Scalp care is an emerging field in hair care, and we wonder why it takes the industry so long to catch up. The logic is self-evident: in order to grow healthy hair you need to tend to the very foundation of it – the place where it would grow from – your scalp.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphIn many cases, such as chemically treated hair or a recovery from illness, scalp treatments become a non-negotiable cornerstone for healthy hair growth.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThe beauty of scalp care as it’s one of the crucial steps for caring for your mane, it gets close to the root of your hair growth issues. Correct scalp treatments would often avoid application to hair length and only be applied to the roots.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphBecause the scalp is skin, it has a different composition of cells than that of your hair lengths. Skin is made up of 90% keratinocytes, while hair lengths are made up of keratin, which is one of the final products that can be made by keratinocyte cells. (Keratinocyte cells make other types of proteins other than keratin but we focus on the two of them for now).
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphAs a result, this cellular-level difference will dictate different needs by your scalp – than those by the hair that has already grown.
Scalp treatments and scalp care for hair growth is an excellent way to unwind from a stressful week – this might involve hair oiling, application of serum, scalp massage, derma rolling, and fuelling your hair follicles for healthy hair growth.
Reasons to Adopt Scalp Care For Hair Growth Routine and Treatments:
/wp:heading wp:heading {"level":3}Hair growth and scalp care
/wp:heading wp:paragraphIt might sound self-evident but growing hair starts from the roots – therefore scalp care is paramount to growing healthy hair. Any treatment that focuses on drawing and improving blood flow to the scalp will benefit your hair growth.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Dandruff
/wp:heading wp:paragraphDandruff is one of the reasons why scalp care should become part of your hair health routine. Dandruff is a condition that causes scalp to flake although the reasons for that can vary. Keeping your scalp clean with gentle surfactants can help manage dandruff, however frequent shampooing can exacerbate or worsen the condition. Dandruff is often a symptom of seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infection or psoriasis.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Itchy, flaky and sensitive scalp
/wp:heading wp:paragraphIrritated and sensitive scalp can be another reason why you should turn towards scalp care. Because shampoos can contain ingredients that worsen your condition, unless you really don’t wash your scalp frequently – using additional soothing ingredients, certain oils in your scalp routine should become a step in your hair care ritual.
/wp:paragraph wp:heading {"level":3}Growing healthy hair
/wp:heading wp:paragraphWhile hair growth may not be one of your goals, having “healthy” hair might be. Much like a dry, desolate and nutrient-poor soil cannot grow a healthy plant – an unbalanced, irritated scalp cannot grow healthy hair.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphAnd more to that, a scalp that isn’t nourished from within – through nutrition and supplementation that supports your body from within – healthy hair becomes an uphill battle and an impossible feat.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphLet’s take a look at some of the newer as well as older ingredients and best scalp treatment for hair growth:
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Hyaluronic acid, also known as hyaluronan, is a clear, gooey substance that is naturally produced by your body in the extracellular matrix, is a three-dimensional network consisting of extracellular macromolecules and minerals, collagen being one of them.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingHair and Scalp Oiling
/wp:heading wp:paragraphApplying certain oils on your scalp can help with dry and flaky scalp – as they help rebuild the lipid barrier around your hair follicles. The needs of your scalp will differ based on the climate you live in and your hair health goals.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphFor example, if hair growth is the primary goal for your scalp treatment, applying an overnight castor oil mixed with peppermint or rosemary essential oils (in the 1:20 ratio of essential oil to castor oil) will help promote blood flow to the scalp.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphTea tree oil is famous for helping treat mild cases of dandruff and fungal infection in the scalp. You can mix it with a carrier oil or add a few drops to your shampoo and get the best scalp care for hair growth.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingHyaluronic Acid - Hydrating Scalp Therapy for Hair Growth
/wp:heading wp:paragraphMoreover, collagen supports the production and maintenance of another protein called elastin, which contributes to the elasticity of blood vessels. Elastin allows blood vessels to stretch and recoil, enabling efficient blood flow and better delivery of nutrients to the roots of your hair.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphThe largest amounts of it are found in your skin, connective tissue, and eyes. Its main function is to retain water to keep your tissues well-lubricated and moist. Hyaluronic Acid is a humectant, which means like a magnet, it draws water from the environment as well as from deep within the skin.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphWhen applied to hair lengths, hyaluronic acid will attract more moisture to your strands which will temporarily make them appear more plump and moisturized, though that moisture wouldn’t actually penetrate your hair shaft, so this excess moisture will be washed off with your shampoo.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphWhen applied as a scalp treatment, hyaluronic acid acts in the same way: it attracts moisture to the scalp – which may result (again, temporarily) in extra volume.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphHaving said that, some studies refer to hyaluronic acid’s role in angiogenesis – in other words – formation of blood vessels which is crucial in wound healing. As blood flow is the cornerstone of hair growth, you can consider having a hyaluronic acid treatment as a way to prompt extra blood supply to your hair follicles.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingNiacinamide Does Not Play a Big Role in Hair Scalp Treatment
/wp:heading wp:paragraphNiacinamide, also called nicotinamide, is a form of vitamin B-3, an essential nutrient. Its prominent role is in treatment of melasma – an excess production of melanocytes in skin and pore reduction abilities.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphAlthough relevant in facial skin care to help achieve a more youthful appearance, niacinamide appears to be less relevant in scalp care.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphPeople suffering from scalp psoriasis should not be using niacinamide due to its potential role in keratinocyte proliferation – meaning that it makes the skin cell multiply, which people suffering from scalp psoriasis actually suffer from. (Psoriasis is excess multiplication of skin cells that tends to cause dry, flaky, red and itchy scalp).
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Salicylic Acid for Scalp Exfoliation
/wp:heading wp:paragraphSalicylic Acid is an acid which naturally occurs in plants. It has direct activity as an anti-inflammatory agent. When applied to the skin, salicylic acid may work by helping the skin to shed dead cells from the top layer, by decreasing redness and swelling (inflammation).
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphIn scalp care, salicylic acid can serve as a scalp exfoliator: a procedure which can help unblock hair follicles from dead skin and impurities thus potentially helping with hair growth.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphAlthough not directly involved in promoting blood flow to the scalp, using a mild salicylic acid on the scalp will help you rid of the dead skin cells at the roots of your hair.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingCaffeine and Hair Growth Scalp Treatment
/wp:heading wp:paragraphAlthough not exactly “new” caffeine-based scalp treatments play a role in being a common DHT-blocker that in a number of studies had shown elongation and enlargement of a hair follicle and stimulation of hair regrowth. Applied topically to the scalp it enables direct delivery of the compound to your scalp to stimulate hair follicles to grow hair.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphGenerally speaking, caffeine-shampoos became very popular amongst the hair loss community as the best scalp care for hair growth. However, in order for caffeine to be effective, it needs to stay on your scalp for longer periods of time.
/wp:paragraph wp:headingScalp Care for Hair Growth: The Key to Healthy and Happy Hair
/wp:heading wp:paragraphScalp treatments for hair growth are paramount for healthy hair, you can treat your hair lengths – but the real hair health emanates from the roots. You should consider adopting a scalp treatment at least twice a week to ensure your scalp stays balanced and grows happy and healthy hair!
/wp:paragraph wp:headingWho We Are:
/wp:heading wp:paragraphThe Hair Fuel is an all-natural hair growth mask created by Laura Sagen, who lost a third of her hair after a terrible visit to a hairdresser while suffering from a life-long condition of PCOS associated with androgenic hair thinning.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphShe developed the formulation rooted in science of scalp blood flow, which has become The Hair Fuel growth mask. Since then, her company has helped thousands of people like you to start growing healthy hair.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphWe work closely with our lab and manufacturers to ensure the best scalp treatment for hair loss. But a product alone is never enough – so we hold your hand throughout your own, unique hair growth journey.
/wp:paragraph wp:paragraphOur flagship product, The Hair Fuel mask coupled with tailored advice, digital tools and online support are there to help you grow the best hair you can. It’s a big claim – but we’re unafraid to make it.
/wp:paragraph wp:block {"ref":19495} / wp:heading {"level":4}Sources:
/wp:heading wp:list- Hyaluronic Acid in Inflammation and Tissue Regeneration, Wounds Journal, (1)
- Ceramides and skin function (2)
- Topical niacinamide reduces yellowing, wrinkling, red blotchiness, and hyperpigmented spots in aging facial skin, (3)
FAQ
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1. Does collagen really help hair growth?
Not directly. Collagen plays an essential role in hair growth by lining up the inner sack of the hair follicle as well as keeping the dermis – layer of the skin from which a hair grows from, structurally sound, elastic and strong. Collagen does not directly prompt or accelerate hair growth.
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2. What type of collagen helps hair growth?
Hair needs a balanced “cocktail” of amino acids to ensure structural integrity of skin and the hair follicle – from where a hair can grow from. While hydrolyzed collagen is absorbed easier, your body still breaks it down to amino acids and decides where to divert those building blocks to. Therefore focusing on a localised stimulation (e.g. dermarolling and improvement of scalp blood supply) supplemented by oral ingestion of collagen supplement is often recommended.
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3. Does collagen thicken hair?
It is not that straightforward. A combination of internal and external stimulation of collagen production can help lining up the hair follicles which can contribute to growth of thicker hair – up to the maximum thickness your hair has had previously.
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4. How long does it take for collagen to work for hair growth?
It depends if your body experiences a shortage of proteins elsewhere in your body. If your nutrition doesn’t bring sufficient protein to your body, supplementation of collagen will not lead to hair growth, but rather focus on repair of bones, ligaments and tendons first. Any significant changes in your hair health routine, including collagen supplementation should be observed over a period of at least 3-6 months to incorporate the natural timing of hair growth cycle.
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5. What does a scalp treatment do?
Depending on the goals of your scalp treatment, it can help hair growth, treat dandruff including fungal infections. Scalp is made up of skin, so it can get affected by conditions affecting other parts of your body: e.g. eczema, fungal infections, psoriasis etc.
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6. Can collagen make your hair grow?
Not directly. It is however important to consume sufficient amounts of amino acids, many of which (but not all) are present in collagen, to ensure your body receives sufficient amounts of building blocks to maintain healthy body, skin and hair and doesn’t experience shortages of it. In the event of a shortage, your hair usually suffers first – and recovers last.
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7. How much collagen should I take for hair growth?
You should focus on taking a sufficient amount of protein per day, rather than focusing on collagen alone. A sedentary adult should consume 0.8 grams of protein per kilogram of body weight, or 0.36 grams per pound. Ensure you consume enough protein from varied sources. Note that hydroproxyline is only available through consumption of collagen and not available through other protein sources. Depending on your lifestyle and particular body needs (if you exercise regularly your muscle will require a higher amount of collagen, therefore increasing an overall need to have “leftover” for your hair. A 2.5-15mg daily dose appears to be safe and effective.
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8. Does collagen grow hair faster?
Collagen doesn’t help accelerate hair growth. It lines up the hair follicle to support growth of healthy hair.
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9. What collagen is best for hair regrowth?
Hydrolized collagen is easiest absorbed by your body.