The Benefits Of Adding Vitamin C To Your Haircare Routine
It seems like every time you turn around, brands are releasing a new haircare product that claims to improve your hair, but more often than not, you end up wasting money on something that doesn't work. The hair and scalp care industry was worth more than $80 billion in 2020, so it's no surprise beauty brands are churning out gels and sprays left and right, whether or not they actually do anything (via Grand View Research). Believe it or not, there's a natural way to get the hair that you want, and you may already have it in your medicine cabinet.
Yep, we're talking about vitamin C. Not only is it a natural remedy, but it's way less expensive than the majority of the haircare products on the market. There are plenty of vitamin C serums and supplements, but if you have trouble swallowing pills, you can find chewable options too. If you don't already have it in your haircare routine, you need to add it ASAP. Still aren't convinced? Take a look at all the benefits vitamin C can do for your hair, both when ingested and applied topically.
Vitamin C adds shine
Maybe you've always had beautiful, shiny hair, but lately, you've noticed it's been lacking luster. Luckily, vitamin C can help bring that gorgeous shine back into your life. To achieve the lustrous locks you're craving, Mayo Clinic suggests taking 75mg of vitamin C each day for women — just a little more than the amount you would find in an average-sized orange! This doesn't mean you should rely on the fruit to get your daily intake, but if you don't have the supplement available, it's a good option for plan B.
Just like any vitamin, it may take a while for you to notice a change, so don't get discouraged! If you make it a point to use it in your daily haircare routine, sooner or later, you're going to see that gorgeous shine you know and love. As a bonus, you're getting your daily intake of vitamin C. Talk about a win-win!
Removes hair dye
So, you're over your dye job, but don't want to spend the money getting it done professionally. While we do recommend going to a salon, if that isn't on the table, using vitamin C to strip your hair of its artificial color is the next best thing. The reason your hair retains color is because of the chemical bond and molecules your hair contains, per Holleewood Hair. When vitamin C is introduced, it is thought to deconstruct those two things, thereby stripping your hair of its color. Doing so can cause damage to your hair, but there's a small chance of that happening.
To rid your hair of its color, crush up a handful of vitamin C tablets and combine with clarifying shampoo. Apply the mixture to damp hair and make sure you've completely coated the entire shaft to prevent your hair from looking super uneven. Once you've covered your entire head, put on a plastic shower cap and wait half an hour to an hour. After the allotted time is up, rinse out the concoction, then shampoo and condition as you usually do. To keep your hair hydrated, you can use a hair mask or deep-conditioning treatment afterward.
Fights against dandruff
Dandruff is not only frustrating to deal with, but it can be embarrassing too. According to Henry Ford Health, a flaky scalp can be caused by dry skin, irritated skin, and yeast overgrowth, among other instigators. If you've tried every product out there that claims to cure your scalp and get rid of dandruff, but haven't seen results, try vitamin C. It contains a great amount of acidity, which works to battle the bacteria located on the scalp. Additionally, it decreases the amount of follicle debris, which is also evident, especially when wearing black.
To rid your head of dandruff, you can use the mixture we discussed earlier, or add vitamin C to your scalp and massage thoroughly. Leave it on for 30 to 60 minutes, then rinse out as you did with the concoction. Remember, neither a serum nor vitamin C and shampoo are overnight miracle workers, so be patient, and you'll eventually start to see results.
Prevents premature gray hair
Frustrated with those pesky gray hairs that appeared out of nowhere? What's the deal? You're still young, so why is your hair turning gray? You may have an iron or vitamin B12 deficiency you aren't aware of, the Amandeep Hospital explains. Fortunately, vitamin C can help prevent premature graying by increasing the amount of collagen in your hair, which makes the hair follicle structure much stronger (via School of Botanical and Medical Aesthetics). Pigment is located in the follicle, so when the structure improves, your hair is more likely to retain that pigment. Hence, fewer gray hairs.
In this case, the best way to add vitamin C to your haircare routine is by simply taking a supplement on a regular basis, whether it be a capsule or tablet. Keep in mind this is a preventative measure for premature graying and not a cure for regular gray hair. However, if premature graying runs in your family, taking vitamin C reduces the chances of you continuing the pattern.