Vitamin E, encompassing both tocopherols and tocotrienols, is sometimes used to support hair health and address hair loss or thinning. The scientific evidence for this use is limited but present. Vitamin E is a fat-soluble antioxidant that helps protect cells from oxidative stress, which has been implicated in certain types of hair loss (e.g., alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia). A few small clinical studies and preclinical research suggest that Vitamin E supplementation may have a positive effect on hair growth in some individuals.

Notably, a randomized, placebo-controlled trial published in 2010 investigated tocotrienol supplementation in volunteers with hair loss and found a statistically significant increase in hair number compared to placebo after 8 months. The authors suggested this effect could be due to the antioxidant activity of tocotrienols reducing scalp oxidative stress, which may contribute to hair follicle health. However, the study was small (n=38), and subsequent research in larger and more diverse populations is lacking.

Overall, while there are plausible mechanisms and some early clinical evidence suggesting a potential benefit of Vitamin E (especially tocotrienols) for hair loss, the evidence base is not robust. More large-scale, well-designed trials are needed to clearly establish efficacy and optimal dosing. Vitamin E is not a standard, first-line treatment for hair loss, but may be considered in certain cases, particularly where oxidative stress is suspected to play a role.