Why is Scalp Care Important?

When I think about hair loss, the first thing that comes to my mind is the health of the scalp.. “An unhealthy scalp leads to unhealthy hair” (“Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress”) this is proven to be a leading cause for alopecia and poor hair quality.

The scalp is a unique microenvironment that differs from the rest of the skin. Its pH level should be between 4.5-5.5, and any imbalance in pH due to an excess of sebum (oil) or dryness can cause disorders such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, inflammation, oxidative stress, and even infection.

Several internal and external factors can contribute to a poor scalp microbiome, such as improper diet, poor absorption, gut health, digestion, environmental pollution, hard water, fragrances, smoking, improper hair washing, and product choices. These factors cause oxidative stress and inflammation, leading to changes in hair quality, although there is hope for improvement over time with proper care.

It is worth noting that hair loss is not caused by poor circulation, a tight scalp, clogged hair follicles (buildup), or over usage of hair products. According to the research on how scalp condition impacts hair growth and retention via oxidative stress, an unhealthy scalp leads to unhealthy hair. Oxidative stress causes smaller diameter hairs, longer lengths between growth phases of new hairs, cuticle breakage, and even hair loss.

Trichoscope

A trichoscope is a specialized handheld device used for magnified examination and analysis of hair and scalp conditions.

To come to a proper diagnosis of your scalp condition, it is essential to consider the full picture, such as diet, lifestyle, products, hormonal health, and stress, as well as performing a trichoscopy analysis of the scalp to get the right diagnosis. If you are experiencing issues such as itchiness, redness, flaking, burning, or dryness, it is advisable to seek the help of a Certified Trichologist to determine the cause(s) and to get the more up to date information and advice on what treatment might be the most suitable for you. With proper treatment and recommendations from your Certified Trichologist, you should be able to maintain a healthy and happy scalp.