14 Benefits of Vitamin C Serum for Hair

Vitamin C is the gold standard of nutrients for the human body and has multiple benefits for hair that you shouldn’t ignore. In this article I highlight 15 of the most important benefits of Vitamin C serum for hair and explain just why you need to start adding it to your haircare routine.

Benefits of Vitamin C Serum for Hair

1. Antioxidant Power

Oxidative stress is a son-of-a-gun. Ensuring your body is chock full of vitamin C is essential in fighting off stress, free radicals and signs of aging.

Unurprisingly, when we become stressed, our hair, as well as skin, is also subjected to stress.

Vitamin C serum releases antioxidants that help combat signs of stress.

2. Heat, Sun And UV Protection

Not only can vitamin C serum protect against the damage caused by the sun, but it can also protect you from harmful UVB and UVA rays.

This is because vitamin C ensures that the entire hair shaft is covered from root to tip, which provides optimal amounts of moisture and protein.

3. Enhances Shine

Due to the high acidity content contained within vitamin C, it has a low pH balance. This helps tighten and smoothen the skin and hair around the scalp, which gives it a shiny and glossy appearance.

Vitamin C serum therefore helps fights off dullness and lifeless strands.

4. Contributes to Reversing Gray Hair

Not only does vitamin C help deter signs of aging but it can also aid in its reversal.

Studies have shown that it is possible to re-pigment hair with vitamin C along with engaging in activities that de-stress the body.

5. Hydrating

woman with long brown hair smiling and holding up two oranges

Vitamin C is hygroscopic. This means it attracts, binds and absorbs water.

This means it aids hair in locking in moisture for a longer period of time. This is what makes Vitamin C an excellent additive in leave-in conditioners as well as serums.

Using a little honey with vitamin C will retain and draw in moisture that will really help hydrate your hair.

6. Promotes Collagen Production

Collagen is a necessary protein to help develop strong and resilient hair strands.

It works by transforming the protein into amino acids the body, hair and skin can use. It makes them plump and healthy-looking all the way down to the roots.

7. Improves Blood Circulation

Because of the protective and antioxidant properties of Vitamin C, putting it directly on your scalp helps with blood circulation around the hair follicles.

This promotes hair growth along with strong strands down to the core due to the free movement of oxygen through arteries and vessels.

8. Improves Absorption of Iron And Other Nutrients

Some medications and health conditions can inhibit the body’s ability to absorb iron and vitamin c enhances this ability due to improved blood circulation.

9. Anti-Breakage Effects

The collagen and antioxidant power of vitamin C protecs hair from breakage and brittleness.

This means it also has the capacity to repair split ends in an effort to maintain lovely locks, regardless of the hair type.

Also, the amino acids provided by the collagen strengthens the roots and scalp.

10. May Reduce Hair Loss

Vitamin C not only prevents breakage and repairs split ends, but it could also contribute to less hair loss. This means both men and women can benefit from applying a little vitamin C serum on the scalp.

11. Brightening And Lightening

woman with blonde long hair looking straight ahead and oranges placed in front of her

The ascorbic acid contained within vitamin C works to brighten and lighten hair.

This is ideal for those who dye their hair a lighter color than their natural one, reducing the need to use harsh chemicals on delicate strands.

Because vitamin C serum can strip your strands of pigment, it’s not ideal for all colored hair.

However, to lighten hair, allow vitamin C serum with coconut or olive oil to sit on it for 15 to 20 minutes before showering. Then, wash and condition followed by styling as usual.

Interesting Fact: Rita Hayworth, a famous actress from the 1940s, was born with pitch black hair.

The studio insisted she dye it red. So, to maintain her strawberry blonde look, she would constantly apply healthy amounts of lemons and olive oil directly to her hair, scalp and roots.

12. Retains Hair’s Natural Oils

Beyond the protective qualities that vitamin C has on hair, it also prevents hair from losing its natural oils; yet another aspect and sign of aging. The shininess and coating it provides means hair looks and feels healthy.

13. Promotes Healthy Hair Overall

For those with damaged hair due to over styling, heat, hair dye, chemical relaxers and etc., vitamin C serum is ideal.

It’s an excellent pre- and post-treatment for heat protection from things like curling and flat irons. It gives an overall healthy appearance to hair while also having the ability to repair it.

14. Makes Hair More Manageable

One of the best benefits of vitamin C serum is that it makes hair more manageable. This isn’t just in regards to styling, but also general brushing and keeping frizz at bay.

It’s ideal for the summer months, especially when it’s humid and sticky.

Final Thoughts

There’s no doubt that is vitamin C serum good for your hair. It strengthens and lengthens while retaining moisture, natural oils and producing a gorgeous shine. From normal to damaged hair, anyone can use it and it will always give satisfactory results.

Frequently asked questions

Should you take supplements or must you apply vitamin C serum to hair?

You should take both supplements and apply vitamin C serum to hair. This will be the best way to get all the benefits both inside the body and outside of it.

What foods have the highest concentrations of vitamin C?

Everyone knows lemons and oranges are great sources of vitamin C. But so are strawberries, kiwis, tomatoes, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, blackcurrants, melons and peppers.

How do you apply vitamin C serum to hair?

Get a good high-quality serum or make your own by mixing some ascorbic acid with water (or oil). Apply a dime or quarter-sized amount (length of hair depending) starting at the tips and working your way up the shaft to the roots and scalp.

What hair type and texture benefit from vitamin C serum?

All hair types and textures benefit from vitamin C serum. Anyone can use it since it’s safe and effective. It’s best for those who spend a lot of time out in the sun or women who are constantly styling their hair.

Are there any downsides to using vitamin C serum on hair?

The only downside to using vitamin C is that it can strip hair of color. So, those who like their naturally dark hair or those with a delicate dye job should avoid it.

Disclaimer: This site is not intended to provide professional or medical advice. All of the content on LovedByCurls.com is for informational purposes only. All advice should be followed at your own discretion. Ingredients may change at any time so always check the product label before using. Check our full disclaimer policy here.