{"id":1244664,"date":"2025-12-26T05:07:17","date_gmt":"2025-12-26T02:07:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1244664"},"modified":"2025-12-26T05:07:17","modified_gmt":"2025-12-26T02:07:17","slug":"what-benefits-does-vitamin-c-have-for-hair","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1244664","title":{"rendered":"What benefits does vitamin C have for hair?"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Vitamin C Can Make Your Hair Super Shiny\u2014Here’s How to Use It <\/h1>\n
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By<\/span><\/p>\n
Caitlin Duggan<\/p>\n
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\"caitlin\"caitlin<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
\nCaitlin Duggan\n<\/div>\n
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    \nCaitlin is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers all things hair, from scalp health to the latest color trends.\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    \nByrdie’s Editorial Guidelines\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    Published on January 24, 2025 08:00AM<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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    In This Article<\/span><\/p>\n
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    View All<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
    In This Article<\/span><\/div>\n
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      What It Is<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Benefits<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Hair Type Considerations<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      Potential Side Effects<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      How to Use<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n
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      The Final Takeaway<\/span><\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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      Liz de Sousa \/ Byrdie<\/p>\n

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      Abundant in fresh fruits and vegetables and known for boosting the immune system, vitamin C is famous in the beauty community for its brightening and glow-enhancing skin benefits. But here\u2019s a surprise: It isn’t just an ingredient for your face and body. As a powerful antioxidant and natural collagen booster, vitamin C is a great addition to your hair and scalp routine, too.\n<\/p>\n

      From promoting new hair growth to enhancing shine, vitamin C is worth seeking out the next time you peruse the haircare aisle. To explore its full benefits, we enlisted board-certified dermatologists Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, and Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, for their expert opinions.<\/p>\n

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      Meet the Experts<\/p>\n

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      • Brendan Camp, MD, FAAD, is a double board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Dermatology in New York City.<\/li>\n
      • Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS: Medical Dermatology and Cosmetic Surgery Centers, and a clinical assistant professor of dermatology at Cornell University.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        Keep reading to learn more about vitamin C for hair, including how to incorporate it into your existing regimen. <\/strong><\/p>\n

        What Is Vitamin C? <\/span><\/h2>\n

        Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is\u00a0a water-soluble nutrient necessary to the human body. It can be found in many fruits and vegetables, including citrus fruits, strawberries, cantaloupe, green peppers, guava, potatoes, tomatoes, broccoli, and leafy greens, as well as supplements.\u00a0\n<\/p>\n

        In skincare, vitamin C is popular for brightening skin dull skin and promoting collagen production. As one of the most powerful antioxidants in the skin, vitamin C has been shown to protect against photoaging and to have an anti-aging effect by increasing collagen synthesis. Typically, vitamin C is applied topically to the skin through serums or moisturizers.\n<\/p>\n

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        Vitamin C for Hair<\/p>\n

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        Type of ingredient:<\/strong> Antioxidant<\/p>\n

        Main benefits:<\/strong> Neutralizes free radical damage, aids in collagen production, and boosts shine<\/p>\n

        Who should use it:<\/strong> In general all hair types can benefit from vitamin C, but it may be especially helpful for those with hair that is dull or susceptible to breakage.<\/p>\n

        How often can you use it: <\/strong>As a topical treatment, it depends on the specific product formulation; many can be used two to three times per week.\u00a0As an oral supplement, vitamin C can be taken daily, but dosage should be discussed with your doctor before starting a new supplement.<\/p>\n

        Works well with:<\/strong> Vitamin\u00a0C\u00a0can be paired with other ingredients such as vitamin E, niacinamide, hydrating ingredients, or caffeine.<\/p>\n

        Don\u2019t use with:<\/strong> Products that alter the pH of skin or hair, such as AHA, BHAs, or alkaline ingredients<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

        Benefits of Vitamin C for Hair <\/span><\/h2>\n

        When applied to the scalp, vitamin C can provide similar benefits as it does in skincare. “Vitamin\u00a0C\u00a0works as an antioxidant to help neutralize free radical damage, which can help maintain scalp health,” Garshick explains. Camp agrees, adding that vitamin C neutralizes free oxygen radicals that develop during the day due to normal metabolism and UV exposure. “Free oxygen radicals [damage] cellular structures like DNA, lipids, and proteins,” Camp explains. Vitamin\u00a0C\u00a0can also help boost collagen production in the scalp and hair, which Garshick says can, in turn, help to strengthen and promote hair health.\n<\/p>\n

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        • Neutralizes free radical damage: <\/strong>Vitamin\u00a0C\u00a0works as an antioxidant to help neutralize free radical damage, which, according to Garshick, can help maintain scalp health. These antioxidant properties of vitamin C are beneficial topically and when orally ingested.<\/li>\n
        • Strengthens the hair:<\/strong> Vitamin C is a known collagen booster, and collagen is a key component of strong hair. “Vitamin\u00a0C\u00a0can help to boost collagen production, which can also help to strengthen and promote hair health,” says Garshick.<\/li>\n
        • Boosts shine: <\/strong>Garshick shares that vitamin C can also brighten and improve the overall shine of the hair. Vitamin C also contributes to a healthy scalp environment, which can influence the appearance of the hair overall.<\/li>\n
        • May prevent hair loss: <\/strong>Camp says vitamin C may interact with DHT, a hormone that contributes to hair loss. “DHT causes miniaturization and shrinkage of the hair follicle. Vitamin C reduces the formation of DHT.” Research has shown vitamin C’s ability to repress DHT, meaning it may help prevent hair loss. <\/li>\n
        • May help promote new hair growth:<\/strong> Garshick shares that “by boosting collagen,\u00a0vitamin\u00a0C\u00a0may help to promote hair regrowth.” Camp adds that vitamin C allows for improved hair growth by reducing the formation of DHT.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

          Hair Type Considerations <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Our experts agree that vitamin C is safe for all hair types, though it may have more benefits for some types than others. Those with color-treated or damaged hair may benefit from the collagen-boosting powers of vitamin C. “It can be used by all hair types but is especially helpful for those with dull hair and hair that is susceptible to breakage,” says Garshick. Camp adds that vitamin\u00a0C\u00a0can be used on most hair types and textures but that people with dry hair may want to exercise more caution, as some hair products remove more oils from the hair shaft and contribute to dryness.\n<\/p>\n

          While all hair types can use vitamin C, Garshick says it is always good to consult a medical professional to determine the underlying cause of hair concerns.\n<\/p>\n

          Potential Side Effects <\/span><\/h2>\n

          While rare, allergic reactions with vitamin C can occur. Additionally, though someone may not have an allergy to vitamin C itself, the other ingredients in a vitamin C product may irritate. “Someone with an allergy to an ingredient in the hair product should avoid it, and those with more sensitive skin may want to apply the product to a test spot on the inside of the elbow for a few days before using it on their scalp,” advises Camp.\n<\/p>\n

          If you experience adverse side effects such as redness, irritation, rashes, itching, tingling, or breakouts, discontinue using the vitamin C product and consult a board-certified dermatologist.<\/p>\n

          How to Use Vitamin C for Hair <\/span><\/h2>\n

          There are many benefits to taking vitamin C orally and using it topically. Vitamin C is an essential supplement for overall health, but unlike most animals, humans cannot synthesize vitamin C due to a missing enzyme. This means that we must depend on dietary sources of vitamin C, like citrus fruits or vitamin supplements, to meet our physiological need for vitamin C.\n<\/p>\n

          In using vitamin C for hair, topical application is most effective for observing the benefits to the scalp and hair follicles. Both experts recommend using pre-formulated products containing vitamin C specifically intended for use on the hair and scalp. Products that are intended for use on the face may contain other ingredients that can damage hair or be too heavy in consistency. Camp suggests closely reading the directions on the product you’re using and following them to a T: “Overzealous application can sometimes lead to scalp or hair irritation, and too little of the product may not [yield] beneficial results.”\n<\/p>\n

          The Final Takeaway <\/span><\/h2>\n

          Vitamin C\u2014found in various fruits and vegetables\u2014is not only an essential nutrient that helps the body function but also an ingredient used in hair care. When applied topically to the hair and scalp, vitamin C provides numerous benefits, such as neutralizing free radical damage, strengthening hair, boosting shine, preventing hair loss, and promoting hair growth. Vitamin C is safe for all hair types and can be found as a supplement and in haircare products such as serums and oils. Allergic reactions to vitamin C are rare, but they can happen. If you experience redness, inflammation, irritation, rashes, breakouts, or burning symptoms, stop using vitamin C haircare products and consult a board-certified dermatologist.\n<\/p>\n

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          FAQ<\/div>\n
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            What benefits does vitamin C have for hair?<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Vitamin\u00a0C\u00a0works as an antioxidant to help neutralize free radical damage, which can help maintain scalp health and boost collagen production in the scalp and hair.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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            What types of hair is vitamin C best for?<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Those with color-treated or damaged hair may benefit most from the collagen-boosting powers of vitamin C.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n

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            Does vitamin C treat hair loss or promote hair growth?<\/span><\/div>\n
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            Research has demonstrated vitamin C’s ability to repress DHT\u2014a hormone that contributes to hair loss\u2014meaning it may help to prevent hair loss.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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            Article Sources<\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n
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            Byrdie takes every opportunity to use high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial guidelines to learn more about how we keep our content accurate, reliable and trustworthy.<\/div>\n
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            1. \n

              Cerullo G, Negro M, Parimbelli M, et al. The long history of vitamin c: from prevention of the common cold to potential aid in the treatment of covid-19.\u00a0Front Immunol<\/em>. 2020;11:574029.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            2. \n

              Boo YC. Ascorbic acid (Vitamin c) as a cosmeceutical to increase dermal collagen for skin antiaging purposes: emerging combination therapies.\u00a0Antioxidants (Basel)<\/em>. 2022;11(9):1663.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            3. \n

              Al-Niaimi F, Chiang NYZ. Topical vitamin c and the skin: mechanisms of action and clinical applications. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. 2017;10(7):14-17.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            4. \n

              Kwack MH, Kim MK, Kim JC, Sung YK. L-ascorbic acid 2-phosphate represses the dihydrotestosterone-induced dickkopf-1 expression in human balding dermal papilla cells. Exp Dermatol. 2010;19(12):1110-1112.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n

            5. \n

              Obi J, Pastores S, Ramanathan L, Yang J, Halpern N. Treating sepsis with vitamin c, thiamine, and hydrocortisone: exploring the quest for the magic elixir.\u00a0J Crit Care<\/em>. 2020;57:231-239.<\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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              Read more:<\/div>\n
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              • Hair<\/span><\/li>\n
              • Haircare<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n

                Source URL: https:\/\/www.byrdie.com\/vitamin-c-for-hair-8715377<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

                Vitamin C Can Make Your Hair Super Shiny\u2014Here’s How to Use It By Caitlin Duggan Caitlin Duggan Caitlin is a contributing writer for Byrdie where she covers all things hair, from scalp health to the latest color trends. Byrdie’s Editorial Guidelines Published on January 24, 2025 08:00AM In This Article View All In This Article […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[83],"class_list":["post-1244664","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-politics","tag-byrdie-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1244664","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1244664"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1244664\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1244664"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1244664"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1244664"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}