Hair Loss Awareness: The Hair Care solution

August is Hair Loss Awareness Month, which means this entire month is dedicated to reminding us to pay closer attention to our scalp and hair, so we can tackle hair loss head-on (pun intended!). You know how we're really careful about our skincare routine? Well, taking care of our scalp and hair isn't all that different.

I've spent a lot of time in the world of hair care, and I've come to realize that there's a strong link between skincare and haircare. Just like we pamper our skin, our scalp also needs some TLC to keep our hair strong and vibrant. Think of the scalp as the foundation for healthy hair. If we neglect it, we could end up dealing with all sorts of hair problems – from losing more hair than we'd like to dealing with dandruff or having hair that's far from its best.

But don't worry, I'm here to help break down what you can do to promote the healthiest hair possible. It's all about simple steps, like choosing the right products for your hair type, making sure your scalp gets the moisture it needs, and being mindful of how you handle your hair.

The scalp possesses unique characteristics compared to other skin areas.

1. The hair follicles and larger sebaceous glands make it susceptible to sweat and sebum accumulation.

2. It has a specific microenvironment (or microbiome) made up of Malassezia species and C. acnes bacteria (with the skin, it forms a protective barrier against external factors).

3. Its sebaceous glands produce sebum, protecting against environmental stressors and maintaining hair moisture.

4. It has more blood vessels than other areas of skin.

This complex ecosystem makes the scalp more prone to skin conditions and imbalance than other areas of the skin.

To have a healthy scalp the integrity of the barrier function, lipidome (scalp sebum "natural oils"), and microbiome must all be balanced. When your scalp is healthy, the hair follicles have the proper environment to produce keratin that generate healthy and beautiful hair. Issues such as scalp imbalances, excess sebum or dandruff can negatively impact the hair fiber (e.g. dry hair, frizz, brittle hair) or lead to hair loss.

The "skin-ification" trend promotes that to have vibrant, strong hair, it's essential to treat your scalp with the same care you give to your facial skin and I, personally, love it! The trend has brought sorely needed attention to the importance of your scalp and how you should incorporate a scalp and haircare routine similar to that of your facial skin care routine.

Thanks to the level of advancements in hair care, there are ample products to ensure your hair and scalp thrive. Here are some key factors of Skinifying your hair care routine.

Like you consider your skin type and concerns when selecting your skin care products, your scalp and hair should be given the same attention. Identify your hair type and scalp concerns, such as dryness, oiliness, or hair loss then choose products that specifically address them.
Key steps to a healthy scalp:

A. Use a toner - like your skin, your scalp can become imbalanced and clogged. Use a daily scalp toner or tonic to keep your scalp in the best condition for hair growth.

B. Use the right shampoo - Opt for shampoos and conditioners formulated to address these issues while nourishing your hair and scalp. Avoid products with harsh chemicals, sulfates, and parabens, as they can strip your hair of its natural oils and worsen problems.

Like your weekly skin ritual, your hair benefits from regular exfoliation. This helps unclog hair follicles from build up, dirt, oil, another debris allowing new hair to grow unhindered. Not to mention, exfoliating your scalp removes dead cells and promotes cell turnover.Exfoliate once per week (oily scalps) or every other week (dry scalp) to set the stage for healthy hair growth. 

As a daily moisturizer is essential to maintain your skin’s elasticity and youthfulness, your scalp and hair need hydration and nourishment to prevent dry hair, itchy dry scalp, hair breakage, and frizz. Apply a nourishing scalp treatment oil, like Kavella Scalp & Hair Oil Treatment, before you shampoo two to four times per month. Give your hair some added hydration by extending your oil application to the mid-length and ends. These regular hydration treatments balance your scalp’s oil production, stimulate blood flow, and rejuvenate your hair making it stronger and  more manageable.

You hair can just as easily be damaged by the sun's harmful UV rays as your skin. Over-exposure to the sun causes dry, brittle hair as well as fast hair color fadage. Wear a hat or choose hair products that include UV protection to prevent UV damage, like Rahua Hydration Detangler & UV Barrier.

A balanced diet is crucial for both glowing skin and maintaining strong, luscious hair. Incorporate foods rich in vitamins, minerals, and proteins, such as fruits, vegetables, lean meats, and whole grains into your diet. These nutrients not only nourish your hair follicles but they also promote healthy hair growth.

Stress can take a toll on both your skin and hair. Chronic stress can lead to hair loss and exacerbate existing hair issues, like psoriasis and eczema. Exercise regularly, sleep at least 7-8 hours per night, and prioritize self-care to reduce stress levels and promote overall well-being. This will not only benefit your skin but promote healthy hair growth.

August reminds us to remember that our hair deserves the same care and attention as our skin. Embrace a skincare routine approach to your hair by including these steps to encourage healthy, resilient hair that shines with vitality. After all, our hair is the daily accessory that contributes to our overall confidence and well-being.