The health of our hair mirrors that of our body. A state of high and prolonged stress, a lack of vitamins, allergies, dermatitis and inflammation can lead to itchy scalp, greasy and brittle hair, prone to falling out and premature graying. On our side we have several tools available to take care of the health and beauty of our hair. Today, in particular, we look to deepen the role of vitamin B5, both when it is taken with the diet and when it is used for external applications in the form of panthenol.
Vitamin B5 taken orally and hair health
Vitamin B5, or pantothenic acid, is an essential vitamin for the well-being of the whole organism. In fact, vitamin B5 strengthens the body and makes it more resistant to stress, promotes wound healing but also protects the well-being and beauty of the hair. This vitamin helps prevent premature graying of the hair and, in some cases, could also help return the hair to its original color (Goluch-Koniuszy et al, Prz Menopauzalny, 2016). It should be emphasized that studies have shown that it is possible that hair, once it has become gray, can return to its color, but only if the graying occurred prematurely and due to great stress (Rosenberg et al, biorxiv, 2020). After all, vitamin B5 has precisely the task of helping the body to overcome stressful events and therefore, thanks to this effect, it can help preserve hair color. Not only that, another mechanism by which vitamin B5 counteracts premature graying of hair is the ability to stimulate the production of melanin, the pigment that determines hair color. Vitamin B5 also stimulates hair growth, counteracting scalp irritation and regulating sebum production. Foods that contain vitamin B5 include mushrooms, avocados, sweet potatoes, dairy products, seafood, cauliflower, soy, brewer's yeast, beans, eggs and green leafy vegetables (Goluch-Koniuszy et al, Prz Menopauzalny, 2016).
Vitamin B5 in hair cosmetic products
When vitamin B5 is added to hair products it helps to counteract hair thinning (Davis et al, Br J Dermatol, 2011). This vitamin is absorbed by the hair shaft and helps retain moisture, keeping the hair hydrated and thus counteracting dry hair (Trueb et al, Clin Interv Aging, 2006). Not only that, vitamin B5 counteracts inflammation of the scalp and improves its elasticity. In cosmetic products, vitamin B5 appears in the form of panthenol, or provitamin B5, which is then converted into vitamin B5 by the skin. There are shampoos, conditioners and hair masks containing panthenol on the market.
