N ot a m e m b e r ? J o i n at a s so c iate d h a i rp rofe s sio n a ls .c o m 27
THE
INGREDIENT
research first to choose a reputable brand. Remind
them it's always best to check with their primary
care physician before introducing new supplements.
• Niacinamide—One important factor of skin
health is a balanced barrier. Since the scalp
is skin, the same is true here. Niacinamide
is a form of vitamin B3 and can help to
improve the scalp's barrier function while
reducing inflammation. Additionally, it can
help regulate scalp oil production (sebum),
which will support overall scalp health.
• Peppermint oil—Peppermint oil has a cooling
effect on the scalp and can help stimulate blood
circulation, therefore promoting hair growth. The
oil induces a rapid anagen stage in hair follicles,
which can prompt hair growth. Peppermint oil
can encourage an increase in dermal thickness,
hair follicle number, and hair follicle depth.
4
Peppermint oil shouldn't be applied directly
to the scalp. To avoid scalp irritation, tell your
clients to dilute the oil in a carrier oil, mix
it with another hair product, or buy it as an
ingredient in an already formulated product.
• Rosemary oil—Rosemary oil has been shown
to stimulate hair growth by improving blood
circulation in the scalp. A study released
in 2015 suggests rosemary oil can be as
effective as prescription-strength 2 percent
minoxidil for the treatment of androgenetic
alopecia (but with fewer side effects).
5
This
oil also has antimicrobial properties that can
maintain the microbiome of the scalp.
• Salicylic acid—This BHA helps exfoliate the
cellular buildup and dissolve excess oil (removing
the clutter) on the scalp. By clearing extra skin
cells and debris, the hair follicles are free to thrive.
Thriving follicles lead to strong and lustrous hair.
THE SECRET TO HEALTHY
SCALPS AND HAIR
Hair health runs deeper than the hair shaft. The
secret to healthy, strong hair isn't found only in
shampoos or conditioners with ingredients that
target the hair, it's also found in the products
that nourish and support functionality of the
scalp. Help your clients look for products
with ingredients that support their scalp
health and watch their hair flourish!
Notes
1. Elizabeth C. Hughes and Dahlia Saleh, Telogen
Effluvium (Treasure Island, FL: StatPearls Publishing,
2023), ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430848.
2. American Academy of Dermatology Association, "Can
Covid-19 Cause Hair Loss?" accessed October 2023,
aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/covid-19.
3. K. P. Sampath Kumar et al., "Aloe Vera: A Potential
Herb and its Medicinal Importance," Journal of
Chemical and Pharmaceutical Research 2, no. 1 (2010):
21–9, jocpr.com/articles/aloe-vera--a-potential-herb-
and-its-medicinal-importance.pdf.
4. Ji Young Oh, Min Ah Park, and Young Chul Kim,
"Peppermint Oil Promotes Hair Growth Without
Toxic Signs," Toxicological Research 30, no. 4 (December
2014): 297–304, ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/
PMC4289931.
5. Yunes Panahi et al., "Rosemary Oil vs. Minoxidil
2% for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A
Randomized Comparative Trial," Skinmed 13, no.
1 ( January/February 2015): 15–21, europepmc.org/
article/med/25842469.
Resources
American Academy of Dermatology Association. "Hair
Loss: Who Gets and Causes." Accessed October 2023.
aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/18-causes.
Mayo Clinic. "Hair Loss." March 26, 2022.
mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hair-
loss/symptoms-causes/syc-20372926.
Trüeb, R. M. et al. "Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth
and Retention Via Oxidative Stress." International Journal
of Trichology 10, no. 6 (November/December 2018):
262–70. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6369642.
