Close 
Stocksy
In This Article
What Is Vitamin A? Benefits of Vitamin A for Hair What to Consider How to Use It The Final Takeaway
You may already be familiar with vitamin A as a top-tier ingredient in skincare products. The active, more commonly referred to as retinol and retinoids, is known for helping increase cell turnover and diminish fine lines and wrinkles. But does the vitamin have any benefits when it comes to your hair?
It is becoming more and more common for popular skincare buzzwords, such as vitamin C, hyaluronic acid, or glycerin, to pop up on hair product labels. However, there may be different results when it comes to formulating a completely different beauty category. Ahead, we asked experts what exactly vitamin A does for our hair, how to use it in a routine, and who are the best candidates. Read on to learn everything you need to know to make an informed decision about adding vitamin A to your hair routine.
Meet the Experts
- Dr. Marisa Garshick, MD, FAAD, is a board-certified dermatologist at MDCS Medical Dermatology & Cosmetic Surgery.
- Dr. Ross Kopelman is a hair loss specialist and hair restoration surgeon.
What Is Vitamin A?
Vitamin A is an important nutrient in your body. It’s necessary for our immune systems, vision, proper growth and development, organs (including skin), and teeth. You may know this vitamin by some other names. Carotenoids, the antioxidant that colors carrots, are turned into vitamin A by your body. As we mentioned above, you also may know vitamin A by its usage in skincare, where it’s typically referred to as retinol or retinoids.
A lack of vitamin A can cause a host of health problems, but as far as our hair goes, "too little vitamin A can leave your scalp dry and your hair brittle," says hair loss specialist and surgeon Dr. Ross Kopelman.
Benefits of Vitamin A for Hair
- Promote Hair Growth: “In moderation, vitamin A aids in the growth of strong, healthy hair strands,” explains dermatologist Dr. Marisa Garshick. “However, overconsumption has been associated with hair loss.” In other words, moderation is key. Kopelman adds, “The ingredient also plays a role in cell turnover, which is essential for hair follicle health and the growth of strong, resilient hair.”
- Boost Scalp Health: The key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp. The base of your head is where hair growth begins and determines the overall wellness of your strands. “Vitamin A helps regulate sebum production, which keeps your scalp hydrated and prevents dryness or flakiness that could hinder hair growth,” Kopelman tells us.
- Protect Against Breakage: Better hair growth doesn’t do you any good if your hair is constantly breaking, and vitamin A can help. “By supporting overall scalp and follicle health, vitamin A contributes to stronger, less fragile hair,” explains Garshick.
- Strengthen Strands: Even if your hair isn’t breaking, you still want it to be as strong as possible. “Its antioxidant properties help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress,” says Garshick, who adds that this means your hair is also less likely to feel brittle. You may also notice your hair appearing softer and shinier than before once you have a sufficient amount of vitamin A.
What to Consider
Everyone needs a sufficient amount of vitamin A in their lives, but making a point of getting extra isn't a fit for everyone. It can actually have negative effects if used in excess. That being said, there are a few cases that make this ingredient a prime candidate for your haircare routine.
If your hair feels brittle or fragile, you may benefit from vitamin A. "Those with dry scalp, brittle hair, or hair thinning due to poor nutrition may benefit from vitamin A," says Garshick. "It’s particularly helpful for individuals with a vitamin deficiency affecting their hair health."
While we mentioned vitamin A can boost hair growth, those dealing with hair loss should exercise caution before using the ingredient. "If you're already experiencing hair loss, I’d advise against taking vitamin A supplements without consulting a specialist, as excessive doses can make the problem worse," warns Kopelman. "Too much can actually lead to hair loss by disrupting the natural growth cycle." Garshick also warns against overconsumption as well as a word of caution to anyone having a baby. "Pregnant individuals should also consult a doctor, as high doses can harm fetal development," Garshick explains.
How to Use It
There are several options for consuming more vitamin A. While it is always fun to add a new product into your rotation, both of our experts recommend adding more foods rich in this nutrient into your diet first. "For best usage, I always tell my patients to focus on natural dietary sources to ensure a balanced intake," suggests Kopelman. Similarly, Garshick recommends focusing on vitamin A-rich foods like carrots, sweet potatoes, spinach, and eggs to maintain balanced levels naturally.
The next level up is using vitamin A topically. "Certain hair oils or serums may be formulated with safe levels of Vitamin A derivatives, like retinol or retinoids, ensuring they’re compatible with your scalp type," says Garshick.
Lastly, you can take vitamin A as a supplement. “If you’re considering a supplement, stick to the recommended daily allowance—usually around 700 to 900 micrograms for adults—and check with your healthcare provider to confirm it’s safe for your specific situation,” says Kopelman. Should you choose to go that route, Garshick recommends adding other vitamins into the mix. “You can combine oral vitamin A with other vitamins like vitamin E, and zinc for a synergistic effect to help overall scalp and hair health,” she says. Before beginning any new supplement, you should always check with your healthcare provider.
The Final Takeaway
Vitamin A is an essential nutrient for our bodies, and it plays an important role in the health of our scalp and hair. It can make hair softer and shinier, promote hair growth, and boost scalp health. Incorporate vitamin A-rich foods into your diet, use it topically in hair products, or take it as a supplement. However, too much of this ingredient can lead to negative effects, so make sure to maintain safe levels. If you want to consider taking a supplement, speak to your healthcare provider first to ensure you're a proper candidate for it.
