Hair is an important part of our identity, our beauty, and, for many women, our femininity. Yet, a very common mistake is to focus solely on the health of the lengths, using numerous oils, masks, and treatments, while neglecting the essential: the scalp.
But with hair, everything starts at the root .
The scalp: the foundation of hair health
We often hear about hair care, but very rarely about scalp care, even though it plays a fundamental role in hair growth and quality.
It is important to understand one essential thing: hair is dead matter.
Once removed from the scalp, they can no longer be repaired in depth. Treatments applied to the lengths of the hair improve its cosmetic appearance (shine, softness, protection), but they do not affect hair growth or hair loss.
Conversely, the scalp is a living tissue. It is where the hair follicles, responsible for hair production, are located. If the scalp is unbalanced, the hair fiber will be as well.
The main scalp disorders
There are many scalp disorders, often underestimated, that have a direct impact on hair loss and hair density:
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Alopecia and baldness : These are linked to hormonal and genetic factors. Excessive sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens (DHT) leads to a progressive thinning of the hair until regrowth stops.
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Alopecia areata : Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the immune system attacks the hair follicles, causing sudden and localized hair loss. Stress can be a triggering factor.
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Psoriasis: This is a chronic inflammatory disease resulting in excessively rapid cell renewal, causing thick plaques that can disrupt hair growth.
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Seborrheic dermatitis: It is linked to an excess of sebum and the proliferation of a fungus naturally present on the scalp, causing redness, itching and oily dandruff.
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Dandruff: Dandruff results from an imbalance of the scalp and often reflects mild but persistent inflammation, which can weaken hair health.
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Eczema (atopic dermatitis): Eczema is an inflammatory condition linked to a weakened skin barrier, often aggravated by stress, allergies or certain hair products.
All these imbalances can cause excessive hair loss , thinning of the hair fiber, or slowed growth. It is therefore essential to identify and treat them in order to preserve hair health in the long term.
A healthy scalp to promote hair growth
To produce strong, healthy hair, the scalp needs a non-inflammatory and well-balanced environment .
Several factors are essential:
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Good protection against external aggressions, especially UV rays
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A diet rich in essential nutrients (iron, zinc, vitamins, amino acids), because the hair is nourished directly at the root
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Good microcirculation of the blood , which allows for a good supply of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles.
Insufficient blood circulation or an inflamed scalp can slow growth and weaken hair from the moment it forms.
The importance of a clean and unclogged scalp
Finally, it is crucial to keep the scalp clean. Excess sebum, impurities, product residue, or dandruff can clog hair follicles , thus preventing optimal hair growth.
A suffocated scalp often produces thinner, more fragile hair that is more prone to falling out.
Taking care of your hair without taking care of your scalp is treating the symptoms without addressing the cause.
A healthy scalp is the key to strong, thick, and healthy hair.