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While Vitamin C is best known for its skin-brightening and glow-enhancing properties, it’s also incredibly beneficial for your hair. In fact, there are now products specifically designed to infuse your hair with the power of vitamin C.
Why? You may have come across the concept of 'skinification,' where skincare ingredients are being used in hair care. Given that the scalp is essentially an extension of your facial skin, it stands to reason that it too can benefit from the goodness of vitamin C. To get the facts, we consulted with several hair care professionals.
Getty ImagesBenefits of Vitamin C for Hair Health
According to Valerie Aparovich, a biochemist and certified aesthetician, Vitamin C functions similarly in hair care as it does in skincare. Here are some of the key advantages of incorporating vitamin C into your hair care routine.
Prevents Oxidative Damage
"Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant that helps reduce cellular damage caused by free radicals. It also protects against oxidative stress from environmental factors like pollution and UV rays, benefiting both your skin and hair," explains Aparovich. So, if your hair has endured environmental damage, vitamin C can work to restore its vitality.
Boosts Collagen Production
Dermatologist Dr. Noreen Galaria, MD, FAAD, explains that vitamin C can also stimulate collagen production on the scalp, just as it does for the skin. She notes that this helps enhance scalp and hair health, promoting hair growth.
Imparts Shine
"[Vitamin C] can smooth the hair and enhance its shine," Galaria shares. "Imagine damaged hair strands like shingles on a roof, all lifted. Vitamin C helps to flatten and tighten them, making the hair appear shinier, more hydrated, and better shielded from styling stress."
How to Apply Vitamin C to Your Hair
The frequency of using vitamin C on your hair depends on the product you're using. If you’re using a vitamin C shampoo and conditioner, it's straightforward. Aparovich explains that they can be used regularly, in line with your usual hair-washing routine.
"Vitamin C hair masks can be used once or twice a week for a strong effect, and the application of vitamin C hair serums varies depending on the product's instructions," she notes. "For example, some should be applied after washing, others to the scalp an hour before washing, and some are meant to stay on overnight. Be sure to read the label to apply your product properly."
No matter how often you use them, here are some of the top vitamin C hair care products to consider.
- Shampoos. Look for shampoos containing vitamin C or citrus extracts (like orange or lemon). These help gently cleanse the scalp and remove buildup.
- Conditioners. Vitamin C conditioners are beneficial for smoothing hair and boosting shine. The vitamin also strengthens the hair shaft, reducing breakage.
- Hair serums. Vitamin C serums are highly concentrated and can be directly applied to the scalp and hair to provide a potent dose of the vitamin, aiding in collagen production.
- Hair masks. Vitamin C-infused hair masks provide deep treatments that repair damaged hair and nourish the scalp. They often work better than shampoos and conditioners because they remain on the hair longer, allowing for better absorption of vitamin C.
- Vitamin C-rich foods. You don’t have to apply vitamin C topically to experience its benefits. Consuming a diet rich in vitamin C can also support hair health. Fruits like oranges and guava, for instance, can be added to your morning smoothie for a tasty boost.
Generally, there are no contraindications for regularly using cosmetic products with vitamin C. "It’s a relatively safe ingredient that doesn’t cause many side effects," explains Aparovich. "However, some individuals may experience allergic reactions, so it’s important to perform a patch test before fully incorporating a new product to avoid any unwanted reactions."
Which Hair Types Should Benefit from Vitamin C?
Yvey Valcin, a master hairstylist who has worked with top editorial and fashion events like New York, Milan, and Paris Fashion Weeks, recommends vitamin C-based products for thinning hair or hair that has been over-processed. "If you're noticing breakage, that’s the perfect time to introduce vitamin C into your hair care routine," he says. "It will help lock in moisture and provide the nutrients needed to keep your hair healthy."
Aparovich concurs that over-colored, damaged, and brittle hair benefits most from vitamin C due to its antioxidant and strengthening properties. "Vitamin C helps preserve the health of capillaries, which are essential for delivering adequate blood supply to the hair follicles, thus promoting hair growth. It also strengthens the hair’s protective abilities, making it appear healthier and shinier," she explains.
"It’s important to remember that vitamin C is an acid, so it should be used carefully if you have sensitive skin or a sensitive scalp," says Galaria. "If you want to improve your hair’s luster, shine, and hydration but have a sensitive scalp, I advise avoiding direct application to the scalp. Instead, apply it from the middle of the hair shaft down to the ends."
When to Expect Results from Vitamin C
Valcin notes that you can expect to see results in about two to three months. "For the best results, try not to mix it with too many other products or treatments to avoid affecting the effectiveness of the vitamin C," he advises. "To maximize its benefits, focus on using only vitamin C-based products, which will allow you to track your hair's progress more effectively."
Aparovich points out that vitamin E pairs perfectly with vitamin C in haircare. "Vitamin E supports overall hair health and works well with vitamin C," she says. "Look for ingredients like panthenol and betaine as well, as they help improve hair hydration and strength."
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can vitamin C prevent hair thinning or loss?
Vitamin C can play a role in reducing hair thinning or loss. It supports collagen production, which strengthens the hair and nourishes the follicles, helping to keep the hair intact and healthy. Additionally, vitamin C aids the body in absorbing iron, a key mineral for healthy hair growth cycles, which may also help reduce hair loss.
- Do vitamin C hair products break down in water and light?
Vitamin C can degrade when exposed to water or light, reducing its effectiveness in haircare products. Being water-soluble, vitamin C can break down upon prolonged contact with water. UV light also accelerates its oxidation, which is why many vitamin C haircare products come in dark packaging to protect the ingredient.
- Is vitamin C safe for color-treated hair?
Vitamin C is generally safe for color-treated hair, but high concentrations may cause color fading due to its acidic nature. Ascorbic acid, the form of vitamin C commonly found in hair products, can act as a mild bleaching agent, which is why it’s advisable to use hair products specifically formulated for color-treated hair.
