Published on November 2, 2021. Last Updated on December 2, 2021.
What is Vitamin C: Vitamin C, also known as ascorbic acid, is an essential vitamin responsible for creating and maintaining collagen – “the glue that holds the body together.” Vitamin C works on multiple fronts within the body, from strengthening blood vessels, giving skin its elasticity and strength, and providing us with anti-aging effects via its powerful antioxidants. Recently, vitamin c for hair is being explored for its possible uses for hair growth. Is vitamin C good for hair? We will cover this and more and how vitamin C for hair growth can be used to help optimize your hair.
Other names for vitamin C include L-ascorbic acid and L-ascorbate. It is naturally occurring in some foods, mainly fruits, and vegetables.
Vitamin C is also available in natural oral supplements. It is important to note that the best form of vitamin C from oral supplements is ascorbic acid, the form of vitamin C most easily and readily absorbed by the body.
Why Do We Need Vitamin C?
Vitamin C is water-soluble, and the body cannot store too much of it in our system. Therefore, it is essential to ensure that you have enough vitamin C in your diet, or through supplementation, to utilize vitamin C’s wide-ranging benefits for your hair, nails, and skin.
More so, a deficiency in vitamin C can lead to bleeding gums, frequent bruising, infections, poor wound healing, anemia, and scurvy.
Health Benefits of Vitamin C
It is a commonly held belief that vitamin C helps boost the immune system to protect against bacteria, viruses, and sickness. This is true! Yet, vitamin C goes much further than that to help the body in terms of health:
- Prevent or treat the common cold
- Supports tissues
- Supports bone health
- Help absorb iron to prevent iron deficiency
- Help wounds heal faster
- Help lower blood pressure
- May reduce bad cholesterol
- Fight effects of aging
- Prevent effects of UV or sun damage
- Defend against hyperpigmentation
- Stimulate collagen production
- Improve skin texture and quality
- Provide healthy, glowing skin
- Treat sunburn
- Help with Eczema
- Help prevent gout attacks
Did you know that by consuming more vitamin C alone, you can “increase your blood antioxidant levels by up to 30%?”
This is a powerful boost to the body’s immune system to fight against inflammation.
Due to vitamin C’s many health benefits, ranging from its antioxidative properties and its relationship with collagen, vitamin C is essential not just for health but for the body’s beauty as well. Due to vitamin C’s relationship in creating and maintaining collagen, vitamin C is also known for its role in helping us achieve healthier, glowing skin, as well as happy, healthy hair.
Benefits of Vitamin C for Hair Growth
Vitamin C is much more than just an antioxidant. Vitamin C also plays an important role in improving the health of our hair. There are many benefits that vitamin C provides for the hair:
- Improves hair growth
- Fights dandruff
- Stops hair loss
- Thickens hair
- Fights hair disorders
- Prevents hair greying
In fact, vitamin C is one of the most effective natural nutrients to help grow and strengthen hair due to its creating and maintaining collagen. Collagen is crucial for hair growth, as well as to maintain the strength of the hair. More so, vitamin C helps the body absorb iron, which keeps the hair strong and healthy.
Additionally, vitamin C also has benefits for the cardiovascular system as well:
- Helps widen blood vessels
- Improves nitric oxide production
- Helps reduce plaque in blood vessels
Due to these qualities, vitamin C can help widen and expand blood vessels so that vital nutrients can better reach all areas of the body, including the scalp and hair follicles. This is critically important to hair growth as we cannot grow hair without having enough nutrients, vitamins, and minerals reaching the hair follicles.
2018 Study on Vitamin C for Hair Loss
In this 2018 study, researchers explore the effects of certain vitamins, such as vitamin C, on hair loss.
As part of the background to the study, these researchers noted how in sailors suffering from scurvy (a condition that results from the lack of vitamin C within the body), this vitamin C deficiency results in skin hemorrhage and hair loss.
Additionally, the study also states how vitamin C assists in the mobilization and absorption of iron within the body. Due to this important function, enough vitamin C intake is necessary for patients with “hair loss associated with iron deficiency.” Therefore, sufficient vitamin C intake is an important part of optimizing hair health and hair growth.
2009 Study on Vitamin C (Ascorbic Acid) Promoting Hair Growth
In this 2009 study, researchers investigated whether the “promotion of hair growth” is affected by ascorbic acid 2-phosphate (Asc 2-P), a “derivative of l-ascorbic acid.” In this study, human hair follicles and mice were given Asc 2-P, and hair growth and hair shaft elongation were measured.
The study results show that vitamin C, in the form of Asc 2-P, increased the “DP of human hair follicles.” Therefore, this study also supports how ascorbic acid, a form of vitamin C, can help induce “proliferation of follicular keratinocytes and stimulate hair follicle growth,” making vitamin C a possible substance to help promote hair growth and hair health in general.
Vitamin C, Iron, Beauty & Menstruation
Notably, women lose iron through blood loss during the menstrual cycle. Women also tend to eat less red meat, a dense source of iron. Iron is not just essential for hair but overall beauty and well-being. Having too low iron in your body can develop anemia, resulting in feelings of fatigue and weakness.
Vitamin C Benefits for Skin
Vitamin C is also responsible for maintaining healthy skin by creating and promoting the expansion of collagen and the creation of ligaments and scar tissue. This healthy maintenance and healing of the skin are done through vitamin C’s antioxidants, which all work together to help slow the aging process by keeping wrinkles, dryness, and aging lines away. Some of vitamin C’s benefits for the skin include:
- Enhances skin quality and suppleness
- Restores skin health
- Helps protect skin against UV damage
- Boosts wound healing
- Enhances skin glow
- Reduces wrinkles and other signs of skin aging
More so, collagen that vitamin C helps produce is a vital component in many fibrous tissues such as:
- Tendons
- Skin
- Ligaments
- Cornea
- Cartilage
- Bones
- Gut
- Blood vessels
Vitamin C Safety Profile
As stated by the EWG, vitamin C scores a 1 on the EWG safety score sheet, which states that it has no risks of cancer, developmental or reproductive toxicity, nor any allergies or immunotoxicity.
Vitamin C Recommended Dosage
The recommended daily intake for vitamin C is 90 mg for adults and children aged 4 and above, regardless of gender.
Do people who smoke need more Vitamin C?
Smoking and exposure to other pollutants can lead to oxidative stress. Although vitamin C does reduce oxidative stress, people who smoke tend to have lower levels of vitamin C than those who do not smoke – perhaps due to having higher levels of oxidative stress.
To help counteract this deficiency in vitamin C, it is recommended that smokers include an extra 35 mg of vitamin C to help reduce the oxidative stress of smoking within the body.
Vitamin C Maximum Recommended Dosage
The recommended maximum intake of vitamin C for adults is 2,000 mg per day.
Yet, although 2,000 mg per day is the maximum recommended amount, taking more than 1,000 mg of vitamin C per day can lead to the body not absorbing it.
More so, this can lead to gastrointestinal problems such as diarrhea or discomfort.
Additionally, taking too much vitamin C, as in above the 1,000 mg mark, may lead to the development of kidney stones.
So although medical experts do state that the maximum recommended dose of vitamin C is 2,000 mg, it is advisable to take only up to 1,000 mg of vitamin C.
It is important to note that to optimize hair health or help combat hair loss or other forms of alopecia, anything below 1,000 mg of vitamin C is more than enough.
Foods Rich in Vitamin C
Due to vitamin C’s water-solubility, it is important to get vitamin C from fresh fruits and vegetables due to its water-solubility. Some foods that include a good dosage of vitamin C include:
- Kakadu Plums
- Acerola Cherries
- Rose Hips
- Oranges
- Lemons
- Lychees
- Guava
- Strawberries
- Blackcurrants
- Kiwi Fruit
- Cantaloupe
- Papayas
- Watermelon
- American Persimmons
- Kale
- Broccoli
- Brussel Sprouts
- Mustard Spinach
- Thyme
- Parsley
- Red & Green Peppers
- Sweet Yellow Peppers
- Chili Peppers
- Sweet Potatoes
- Potatoes
It is interesting to note that out of all these options, Kakadu plums contain the highest known concentration of vitamin C, containing up to 100 times more vitamin C than oranges.
Just one plum contains 481 mg of vitamin C, which is 530% of the DV.
More so it is important to note that due to its water solubility, vitamin C is easily lost if the food is overcooked or boiled. It is best to get your dietary vitamin C in raw versions of these foods.
Note that sometimes, if you are experiencing hair loss, eating enough vitamin C in your diet may not be enough. If you are looking for an alternative way to supplement yourself with enough dietary vitamin C to help boost your hair or skin health, or combat hair loss, consider vitamin C oral supplements.
Vitamin C Supplementation Guide
Oral vitamin C supplements come in many forms:
- Ascorbic Acid
- Mineral Ascorbates (Sodium Ascorbate, Calcium Ascorbate)
- Ascorbic Acid with bioflavonoids
Out of all these options, vitamin C in the form of ascorbic acid is generally the best choice due to its high levels of bioavailability – the mark of how well your body absorbs and utilizes the vitamin.
Harness The Vitamin C Infused Power of Dr.UGro All-Natural GASHEE Oral Hair Supplements
Vitamin C, as well as a range of other natural ingredients essential to hair growth, are among the many powerful plant-based ingredients found in Dr.UGro Gashee Oral Hair Supplements. Gashee Oral Supplements have been carefully formulated with the most effective dosage of vitamin C and other vitamins, minerals, and ingredients to help maximize vitamin C’s effects on your hair growth and hair health. To help increase the feel and appearance of hair density, thickness, and volume, or to help regrow hair loss or aid hair growth, take 4 capsules a day.
VIDEO: Dr. UGro Gashee Topicals: Before & After Results
Unfortunately, due to the effects of aging and time, or even stress, our hair health can deteriorate due to these factors. If you are experiencing symptoms of hair loss, alopecia, hair thinning, hairline recession, or any other hair-health-related issues, you may relate with Diane’s story and how she was able to overcome these challenges using natural, botanical means with Dr.UGro Gashee Topical Pomade and Oral Supplements for hair health.
Meet Diane: For Diane, it was possibly the heart-wrenching passing of her parents and siblings that had possibly attributed to her hair loss. Looking for a solution to maintain or improve her hair health, some of the symptoms of hair loss and challenges that she had to deal with include:
- Decrease in quality of hair
- Decrease in quality of hair texture
- Patchy hair
- Frail hair
- Sparse hair
- Parts of scalp exposed
- Lack of volume on edges & temples
The Beginning of Diane’s Journey in Recovering Her Hair Health
It all began with Diane noticing that the texture and thickness of her hair had changed. With some of her hair gone or thinning out, her scalp began to show exposed patches, and the hair along her edges and temples was beginning to grow short, lacking in volume, overall fullness, and was all beginning to break. At this point, was when Diane decided it was time to find help.
As her husband had pointed out, it seems that the recent tumultuous and unfortunate events within Diane’s personal life were starting to take a toll on her, and it may have shown in the state of her hair health. Yet, even in this moment of struggle, Diane was able to personally triumph over this personal tragedy and gain noticeable results for her hair using Dr.UGro Products: Pomade Topical & Oral Supplements.
In the video below, you can watch Diane’s testimonial on Gashee Pomade and Oral Supplements, and how they have helped her in her journey towards better hair health.
Dr. UGro Gashee: Before & After Pictures – Hair Health Improvement Results
Within months, Diane was able to see, feel, and notice a considerable difference in her hair health, thickness, and volume. Dr. UGro Gashee’s natural hair growth results: before and after several months of consistent usage. Note how in Diane’s case, there is a remarkable improvement in the fullness, length, texture, sheen, shine, and visual health of her hair.
What an amazing feeling it was for Diane to see and feel her hair growing back fuller! According to Diane, “there was a striking difference in her hair in comparison to pictures she’d taken before using the products.”
“There was a striking difference in my hair in comparison the [what it was] before using Dr.UGro Gashee Natural Hair Health Products!”
“It has changed my life.”
“It has changed my life,” Diane said with a smile. “In terms of how I see myself and how I am confident in appearing in the outside world.”
For more of Diane’s personal testimonial, of her story, her results, and her happiness and satisfaction with Dr. UGro GASHEE Natural Hair Growth Products, visit Diane’s full interview here.
What Makes Dr.UGro Gashee Hair-Growth Products Different
Dr. UGro Gashee Products are uniquely formulated by Dr. Sanusi Umar, a double-licensed dermatologist, and pioneer of the FUE hair transplant method with over 25 years of experience in the field.
Unlike other hair health and hair improvement products in the market, Dr. UGro Gashee Products uses a powerful blend of natural plant-based ingredients that have been cold-formulated to maximize each plant’s unique properties, delivery, and penetration, combining them to stimulate different pathways and functions within the body to maximize hair health. This is why GASHEE Products have been able to deliver hair health improvements with more significant results than other medicines, treatments, prescribed or over-the-counter.
If you are tired of trying products that do not help improve hair health and want to try an all-natural and healthy approach to improving your hair health, try our Dr. UGro Gashee All-Natural Hair Care Products today!
Related Articles on Hair Loss & Hair Health
For additional information regarding hair loss and hair health-related ingredients that you may find useful, visit the new articles below.
References
- Healthline. 2021. 7 Impressive Benefits of Vitamin C Supplements. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-benefits#1.-May-reduce-your-risk-of-chronic-disease> [Accessed 3 November 2021].
- My Hair Doctor | Prescription Haircare. 2021. THE BEAUTY OF VITAMIN C – My Hair Doctor | Prescription Haircare. [online] Available at: <https://myhairdoctor.com/the-beauty-of-vitamin-c/> [Accessed 3 November 2021].
- Almohanna, H., Ahmed, A., Tsatalis, J. and Tosti, A., 2021. The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review.
- Kwack, M., Shin, S., Kim, S., Im, S., Han, I., Kim, M., Kim, J. and Sung, Y., 2021. l-Ascorbic acid 2-phosphate promotes elongation of hair shafts via the secretion of insulin-like growth factor-1 from dermal papilla cells through phosphatidylinositol 3-kinase.
- Medicalnewstoday.com. 2021. Vitamin C: Why we need it, sources, and how much is too much. [online] Available at: <https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/219352#why-we-need-it> [Accessed 3 November 2021].
- EWG. 2021. EWG Skin Deep® | What is ASCORBIC ACID (VITAMIN C). [online] Available at: <https://www.ewg.org/skindeep/ingredients/700544-ASCORBIC_ACID_(VITAMIN_C)-ASCORBIC_ACID_VITAMIN_C-ASCORBIC_ACID_VITAMIN_C-ASCORBIC_ACID_VITAMIN_C-ASCORBIC_ACID_VITAMIN_C-ASCORBIC_ACID_VITAMIN_C-ASCORBIC_ACID_VITAMIN_C/> [Accessed 3 November 2021].
- Healthline. 2021. 20 Foods That Are High in Vitamin C. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/vitamin-c-foods#TOC_TITLE_HDR_2> [Accessed 3 November 2021].
- Healthline. 2021. How Much Vitamin C Should You Take?. [online] Available at: <https://www.healthline.com/nutrition/how-much-vitamin-c-should-i-take-daily#supplements> [Accessed 3 November 2021].