Whether consumed or applied directly, did you know that vitamin C has some great benefits for your clients’ hair – including helping to prevent hair loss and thinning hair? We spoke to a Trichologist and a Nutritional Therapist to find out what they had to say on the topic…
In What Ways Can Vitamin C Benefit Scalp and Hair Health – and How Can it Help to Prevent Hair Loss?
“Vitamin C is a great ingredient for the hair and scalp when used topically,” says Anabel Kingsley, Brand President and Consultant Trichologist at Philip Kingsley. “For the scalp it can protect against external aggressors and free radical damage, and for the hair it is a fantastic ingredient for removing build up to reveal your strands’ natural radiance and shine.”
Meanwhile, including vitamin C in your diet can also boost hair health, with Sarah Williamson, Nutritional Therapist and co-founder of WomenWise, explaining: “Firstly, vitamin C supports the cells at the base of the hair follicle, supporting healthy growth and reducing oxidative stress that can damage hair follicle cells. Healthy hair follicles equal healthy hair.
“However, did you know that both women and men produce testosterone naturally? A form of testosterone called 5-alpha DHT can be toxic to the hair root. This can contribute to male pattern baldness and thinning hair – but brilliantly, vitamin C can reduce its formation, thus preventing hair loss.
“Finally, vitamin C also optimises collagen formation, which strengthens hair follicles and promotes growth.”
How Can Clients Incorporate Vitamin C Into Their Haircare Routines?
Clients can utilise the benefits of vitamin C by incorporating products which contain this nutrient into their routine, explains Anabel. “We have our Vitamin C Jelly Detoxing Hair and Scalp Treatment which removes 38% more product build-up, 31% more mineral build up from hard water and 11% more pollution that shampooing alone.”
Meanwhile, Sarah explains that clients can boost vitamin C in their diets by consuming foods such as peppers, strawberries, citrus fruits, broccoli and brussel sprouts. Supplementation can also be a great way to increase vitamin C levels, with Sarah adding: “Vitamin C is water soluble so there is very little risk with taking it; some people struggle with gastrointestinal discomfort, however there has been some excellent work creating liposomal vitamin C that doesn’t cause digestion issues and is highly absorbable, such as Altrient Lipsomal Vitamin C.” Plus, according to Princeton Consumer Research, this can also lead to smoother, more hydrated skin, and improvement in fine lines.
Are There Any Other Nutrients That Can Benefit Hair Health?
“Vitamin B12 helps your body metabolise amino acids (the building blocks of hair), and helps keep your red blood cells healthy, allowing them to supply adequate oxygen to your tissues, including your hair follicles.” Explains Anabel.
Sarah also suggests advising any clients on a predominantly plant-based diet to consider supplementing vitamin A, found in animal foods, and a high-quality vitamin B complex.
Top Tips From a Trichologist
Anabel also shares the three things she believes all hair professionals should know:
- To moisturise the scalp, you should rehydrate with a water-based toner.
- If a client is experiencing an irritated scalp, suggest a hydrating serum, which can gently exfoliate the scalp and also helps to regulate oil production.
- Frequent shampooing is good for the scalp – and thus hair health. Try to leave no more than two days between shampoos. You take your hair and scalp to the same places you take your face, and it gets just as dirty. Your scalp is also a living tissue; it sweats, produces oils and sheds skin cells.
Did you know that both women and men produce testosterone naturally? A form of testosterone called 5-alpha DHT can be toxic to the hair root. This can contribute to male pattern baldness and thinning hair – but brilliantly, vitamin C can reduce its formation, thus preventing hair loss.
Sarah Williamson
