The Hair Lab

How to Combat Oxidative Stress | Vitamin C for Hair

Discover the effects oxidative stress has on our tresses and why our Vitamin C booster is your NEW scalp warrior

Seeking the secret to gorgeous hair days? It might surprise you that oxidative stress may be the reason behind limited hair growth production, overall hair appearance and manageability, and even premature greying. Our scalps are affected by environmental and lifestyle factors, including diet, smoking and chemicals. Research links oxidative stress symptoms to ‘scalp ageing‘ and how our scalp is an extension of the face, which requires special care and attention.

Grow Gorgeous vitamin c booster to combat oxidative stress

We know how nothing scuppers a great hair day like an unhappy scalp – and oxidative stress may be the culprit behind lacklustre hair! Keep reading to discover how to combat oxidative stress and why our Vitamin C for hair booster will help you reach your hair’s true potential! 

 

Oxidative Stress Symptoms for Hair

Now the skincare obsessed with know the effects that UV radiation, pollution and cigarette smoking has on ageing skin. BUT… did you know the same can be applied to our scalps? Ageing of the scalp has the same principles as ageing of the skin, except for natural protection from UVR (our gorgeous hair).

Woman showing the vitamin c benefits for hair with the Grow Gorgeous vitamin c booster

6 OXIDATIVE STRESS SYMPTOMS 

  • Dandruff 
  • Scalp sensitivity 
  • Dehydrated strands
  • Lacking in shine 
  • Hair loss 
  • Greying 

Oxidative Stress Definition

Are you ready for the – sciencey – oxidative stress definition? Oxidative stress is defined as an unbalanced condition in which the tissues of the body are not sufficiently able to counteract either exogenous or endogenous sources of reactive oxygen species.  

In simpler terms, this means that oxidative stress is an imbalance between free radicals and antioxidants within the body. When our scalp can’t counteract this imbalance, it leads to unhealthy consequences for our tresses. As we age our production of free radicals increases, while our body’s defence mechanisms decrease.  

 

What are Free Radicals?

Free radicals are harmful molecules that exist all around us in our environment and lifestyle choices. Free radicals are chemically unstable molecules with at least one unpaired electron.  

They go searching in the body for other electrons to pair up with and then steal electrons from other molecules to become stable.  

pollution in the air showing oxidative stress definition 

Where are free radicals found? And how can we avoid them? The truth is, modern city living makes it impossible to avoid indoor and outdoor pollution in our environment. 

 

Outdoor Pollutants

  • Air pollution
  • Radiation
  • Transport emissions
  • Cigarette smoke
  • Pesticides

Indoor Pollutants 

  • Central heating
  • Hard water
  • Damp and mould
  • Cleaning product chemicals

 

How to Combat Oxidative Stress with Antioxidants 

So, why are antioxidants important when it comes to our hair? Antioxidants protect other molecules from the chemical process called oxidation. By using antioxidants, it can protect our scalps from free radicals. Happy scalp = gorgeous hair! 

vitamin c for hair booster

How does Vitamin C reduce oxidative stress?

Vitamin C is a powerful antioxidant for hair and one of the most effective nutrients for the body because of its ability to repair damage, fight sickness and produce collagen. It strengthens the scalp and strands to create a healthy environment for strand growth. Its immune-boosting powers link to its powerful antioxidant protection, making it a great scalp warrior!  

Vitamin C benefits for Hair

Looking to combat oxidative stress and level up your hair? Reach for our Stimulating Vitamin C 10% Booster + Prebiotic, containing a stabilised form of vitamin C that is absorbed into the skin as ascorbic acid.

This iconic skincare ingredient will boost collagen synthesis and provide antioxidant power to help combat oxidative stress. This 30-day targeted Vitamin C for hair booster will bring shine back to your locks in as little as 2 weeks! Simply apply 20 drops to your scalp and massage in. 

 

Looking for more scalp care know-how? Get the latest info in our blogs: How to Layer 3 Scalp Care Essentials or 5 Reasons You Shouldn’t Overlook Your Scalp Care.



Rosalind Roberts

Rosalind Roberts

Writer and expert

Roz is a brand content editor that loves all things haircare! She has a Master's degree in International Fashion Retailing & Multi-channel Marketing.