, and more importantly, healthy hair.

What’s the deal with Vitamin E supplements?

Vitamin E can also be taken orally, but there are risks. “Vitamin E supplements in particular are controversial,” says Dr Sethi. “They can interfere with other medications you are taking. Plus, studies with Vitamin E for hair, skin and nails have not proven benefits. My advice would be to make sure you increase your intake of Vitamin E through food, and forget about taking it as a supplement. Olive oil, nuts, dark leafy greens like spinach, eggs, cabbage and carrots are great natural sources of Vitamin E,” she confirms.

 

This is only for your information, kindly take the advice of your doctor for medicines, exercises and so on.   

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