The Vitamin C Hair Color Mystery: What Does Research Really Tell Us?

Ever found yourself down the rabbit hole of internet myths, landing on the puzzling claim that taking Vitamin C can change your hair color? It might sound as outlandish as a fairy tale, but the statement has sparked curiosity and confusion among many.

After all, Vitamin C is famed for its health benefits—from boosting immunity to reviving hair.

So, what’s the connection with our hair color? Will vitamin C turn my hair orange, or is it just another internet oddity?

Let’s start the journey and explore the link between vitamin C and changed hair color.

The Science Behind Vitamin C And Hair

Vitamin C, aka ascorbic acid, is crucial for developing and repairing all body tissues. It involves many body functions, including collagen formation, iron absorption, immune system maintenance, and wound healing.

But where do hair health and color come into the picture with vitamin C?

Well, collagen, a vital protein in hair structure, relies heavily on Vitamin C. In fact, this essential vitamin plays a necessary role in collagen synthesis that directly affects hair strength and growth. It helps maintain hair’s natural shine and resilience and might help prevent hair aging.

But is there any connection between vitamin C and orange hair color?

Will Vitamin C Turn My Hair Orange?

Taking vitamin C through foods or supplements will not cause your hair to turn orange. Hair color is determined by the amount and type of melanin in the hair follicle. And vitamin C does not have an impact on melanin production.

Vitamin C is a vital nutrient soluble in water and plays a crucial role in the proper functioning of the human body. Despite its numerous benefits, it does not directly impact hair coloring.

However, it does aid in protecting your hair from harmful free radicals, which can cause damage and dullness. It can also enhance iron absorption, contributing to healthier, shinier hair.

So, while vitamin C may not color your hair, it can certainly help keep it looking its best.

In fact, vitamin C offers several benefits to your hair.

• Vitamin C protects hair follicles from damage caused by free radicals, preventing premature aging and hair loss.
• It can reduce the formation of DHT, which can cause hair loss.
• Vitamin C can aid in hair growth by increasing collagen levels and promoting good blood flow to the scalp.
• Vitamin C can be beneficial in combating scalp bacteria, preventing dandruff, and enhancing hair growth.
• It also aids in eliminating debris from the hair follicles.

Vitamin C And Orange Hair: What Happens If You Put Vitamin C In Your Hair?

Applying vitamin C to your hair can result in a lightening effect on both natural and dyed hair colors. It breaks down the bonds of hair dye molecules that can cause the dye to fade or lighten. The result is you get a lighter shade than before.

Besides, If you apply vitamin C to your hair, it can help remove impurities and buildup. It can lead to healthier hair and scalp.

Can You Use Vitamin C To Remove Hair Dye?

You can use vitamin C for removing hair dye, but it may not be the best option for your hair’s health and color. It can dissolve the chemical bonds of the hair dye, causing it to fade faster.

However, vitamin C may not be able to remove hair dye that is meant to last for a long time. It works best on temporary or semi-permanent dyes. 

Remember, using Vitamin C to remove hair dye is a home remedy and might not always yield professional results. So the result may not be as expected, and you may need to apply the dye multiple times, especially if it is a dark or strong color.

Wait, there’s a catch! Vitamin C to remove hair dye comes with some risks and may not be suitable for all hair types or colors. Besides, using it too frequently or leaving it on too long may harm your hair and scalp.

So, consider the potential risks before trying this method.

Side Effects Of Using Vitamin C To Remove Hair Dye

Using vitamin C to remove hair dye is generally safe for most people but may have some side effects.

• dry and flaky scalp
• dry, brittle, and weak hair
• brassy or orange hair strands
• patches or streaks of different colors
• Redness or inflammation on your scalp

What Causes Orange Hair?

Several factors can lead to orange hair, ranging from natural pigments to external influences. Here are some possible ones.

Hair Bleaching or Lightening

If the bleaching process is incomplete, the hair may have an orange tint.

When hair is lightened, warm tones underneath may be revealed. Hair has various pigments, and removing the darker ones may reveal red or orange hues.

Use of Hair Dyes

You may have an orange tint if you don’t use high-quality hair dye or apply it incorrectly. The dye doesn’t fully cover warm tones underneath or fades unevenly in such cases.

Sun Exposure

Exposure to the sun for a long time can fade or alter hair color, especially in lighter or color-treated hair. The UV rays can break down the color molecules. As a result, the hair looks brassy or orange at times.

Chlorine and Water Quality

If you enjoy swimming in chlorinated pools or using hard water, you should know that these can impact your hair color. The minerals and chlorine found in these types of water can interact with the pigments or dyes in your hair. It can cause an unwanted orange or greenish hue.

Natural Red Undertones

Sometimes, red or orange undertones in one’s hair are mostly a matter of genetics and the particular pigments that make up the hair strands. It’s a natural occurrence that varies from person to person.

Poorly Matched Toning Products

When using toning products to get rid of unwanted hair tones, choose the right color. If you don’t, it could make your hair look more orange.

How To Prevent Orange Hair?

To prevent unwanted orange tones in your hair, understand what causes them. Use strategies to maintain specific colors or protect natural hues.

• Choose a hair dye that suits your original hair color or has cooler undertones.
• To neutralize any orange tones in your hair, you can use a toner, a gloss, or a purple or blue shampoo.
• Use a professional or high-quality bleaching agent to remove all the pigments from your hair.
• Using a developer best suited for your hair type and desired lighting level can be a great way to achieve your desired look.
• Shield your hair from the sun, saltwater, chlorine, and other environmental factors to prevent color fading and brassiness. Wear hats, scarves, sunscreen, or leave-in conditioners for protection.
• Consider installing a water filter to eliminate hard water, iron, and other minerals from your water supply.
• Clarifying shampoos or vinegar rinses remove hard water, iron, and other impurities from your hair.

How To Use Vitamin C For Hair Growth

There are a few ways to use vitamin C for hair growth.

• Take a vitamin C supplement.
• Eat foods rich in vitamin C, including citrus fruits, strawberries, tomatoes, broccoli, and peppers. Check if you can take vitamin C with milk.
• Apply a vitamin C serum to your scalp. There are several vitamin C serums available on the market. These serums can help improve your scalp’s health and promote hair growth.
• Make a vitamin C hair mask. You can also make your vitamin C hair mask at home. To do this, mix 1 tablespoon of vitamin C powder with 1 tablespoon of water. Apply the mask to your scalp and hair, and leave it on for 30 minutes. Rinse it out with warm water.

How Much Vitamin C Should I Take For My Hair?

The recommended daily intake varies by age, gender, and life stage, but it ranges from 65 to 90 milligrams per day for most adults.

Obtaining Vitamin C from whole foods ensures a sufficient intake of Vitamin C and a well-balanced combination of other essential nutrients. You can eat-

• Oranges
• Strawberries
• Kiwis
• bell peppers
• broccoli

Does lemonade offer vitamin C?

Supplements are available for those who may struggle to meet their Vitamin C needs through diet alone. Aim to take a supplement that provides at least 100 mg of vitamin C daily.

Can the sun give you vitamin C?

However, taking too much vitamin C can cause some side effects, such as-

• Nausea
• Diarrhea
• stomach cramps
• kidney stones
• Iron overload

Does Vitamin C Damage Hair?

vitamin C can also damage your hair if you use it improperly or excessively. Some of the possible ways that vitamin C can damage your hair are:

• Using vitamin C to remove hair dye may fade faster if you use vitamin C on your hair dye. It can harm your hair, making it dry, brittle, and weak. It can also cause scalp irritation and change your hair color, possibly making it look more brassy or orange.
• Too much vitamin C on your hair can disrupt the natural balance of your scalp and strip the natural oils and moisture from your hair. It can lead to breakage, split ends, frizz, and dullness.

Bottom Line

Will vitamin C turn my hair orange?

Vitamin C won’t turn your hair orange if you take it orally. But putting it on your hair to lighten or remove hair dye might result in an orange or brassy tone, depending on the original color and hair type.

If you’re seeking to change or correct your hair color, consulting with a professional hairstylist is often the safest and most effective approach to achieving the desired results without surprises.

Visit our blogs for more on safe supplementation.