Vitamin E is a fat-soluble and essential nutrient that can provide different health benefits. Vitamin E is also an antioxidant that is extensively used in dermatology. 

The vitamin E family

Vitamin E and the vitamin E family as a whole contain different compounds. Vitamin E includes tocopherols and tocotrienols. These elements might be linked to hair health, as we will explain below.*

When referring to hair, vitamin E might play a role in helping protect the hair from damage caused by the sun, pollution, and other environmental factors.*

How vitamin E benefits hair health

Vitamin E might be beneficial for hair health in several ways. A study found that vitamin E might help with hair growth in people who experience specific hair loss (study).*

This particular study showed that the researched individuals who suffered from hair loss could see an increase in their hair number when supplementing with tocotrienol capsules (tocotrienol is part of the vitamin E family).*

One of the explanations for this result is related to oxidative stress. It is thought that oxidative stress might be a contributor to hair loss. Because Vitamin E is an antioxidant, it may help to reduce oxidative stress in the scalp (study).* 

Vitamin E might also help to support blood flow in the body (study). This potential increase in blood circulation might potentially help nourish the hair follicles and promote growth through the scalp.* More research is needed on this aspect of vitamin E for hair.

You need to take into account that each study mentioned above might have used a specific population of people and a different regimen methodology than the one you could follow. These differences may lead to significantly different results.

Vitamin E is available in supplement form, which we can take orally. Vitamin E also exists in the form of oil, which can be applied topically to the scalp. You may find vitamin E in other formats as well.

When used as a topical serum, vitamin E might help the hair shaft from damage. These applications could allow preventing split ends and breakage. It might also help increase moisture retention in the hair shaft, which helps to keep hair hydrated and healthy.*

Food rich in vitamin E

We can consume Vitamin E in sufficient amounts in the food we consume. Some good sources of vitamin E include wheat germ oil, almonds, sunflower seeds, pumpkin, red bell peppers, and spinach.  

Other vitamins to promote hair health

Vitamin A

On the most basic level, vitamin A generally helps our cells to grow.* This support for cell growth may our hair grow as well (read article on by the Cleveland clinic).

Vitamin A may be helpful in supporting hair beauty and wellness because it may play a role in the production of sebum (study). Sebum is an oily substance that helps to keep your scalp moisturized. However, some people may produce too much sebum, which might lead to a buildup on the skin and the scalp. Reducing sebum production in those individuals might lead to a more beautiful hairline, even if this is a question of taste.*

You can get Vitamin A from foods like eggs, carrots, and spinach.

Vitamin B7 (biotin)

Biotin is a water-soluble vitamin that is part of the Vitamin B complex. Biotin is essential for cell growth by enhancing protein synthesis (study).* Biotin may also help with the metabolism of fat because it can act as a co-enzyme to help break down foods. 

Biotin deficiency may also lead to hair loss.* Still, it's essential to measure the level of biotin deficiency before using biotin indiscriminately (study).* Another study on individuals suffering from poor hair or nail growth showed that biotin supplementation might have led to improvements after receiving biotin in those specific subjects (study).*

Foods rich in biotin include egg yolks, peanuts, and salmon among many others.

Hair vitamins 

Vitamins are essential for good health and may play a series of roles in our bodies. As explained, vitamin E for hair may include supporting the wellness of your hair!* Other vitamins may also play a role for to support your hair beauty and health.

As always, talk to your doctor before taking any supplements. Get professional advice if you think you might need a vitamin E supplement or are already taking one to ensure you're not exceeding the amounts you may need.