The good news is that vitamin E is easy to get through a balanced diet. In fact, a vitamin E deficiency is extremely rare, because most people get plenty throughout the day from whole and enriched foods.

But if you want to specifically target your hair, vitamin E can also be applied topically with a shampoo, conditioner, mask, or oil.

Diet

What you eat — and how much — is crucial for healthy hair. A lack of calories, protein, or micronutrients like vitamin E can impact your hair’s growth, structure, and loss.

Nuts, leafy greens, olive oil, and sunflower oil are some of the richest sources of vitamin E. It’s also found in meats and fortified foods like breakfast cereal.

Supplements

Although supplements are readily available, they aren’t necessary. Most people get enough vitamin E through diet alone. Some research even suggests that people benefit more from vitamin E when they get it through whole foods rather than a supplement.

Supplements can also put you at risk of getting too much vitamin E, which can be dangerous. You should always talk to your healthcare provider before starting a new supplement.

Vitamin E oil

Most vitamin E oils contain a carrier oil to dilute the oil and help prevent skin irritation. If you want use pure vitamin E oil, be sure to properly dilute the oil before use. That said, vitamin E oils are often expensive and can be difficult to work with — they’re usually thick and oxidize quickly when exposed to air.

Your best bet is to use a hair oil that contains vitamin E as a secondary ingredient. Popular options include:

• OGX Healing + Vitamin E Penetrating Oil
• Ancient Greek Remedy Oil
• Maple Holistics Avocado Oil

To get the most out of the vitamin E-rich oil:

1. Massage it onto your scalp.
2. Gently comb through with a wide-tooth comb.
3. Let the oil sit for at least 15 minutes.
4. When you’re done, wash the oil out of your hair with your regular shampoo.
5. If your hair already feels well moisturized, you can skip conditioner.

Shampoo and conditioner

Looking for a treatment you can do more often without adding time to your routine? Many shampoos and conditioners include vitamin E. These products are formulated for frequent use and are often made for dry, damaged hair.

It’s best to let the product sit for a few minutes while you continue with your shower routine to help the product work its way into the hair and scalp. Look for products that contain essential oils like lavender, peppermint, or tea tree oil for added hair benefits.

Popular options include:

• OGX Healing + Vitamin E Shampoo and Conditioner
• Majestic Pure Cosmecuticals Argan Oil Restorative Shampoo and Conditioner

Hair mask

Much like the kind you would put on your face, a hair mask is meant to soothe or treat the scalp. Although vitamin E oil may help moisturize your locks, the strands of your hair can’t be “healed” by it. Instead, focus the mask on your scalp where it can be absorbed.

To make an easy mask rich in vitamin E at home, combine the following ingredients in a blender:

• 1 avocado
• 1 banana
• 1 tbsp. avocado oil
• 1 tbsp. coconut oil
• 1 tbsp. honey

You can also purchase pre-made masks like:

• Professional Series Hydrating Argan Oil Mask
• HIS Professional Argan Oil Soothing Hair Mask
• InstaNatural Argan Oil Hair Mask

To use:

1. Apply your chosen mask to your scalp with your fingers.
2. Let it sit for 20 minutes to an hour, depending on your mask’s instructions.
3. Wash it off with warm water or a gentle shampoo.