Does vitamin E help hair growth thicker?
Some studies show that vitamin E helps replenish important nutrients for the hair and scalp. This can facilitate thicker and smoother hair growth.
1. Vitamin E helps hair growth?
Thanks to its antioxidant properties, vitamin E can reduce cell damage and help maintain hair growth. Some of the effects of vitamin E on hair and scalp can be listed as follows:
1.1. Vitamin E supports a healthy scalp
Vitamin E can reduce the risk of oxidative stress and free radicals that damage the hair follicle cells on the scalp. In addition, it also helps to protect the lipid layer on the scalp.
1.2. Vitamin E helps prevent hair loss
Vitamin E prevents hair loss. This has been proven by several studies. However, more large-scale studies are still needed to increase reliability.
1.3. Vitamin E for shiny hair
According to some studies, vitamin E can help add shine to hair that has been damaged by chemicals, heat, and styling products. Thanks to this property, vitamin E is added by some manufacturers to some conditioners to increase the shine of the hair.
1.4. Vitamin E helps balance oil on the scalp
Vitamin E creates a protective barrier on the scalp with a moisture-locking function. Therefore, dry, irritated skin can be a sign of vitamin E deficiency.
There are no studies demonstrating the effectiveness of vitamin E in scalp care. However, some oils containing vitamin E like avocado oil can help moisturize the scalp and prevent excess sebum production.
2. How to increase vitamin E for hair?
Vitamin E is a nutrient found in some foods. It can also be provided through supplements, shampoos and hair care products, and scalp care.
Healthy people, without hair and scalp problems, can also use vitamin-rich scalp and hair care products. You must follow the instructions during the use of the products.
2.1. Supplement through food
Vitamin E is found in some foods such as green leafy vegetables, nuts, seeds, vegetable oils, breakfast cereals, etc.
Some reference menus that can be used for people who want to increase vitamin E to support hair and scalp include:
1 tablespoon wheat germ oil (contains 20.3 mg of vitamin E)
28 grams of dry roasted sunflower seeds (contains 7.4 mg of vitamin E)
28 grams of dry roasted almonds (contains 6.8 mg of vitamin E)
2 tablespoons peanut butter (containing 2.9 mg of vitamin E)
Half a cup of boiled spinach (contains 1.9 mg of vitamin E)
Half a cup of boiled broccoli (contains 1.2 mg of vitamin E)
Read: 5 best vitamins for hair growth
2.2. Supplement through functional foods
Vitamin E supplements can be purchased at drug stores. Users need to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for use and the dosage recommended by the doctor. Accordingly, vitamin E can be taken with food because it is a fat-soluble vitamin.
Supplements provide synthetic vitamin E, but synthetic vitamin E needs twice as much to function similarly to natural vitamin E.
2.3. Vitamin E oil.
Some oils contain vitamin E. Accordingly, they are diluted with a carrier oil before use to prevent skin irritation.
Vitamin E oil can be applied directly to the scalp. However, refined oils may not be the best choice for everyone because they are expensive and difficult to use.
2.4. Shampoo and conditioner.
You should choose shampoos and conditioners containing essential oils such as lavender, peppermint, and tea tree to add nutrients to your hair. During the washing process, you need to wait a few minutes for vitamin E to absorb before washing as usual.
2.5. Hair mask
Hair masks have a soothing effect on the scalp. Enhance vitamin E in the process of applying a hair mask by combining it with pureed ingredients such as:
1 avocado
1 banana
1 tablespoon avocado oil
1 tablespoon coconut oil
1 tablespoon honey
Or by buying hair mask products:
Moisturizing Argan Oil Mask
HIS Professional Argan Oil Smoothing Hair Mask
InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask
How to use the hair mask:
Use your fingers to apply the mask on your scalp
Leave on for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on the instructions for use
Wash off with warm water or shampoo
Read: Best essential oils for hair growth
3. Risk of excess or deficiency of vitamin E
Studies have shown that vitamin E is not effective in preventing or treating cancer and does not protect against cardiovascular disease. In addition, vitamin E supplements can be harmful to health because they can interfere with the action of certain medications and therapies.
Undiluted vitamin E oil may cause skin irritation or rash. Despite the unwanted effects, scientists still cannot deny that vitamin E is an important nutrient for skin and hair.
It is possible to overdose on Vitamin E through functional drugs. Therefore, users need to follow the manufacturer’s or doctor’s recommendations regarding dosage. Risks of vitamin E overdose include:
Disorders of thyroid hormone production
Weakens bones
Increased risk of prostate cancer
Vitamin E poisoning
Therefore, you need to talk to your doctor before adding vitamin E to your daily diet.
The average adult only needs 15 milligrams (22.4 IU) of vitamin E per day, with no more than 1,500 IU of natural vitamin E or 1,100 IU of synthetic vitamin E per day.
Many studies prove vitamin E has very good effects on the skin and hair. However, to ensure effectiveness, you need to adhere to the correct dosage, and avoid abuse.
Best to be on the safe side, you should get vitamin e through a healthy diet.