Millions of hairs are scattered all over our bodies. There are around 100,000 on the scalp. Many factors influence hair growth and density, but the most important are nutrition and hormones. The function of hair is more than aesthetic, it is essential for protecting the scalp against ultraviolet radiation from the sun and preventing heat loss..⁴

Healthy hair: a little anatomy

The visible part of the hair, the shaft, is actually a strand of dead tissue made almost entirely of keratin (a protein). Hair grows in follicles which are tubular compositions originating in the dermis. At the base of the follicle is the hair bulb in which cells form new hair keratin.

Part of the dermal tissue, rich in collagen, is full of blood capillaries which project into the lower part of the bulb, thus supplying the cells with nutrients and contributing to the health of the hair. So although hair is partly made of keratin, its health largely depends on collagen nutrition.^{3, 4, 5}

Why do we have hair loss?

Hair loss affects around 30% of women before the age of 50 and is therefore relatively common. First of all, it is good to know that we lose 50 to 100 hairs every day in a completely natural way which will later grow back.

There are several causes associated with hair loss. Heredity can explain it, hormonal disturbances and in particular thyroid and/or sexual hormones can explain it. On peut aussi faire face à une carence alimentaire, comme par exemple le manque de fer, de zinc, de vitamines de complexe B, de vitamine A, etc.

There are several other causes of hair loss. Other reasons such as certain medications such as cancer drugs, stress, excessive coloring, etc..^{4, 5}

Baldness

A type of baldness called androgenic alopecia is hair loss concentrated on the top of the head. The edge of the hair is preserved. This type of baldness can affect both men and women although it is more common in men. It is due to a gene which makes the hair located on the scalp more sensitive to androgen hormones. Thus, the hair will be finer, it will lighten and fall out more easily.

To treat hair loss, it is important to find the cause between a dietary deficiency and/or hormonal disruption..^{3, 4, 5}

8 Essentials for Healthy Hair

Hair and scalp are often a reflection of our lifestyle, starting with diet. Having good sources of protein and foods rich in beta-carotene, iron, silica, zinc, fatty acids, vitamin B complex, vitamins C and E are all elements that contribute to hair health.⁴

8 essentials for healthy hair: spirulina

The spirulina is a small blue algae, recognized as a remarkable food which corrects the excesses and deficiencies of our modern diet. Blue-green algae have pigments: phycocyanin (blue), chlorophyll (green) and carotenoids (orange). The great nutritional quality of this food lies above all in its exceptional content of proteins, beta-carotene, iron, vitamins of the B and E complex, several trace elements and gamma-linolenic acid (a polyunsaturated fatty acid).

The spirulina provides our body with these precious substances which represent an essential ally for our hair, for our immune system, for our digestive system, etc. It can be consumed by pregnant or breastfeeding women, it is beneficial for children and even for people convalescing and those who have little appetite.

Start slowly at 1/2 teaspoon and gradually increase the dosage up to 1 tablespoon of spirulina powder per day. Spirulina taken between meals can calm cravings or low energy.²

8 Essentials for Healthy Hair: Bio-Strath

We can't talk about hair loss or shine without talking about the product Bio-Strath. This unique preparation is based on a special yeast (Saccharomyces cerevisiae) which is nourished by plants through fermentation without heat or chemical agents. This broth is rich in nutrients. It helps support the body during periods of physical and mental stress. It is available in tablets and in form liquid.⁷

8 Essentials for Healthy Hair: BioSil

Studies have shown that this form of stabilized silica and highly bioavailable, increases the concentration of hydroxyproline (key amino acid for the production of collagen and elastin). A higher concentration of collagen in the dermal tissue promotes increased blood supply to the scalp and provides the hair follicle with an abundant supply of nutrients necessary for hair regrowth.

Some confirm that this form of silica (ch-OSA) positively helps the enzymes responsible for the formation of keratin (protein which constitutes 97% of our hair). The BioSil product is presented in capsules or in drops.^{5, 6}

8 essentials for healthy hair: marine collagen

The composition of marine collagen resembles that of human collagen. Collagen is the most abundant protein in the human body. It represents 25 to 35% of the protein content of our body. It is considered the “glue” that holds the parts of our body together. The collagen maintains the strength and flexibility of skin, blood vessels, nails, hair, etc.

8 essentials for healthy hair: silica

The silica is essential to the structure of the body, it participates in the formation of collagen and maintains tissue hydration, which ensures the tone of the skin. This trace element participates in the bone remineralization process and increases the density of hair and nails. The body does not produce silica naturally, you have to bring it to him.^{4, 8}

8 essentials for healthy hair: hyaluronic acid

Thehyaluronic acid and hair health, it provides hydration and supports cell renewal at the source, that is to say at the level of the hair follicle, the gateway for nutrients.

8 Essentials for Healthy Hair: Thyroid Support

Hair loss may be associated with an underactive thyroid. The product Thyroid support is a source of iodine from marine algae with a high concentration of minerals and bioavailable. Precautions: do not take in case of hyperthyroidism.⁷

8 essentials for healthy hair: aromatherapy

If you find your hair dull, a little recipe:

Essential oil ofYlang ylang ... 2 drops
Essential oil of Niaouli ... 1 drop
Essential oil of Rosemary CT Verbenone ... 1 drop
Natural oilapricot ...6 drops

3 to 4 drops in the shampoo cap each time you wash your hair.^{1, 9}

Beautiful hair nourished at the source!

About the author

Marie Couture, Qualified Naturopath

Specialized in:

Digestive disorders
Inflammation
Hormonal problems
Stress management

References:

Baudoux Dominique, Aromatherapy, Dunod, 2017, 534 pages

Frappier Renée, Spirulina, Les Éditions Asclépiade Inc., 1992, 71 pages

Gillson George MD, PhD, Marsden Tracy BscPharm, Hormonal therapy is more effective and safer, it’s possible, Rocky Mountain Analytical Corp., 2004, 182 pages.