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The days of nutrients and food ingredients only going inside our bodies are long gone: These days, we use everything from vitamins and minerals on our skin, nails, and now, hair. While it’s important to eat everything you need for a healthy body, we now know there are big benefits to topical applications, too.
We tapped dermatologists Hannah Kopelman, DO, and Serena Mraz, MD, to learn which antioxidants can provide the biggest benefits for our hair and scalp. Ahead, we'll break down everything you need to know about antioxidants for hair.
Meet the Experts
- Hannah Kopelman, DO, is a skin and hair expert and a dermatologist for Kopelman Hair Restoration.
- Serena Mraz, MD, is a board-certified dermatologist with Solano Dermatology and Associates in Vallejo, California.
What Are Antioxidants?
Antioxidants are a category of compounds that reverse oxidation—and oxidation is what creates those dreaded free radicals we’re always hearing about. Those are damaging compounds.
You can think of antioxidants as one of your best weapons in the fight against aging. Antioxidants are used by your body to combat free radicals, whether from chemicals in the air or your natural aging process. They're used as preservatives for food and stabilizers for cosmetics, and you get them naturally in the wholesome foods you eat, where they help prevent diseases.
How Can Antioxidants Benefit Your Hair?
The better question is: What can’t antioxidants do for your hair? “Antioxidants are essential because they help neutralize free radicals, which are harmful molecules that can damage your hair at the cellular level,” Kopelman explains. “This damage can lead to weakened hair, increased shedding, and even premature graying;” so, “by incorporating antioxidants, whether through diet or topical products, you’re essentially protecting your hair from the environmental stressors that can accelerate aging and damage.”
The Best Antioxidants for Hair
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Vitamin A
You’re probably familiar with vitamin A in your skincare, where it’s known as retinol. “Vitamin A is crucial for hair growth [and] hair and scalp health,” says Mraz. “Adequate quantities help keep the hair from becoming dry and brittle and help prevent easy breakage. It also is vital for hair growth and works as an antioxidant to work against hair loss and accelerated greying of the hair.” Adds Kopelman: “When patients come to me with issues like dry, brittle hair or a flaky scalp, I often look at their vitamin A levels.”
Vitamin A is found in foods such as sweet potatoes, carrots, and leafy greens. Both doctors note that while you need an adequate amount of it, too much can result in hair loss.
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Vitamin C
“Vitamin C is vital for collagen production, which is crucial for hair structure and strength. It also plays a key role in helping the body absorb iron, a mineral necessary for hair growth,” says Kopelman. She recommends increasing vitamin C to her patients experiencing thinning and those who want to improve their density. “It’s particularly beneficial for those [with] weak or thinning hair,” she notes. Vitamin C also “has potent anti-inflammatory properties which can play a key role in maintaining a healthy scalp and combatting dandruff and other inflammatory scalp conditions,” Mraz tells us.
Mraz suggests using shampoo and/or conditioner with the ingredient in addition to consuming foods like citrus, bell peppers, and cruciferous veggies. "Topical treatments with vitamin C can also help protect the hair from oxidative damage, making it a versatile addition to any hair care routine," adds Kopelman.
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Vitamin E
“Vitamin E is a powerhouse [for] promoting healthy hair,” Kopelman says. “It’s well-known for its ability to improve blood circulation, which, in turn, enhances hair growth by ensuring that the hair follicles receive the nutrients they need.”
Beyond getting it from foods like avocados and nuts, vitamin E is available in oils and serums: "An additional boost to the scalp can further promote hair shine and vibrance," notes Mraz. Who can benefit from it most? "I often recommend vitamin E to patients looking to improve the thickness and strength of their hair, or those dealing with scalp issues like dryness or irritation," Kopelman says.
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Polyphenols
You likely know these as the potent antioxidants that make olive oil, green tea, and dark chocolate so healthful. Mraz says polyphenols are "used by our microbiome to form potent and beneficial post-biotic compounds." As for hair, "polyphenols… help delay the onset of grey hair, improve hair vitality, protect the hair and scalp from ultraviolet damage, stimulate hair growth and prolong the growth phase of hair."
Kopelman often recommends "polyphenol-rich products or diets to patients looking to enhance the thickness and overall health of their hair." Additionally, "topical applications, such as those containing green tea extracts, can also be beneficial for those dealing with scalp issues or wanting to boost hair growth," she says.
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Selenium
If you've ever dealt with an autoimmune issue, you probably know about selenium. It has benefits for your hair in addition to its immune system-modulating abilities. "It plays a supportive role in both antioxidative effects and the maintenance of cellular function involved in hair growth and maintenance," says Mraz. "Additionally, selenium has potent anti-inflammatory properties and [is] a mainstay for combatting scalp inflammation and conditions like dandruff."
“For those with dandruff or a flaky scalp, selenium can be a game-changer,” Kopelman tells us. She says that “it’s found in foods like Brazil nuts, seafood, and eggs, or can be taken as a supplement. Additionally, selenium sulfide is an active ingredient in many medicated shampoos designed to treat dandruff and scalp issues.”
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Niacinamide
Also known as vitamin B3, niacinamide “enhances the skin barrier, reduces inflammation, and increases the moisture retention of the scalp, which is essential for healthy hair growth,” explains Kopelman. “I recommend niacinamide to patients with irritated or sensitive scalps, or those looking to improve hair density and shine.”
Beyond that, Mraz says that “niacinamide is involved in the synthesis of keratin, a major structural protein of the hair shaft” and combats inflammation, too. Beyond the fish, meat, and whole grains you consume for B3, you can find it in everything from serums to shampoos, and everyone can benefit from it.
The Final Takeaway
Antioxidants—compounds that fight oxidative stress—are essential to hair and scalp health. They help with everything from combatting dandruff to increasing shine. The category includes vitamins, nutrients, and minerals including vitamins A, C, and E and polyphenols. You get them from the whole foods you eat, but they can often provide an extra boost when used topically; they can be found in haircare products such as shampoo, conditioner, and leave-in serums. Whether you're dealing with a hair or scalp issue or want to prevent one, they're an excellent addition to your haircare routine.
