If you’re a beauty lover, you’ve probably heard of the “skinification of hair” trend. Basically, it’s a nod to the act of caring for hair as we do our skin– which for many of us includes multi-step routines and a laundry list of different ingredients and products. Another element of this trend is actually using ingredients and products that you use on your face but on your hair (and also showing your scalp some love). One buzzy one is hyaluronic acid and another is oil. But, what kind of oil? Because we know they’re not all the same.

Vitamin E is known for its ability to nourish, smooth, and heal the skin, but what does it do for the hair and scalp? And should you even be using it on your strands? We went straight to the experts to get their take on vitamin E oil for hair. If you have dry, thinning hair, you’ll want to keep scrolling to read all about the transformative powers this oil can have.

What is Vitamin E?

“Vitamin E is a fat-soluble vitamin and a common skincare cosmetic ingredient in the form of tocopherol,” explains dermatologist, James Kilgour, MD. “It is a potent antioxidant, which is beneficial for the skin and scalp not just by directly shielding from environmental stress, but also because it can help stabilize the other anti-aging ingredients in a cosmetic formulation.”

Benefits of Vitamin E Oil for Hair

Taking advantage of vitamin E oil for hair may include consuming vitamin E oil-rich foods, applying vitamin E oil to the scalp and hair, and taking oral supplements. There are several vitamin E oil hair products on the market if you don’t want to create your own hair solution. You can also purchase dropper vials of vitamin E oil for hair or cut open oral capsules to use the oil directly on the hair and scalp. The benefits of vitamin E oil for hair may include:

• Vasodilation and vasoconstriction properties: “[Vitamin E oil] has been shown to increase blood supply to the scalp,” dermatologist, Shari Sperling, MD, says. Increased blood supply encourages hair growth.
• Scalp Rejuvenation: Vitamin E oil provides conditioning to the scalp itself, as it “increases moisture to the skin and helps those with dry, flaky scalps,” Dr. Sperling says. The potent antioxidants may help to create a healthy scalp environment, as it does for other areas of skin on the body.
• Hair Growth: Trichologist, Gretchen Friese explains how improved blood supply boosts hair growth, saying, “Vitamin E may help create a healthy scalp environment because it stimulates the capillaries, which increases the blood flow to the scalp and encourages hair growth.”
• Prevents hair loss: Another benefit of vitamin E oil for hair can be the prevention of breaking down existing hair follicles: “Vitamin E has natural antioxidant effects that may assist with maintaining hair growth. These antioxidant properties can help reduce the amount of oxidative stress and free radicals that may cause the hair follicle cells to break down,” Friese says.
• Increases hair shine: According to our experts, one of the immediate benefits of vitamin E oil for hair is the boost of shine it brings to your locks. The moisture vitamin E oil brings to the scalp and hair may help maintain that post-salon shine.
• Enhancing hair strength: Vitamin E oil may strengthen your existing hair follicles. Friese mentions that hair may feel stronger as “It may also help prevent hair breakage and split ends.” Dr. Sperling adds that vitamin E oil for hair “protects it from damage.”
• Shield from environmental stress: Hard water, the sun, and sweat are all environmental stressors that can take a toll on our hair and scalp health. But as Dr. Kilgour says, “Because of its potent antioxidant roles, it can also help shield the scalp from aging environmental stressors.”

Hair Type Considerations

Our experts agree that the benefits of vitamin E oil for hair are shared by all hair types, including natural and color-treated hair. “Because vitamin E adds luster and shine to hair, it is great for any hair type. But it’s especially good for those with coarse, textured, or dry hair, as well as for people looking to balance out the oils on their scalp,” Friese explains.

Hair growth is desirable for all hair types, but vitamin E oil may be especially beneficial to those with thinning hair or experiencing hair loss. However, Dr. Kilgour warns, “Proceed with caution if you are prone to an oily scalp, as you may find a pure vitamin E oil too greasy. With fine hair, you may also find a pure oil too heavy, resulting in a flat, weighted-down look.” Instead, it may be favorable for those who have an oily scalp to use shampoos or conditioners with added vitamin E oil instead of applying the oil directly to the hair/scalp.

It is important to note that vitamin E oil is a potential scalp irritant for those with sensitive scalps and should be used every other day to avoid irritation. Additionally, individuals with thyroid issues or undergoing chemotherapy (two populations who experience hair loss) should consult their doctor before starting any kind of supplements. As always, we recommend trying a patch test before you apply vitamin E oil all over your scalp, just in case you do have a reaction.

How to Use Vitamin E Oil for Hair

Vitamin E oil can be used topically and is available for dietary consumption through whole foods and supplements. “You can opt for supplements if you are not able to include enough Vitamin E-rich foods in your diet. In the case of hair regrowth, if you are not using anything else topically, it may be helpful to do both,” Friese says.

Here are some ways to incorporate vitamin E oil into your hair care routine:

• Add to shampoo or conditioner for amplified shine: If your existing hair care products do not contain vitamin E oil, you can add a few drops to either your shampoo or conditioner every other day to take advantage of the shine-boosting hydration properties our experts mentioned.
• Apply as a transformative leave-in treatment: Friese recommends mixing 3-5 drops of vitamin E oil with a carrier oil such as olive oil or coconut oil and massaging it directly into the scalp post-shower. This concoction will function as an effective leave-in treatment for both your hair and scalp. This can be done up to every other day for those with no known scalp sensitivities.
• Use as a natural detangler: Those with naturally curly or fine hair may apply their vitamin E oil solution to the hair and scalp before their shower. The moisture of the vitamin E oil may aid in the detangling process before shampoo and conditioner for those with natural hair. Fine-haired users may find that they do not need to condition following this pre-shampoo treatment.
• Consume vitamin E oil-rich foods and supplements: Increasing consumption of vitamin E oil-rich foods such as leafy greens, nuts, and seeds may supercharge its benefits. These whole foods may have the added benefit of promoting your overall health and nutrition as well.

Remember, a few drops of vitamin E oil can go a long way. Start with a small amount and gradually increase if needed. Consult with your doctor before incorporating oral vitamin E oil supplements into your routine.