Today’s post deals with a topic that is often brushed past in the general discussion around hair loss and our understanding of its root causes.

In our previous post Best Hair Growth Products in Dubai, UAE, we highlighted that stress is one of the primary drivers of hair loss. Stress can manifest itself in various forms, what we often hear about is stress linked to jobs, lifestyles or unexpected life events and the hormonal disruptions or pressure this can often put on our bodies. However, there is a specific type of stress that is rarely addressed - oxidative stress and more explicitly scalp related oxidative stress. We will explore this in detail starting with the basics and ways to prevent this from occurring:

1. What is Oxidative Stress?

2. The link between oxidative stress and hair loss

3. Minimising the effects of oxidative stress on the scalp

4. Key ingredients to look for which support scalp health

1. What is Oxidative Stress?

Oxidative stress occurs where an imbalance of free radicals and antioxidants is present in the body. The imbalance where a high degree of free radicals are present when compared with antioxidants. Where this occurs, there is significant risk that the free radicals can begin to negatively impact bodily cells and tissue. 

According to Cleveland Clinic , free radicals are recognised as unstable oxygen molecules when uncontrolled can cause considerable damage. 

While temporary occurrences of this imbalance can be managed by the body, long term imbalances present considerable risk leading to various medical conditions not limited to scalp and skin conditions.

2. The link between oxidative stress and hair loss

The increase of free radicals in the body corresponds to an insufficient amount of antioxidants. Antioxidants have considerable ability to fight and defend the body against free radicals through their neutralising impact. 

You maybe wondering why does this matter in the context of haircare. When excessive amounts of free radicals roam freely in the body, this can lead to damage of celluar structures by attacking enzymes, lipids, proteins and mutating DNA. 

Let’s revisit the origin of hair, at its very core our hair structure is made of a number of amino acids which bond to form the protein we all know as Keratin - this makes up more than 90% of the hair’s structure .

Where the binding structure of the hair is depleted it can only lead to a weakening of the hair shaft which ultimately results in hair loss. 

Hair loss of course, starts from the root meaning it’s strands are lost at a follicular level in the scalp. The primary impact of oxidative stress on the scalp can be seen through lipid peroxidation which in simple terms refers the oxidative degradation of lipids. As noted in a paper titled Lipids to the top of hair biology by Kurt Stenn and Pratima Karnik. Lipids form the glue that enforces the hair follicles and is a form of first line defence and to some extent determines what is allowed in and out of cells in our body.

Where lipids are altered, damaged or eroded it can lead to clinical follicle disorders such as Seborrheic dermatitis and some forms of alopecia. While technological advancements have made lipid replacement therapy available, prevent measures must be taken to minimise reoccurrence and a rebuilding of the body’s defence - this can be done via internal and external measures.

3. Minimising the effects of oxidative stress on the scalp

The impact of oxidative stress on the scalp can be reduced through the consumption and application of antioxidants. The most effective methods of application of antioxidants on the scalp is primarily through a cleansing product and secondary methods include use of other scalp related products such as scrubs, serums or oils.

In our post, understanding the importance of cleansing correctly, we emphasise the importance of choosing the right cleansers for curly hair textures. In today’s day and age of social media influencing, it’s easy to get caught up and envy other people’s curls and their styling results but remember behind every picture of beautiful curls is a great cleansing routine.

When your curls are correctly cleansed, hydrated and retain good elasticity your styling results will reflect that.

By using cleansers that include powerful antioxidants in the formulation, found in ingredients containing Vitamin A, C and E and Polyphenols (Categories of Polyphenols as noted by Skin Type Solutions) include: Flavoniads, Phenolic acids and Polyphenolic amides - will promote increased hydration to the scalp, greater blood circulation and nutrient supply to scalp cells to better defend against free radicals, regenerate damaged cells and tissues hence promote hair growth and overall hair vitality. 

4. Key ingredients to look for which support scalp health

Since Oxidative stress on the scalp is mainly caused by damaged cellular structure due to a low degree of antioxidants present in the body as a defence. It’s crucial that cleansers containing a high concentration of antioxidants are included in your hair regimen. Your scalp and hair will benefit from the infusion of antioxidants back into the scalp cells through the follicles. The first place to start is scalp cleansing, the cleanser you use is key. We’ve evaluated various cleansers for curly hair and focused on those that provide a high concentration of antioxidants to build better and strong defence, these include:

• Slippery Lime Shampoo by Healthy Hair Studio by Enitan

Lime is the third ingredient which provides this cleanser with supercharged antioxidant power. Lime is rich in flavonoids which have been scientifically proven to protect and defend against oxidative stress whilst providing your curls with that much need moisture from root to tip.

• Curls Blueberry Bliss Reparative Hair Wash

A rich and creamy cleansed packed with Organic Blueberry Extract to deliver antioxidant benefits straight to the scalp. The benefits of blueberries for curly hair is two fold it stimulates the hair follicles leading to increased hair growth and provides a strong line of defence against free radicals.

• As I Am Olive & Tea Tree Dandruff Shampoo

Whilst this cleanser contains a slightly lower concentration of citrus based antioxidants, the shampoo contains olive oil which contains a considerable amount of nutrients and a high oleuropein content which is known to provide good defence against oxidative stress.

• Camille Rose Sweet Ginger Cleansing Rinse

With Ginger root as the second ingredient in this shampoo your hair and scalp’s defence against oxidative stress is secure as research has shown Ginger extract does its part in reducing oxidation by decreasing peroxidaton of the lipid layer of the scalp cells.

Investing in clean, naturally derived potent haircare is crucial for all hair types but most especially curly hair which is prone to moisture loss at a faster pace than other textures. The fight against scalp related oxidative stress is a constant one which requires ongoing defence for all hair textures but more so curly hair textures. Good scalp care is the foundation of healthy curls, this aspect of a healthy hair regimen should not be rushed or considered unimportant.