Have Dry, Dull Hair? Add This Vitamin To Your Routine, ASAP

Topical vitamin C comes with a laundry list of benefits, but perhaps the most popular is its skin-brightening abilities. With its free-radical-fighting power, the classic antioxidant can even out your skin tone, ease dark spots, and offer a serious glow. It's no wonder vitamin C has earned the top spot in many expert beauty routines.

Just as topical vitamin C serum can help brighten your skin tone, vitamin C in hair care formulas can also help enhance shine. See, vitamin C has powerful antioxidant properties, which help neutralize oxidative stress and free radicals that contribute to hair aging—and hair aging often results in a duller color. It's why many brands will fold vitamin C into their serums, masks, shampoos, et al., since it's top-notch for strong, healthy strands. 

You can even find vitamin C powders, like dpHUE's Brightening Powder, to restore shine with a single wash. "Vitamin C, when paired with a gentle chelating agent, helps to not only brighten your hair but also remove buildup," says celebrity stylist and hair expert Justin Anderson, co-founder of the brand. "This combination works to prevent dullness and brassiness that can occur from hard water, pollution, and excessive product use." 

Of course, vitamin C plays a role in hair health overall, beyond topicals: "Vitamin C increases the absorption of iron, which is one of the most critical nutrients for your hair,"* certified trichologist and founder of Advanced Trichology William Gaunitz, FWTS, says about hair vitamins. See, without proper iron intake, hair follicles do not function properly—so you want to make sure you get enough in your diet. Consuming antioxidants has also been shown to promote hair longevity1, which is why experts recommend eating foods high in antioxidants (or leveraging an antioxidant-focused supplement with your diet, if you please).* 

While all hair types can benefit from vitamin-C-infused serums, masks, and powders, they're especially great for highlighted hair, which can start to develop unwanted tones over time. Don't worry, though: It won't alter your actual hair color, says Anderson—it will just make the hue you have appear way more vibrant.