Scalp care is essential for maintaining healthy hair. Similar to the skin cells on our body, those on the scalp regenerate regularly. Discover how to support this process with simple actions and easy tips.
How to regenerate the scalp?
The cellular renewal of the scalp, in brief.
The cellular renewal of the scalp is part of the continuous process of skin regeneration. It begins in the basal layer of the epidermis, where stem cells divide to form new cells. These cells then move towards the skin's surface through the various layers of the epidermis.
In the spinous layer, stem cells transform into spinous cells which are interconnected by cellular junctions known as desmosomes. The cells then progress to the granular layer, where they produce lipid-rich granules to strengthen the skin. Finally, in the stratum corneum, the cells undergo a process called cornification, losing their nucleus and organelles, and becoming corneocytes.
As new cells are produced in the basal layer, the surface corneocytes gradually detach, allowing the removal of dead skin cells through the process of desquamation. This cell renewal cycle of the scalp is faster than the rest of the body and lasts approximately 14 days.
How to assist the scalp in regenerating itself?
In order to promote the regeneration of the scalp, it is essential to take care of it daily and protect it from external aggressions. A irritated scalp will cause inflammation, hair loss and rapid greasing of the roots. Here are some actions to help the scalp regenerate and to take care of it.
The use of a suitable shampoo.
Just like the skin, the scalp can be oily, normal or dry. Therefore, it is recommended to adapt your cleansing care according to the nature of your scalp. If it tends to become oily quickly, we advise you to adopt a purifying treatment enriched with sebum-regulating active ingredients to rebalance the oily scalp and space out the shampoos.
On the contrary, if your scalp tends to be dry, opt for a moisturising and nourishing cleansing treatment. It's also worth noting that it's not recommended to wash your hair every day, as this risks stripping the hydrolipidic film from the scalp, even if it is naturally oily.
The application of a hair mask.
Just as with the face, there are masks for the scalp. To be applied once a week, these treatments will deeply hydrate and nourish the scalp. By preventing scalp dryness, hair masks reduce the risk of abnormal flaking. Indeed, when the scalp is dry, the cells on its surface tend to detach more quickly and form clusters, or even dandruff. Therefore, good scalp hydration is essential to avoid disrupting its regeneration.
Scalp Exfoliation
In order to remove the dead cells accumulated on the scalp and support its regeneration, it is advised to perform a scrub once a week. It should be noted that exfoliation is recommended for all types of scalp but is discouraged in case of irritations.
At Typology, we have developed a scalp scrub with PHA (INCI: Gluconolactone) and jojoba beads (INCI: Jojoba Esters). In the form of a gel, this treatment gently removes dead skin cells to rebalance the cell renewal process. This scrub is applied to dry hair and is left on for 5 to 10 minutes before being rinsed off. It is suitable for all scalp types, even the most sensitive ones.
A varied and balanced diet.
Diet also plays a role in the regeneration of the scalp. Certain nutrients are indeed beneficial for hair follicles, the small pockets from which hair fibres emerge. Therefore, it is recommended to consume enough protein, omega-3 fatty acids, iron, and zinc, all of which are essential for hair growth. These can be found in foods such as fish, chicken, nuts, oysters, and legumes. Fruits and vegetables rich in vitamins and antioxidants, such as citrus fruits, spinach, and carrots, also promote scalp health by fighting free radicals and supporting blood circulation. Finally, it is important to drink enough water to maintain good hydration of the body and the scalp.
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