Healthier Scalp for Healthier Hair
Antonella Tosti MD, James R. Schwartz PhD
Role of scalp health in achieving optimal hair growth and retention
BACKGROUND
Hair exists within two domains: that which is above the skin surface (extracorporeal) and that which is embedded within the skin (intracorporeal). The skin and hair are part of a complex interdependent system collectively called the integument. The study reviews the literature to find the link between scalp condition and hair condition. Many studies show that abnormal scalp conditions have negative effects on hair. Treatment studies have shown that improving scalp condition can reverse these negative effects on hair quality.
OBJECTIVE
To assess the evidence supporting a cause-and-effect relationship between scalp condition and the resulting hair condition.
METHOD
The study conducted keyword searches on PubMed to identify articles about human scalp conditions and their effects on hair growth and properties. The search terms included “scalp psoriasis,” “dandruff,” “seborrheic dermatitis,” and “tinea capitis” combined with hair and its attributes. Articles found were read and reviewed the articles, including those that described hair impacts of the scalp condition. The references of these articles were reviewed to identify additional resources.
RESULTS
A total of 21 studies were found. The studies date back over 50 years and are predominately epidemiological in nature, comparing hair from the scalps of diseased and normal populations. A single treatment study was conducted recently, which will be reviewed separately.
CONCLUSION
The study concludes that the condition of the scalp can influence the quality of the hair produced. Altered keratinization of the cuticles in pre-emergent hair due to oxidative stress can result in less flexible cuticular cells, impairing anchorage and fibre surface integrity. Improving scalp health can reverse detrimental impacts on hair by reducing oxidative stress and normalizing the environment.