By Atilola Moronfolu 

Abstract:

Oxidative stress has a profound significance in promoting hair and scalp diseases because oxidative stress results from the imbalance between Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) production and the body’s antioxidant systems. This imbalance causes conditions like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis, among others, leading to hair loss. Oxidative stress affects hair development by inducing the programmed death of hair follicle cells and changing the normal hair cycle. This article aims to discuss the complex interactions of oxidative stress with different hair and scalp diseases and how free radicals are involved in the pathological changes in the scalp complex and the hair growth cycle.

Introduction:

Hair and scalp conditions are among the most common dermatological problems affecting millions of people. These conditions can be quite minor, such as dandruff or seborrhoeic dermatitis, or major, such as alopecia or psoriasis. More recently, much attention has been given to the fact that oxidative stress is responsible for the development and progression of these diseases.

Oxidative stress is characterized by an overproduction of Reactive Oxygen Species (ROS) and or a decreased ability to quell ROS production by antioxidants. Such an imbalance can cause harm to the cells that are present in different parts of the body, including the scalp and hair follicles. As a target site, the scalp has a distinctive skin environment with a high density of terminal hair follicles and sebaceous glands, making the site prone to oxidative damage.

Many microorganisms that inhabit the human scalp have been identified as prolific inducers of oxidative stress, the most important being Malassezia. Antioxidant approaches and other specific scalp treatments appear to be some of the ways to prevent hair shedding by reducing oxidative stress levels. Therefore, the effects of oxidative stress on skin cells, such as hair and scalp, call for further research to determine the requisite treatment and prevention measures.

Mechanisms of Oxidative Stress in Hair and Scalp Disorders

Oxidative stress is primarily involved with various hair and scalp disorders. It occurs when there is an imbalance between the production of ROS and the body’s capacity to disarm them.

They have established that lipid peroxidation, a sign of oxidative stress, hinders normal hair growth. Oxidative stress also induces premature aging of the dermal papilla cells, which are often responsible for hair follicle function. The skin microbial flora, particularly Malassezia species, causes oxidative stress, which affects hair growth.

Malassezia species on the scalp have been established to cause high levels of oxidative stress, leading to impaired hair health and growth; antioxidant approaches topically and systemically have been shown to reduce oxidative stress-related impairment to the hair and scalp.

Due to the lively environment of the scalp, with a high number of terminal hair follicles and sebaceous glands, this part of the skin is very sensitive to oxidative stress. Scalp disorders such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis, and androgenetic alopecia cause alterations in hair growth phases and may result in early hair loss.

Antioxidant Strategies for Hair and Scalp Health

Due to the negative impact of oxidative stress, it becomes imperative to design antioxidant defense mechanisms to protect hair and scalp. Antioxidants can help to neutralize free radicals and provoke the physiological processes of detoxification; the main antioxidants that concern hair and scalp are Vitamin C, Vitamin E, and resveratrol; nutrition interventions can also be rather effective in combating oxidative stress, especially when the consumption of vegetables, fruits, nuts and certain types of spices is concerned; finally, the use of the topical antioxidants might have the beneficial effect on the scalp and hair.

Conclusion:

Oxidative stress plays a significant role in hair and scalp disorders and their further development.

When we fully appreciate this interface of oxidative stress and hair and scalp disorders, new therapeutic options emerge. Future studies should identify unique antioxidants and how scalp homeostasis can be sustained. By targeting oxidative stress, one can easily eliminate symptoms of current scalp issues, avoid such problems as early hair loss, and improve the condition of the scalp and hair. Thus, it seems imperative to employ a more comprehensive multidisciplinary model of scalp and hair pathology involving care, nutrition, and systemic recommendations as more details of this topic are revealed.

References:

*Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC6369642/

*Oxidative Stress and its Impact on Scalp and Hair Health
https://monpure.com/blogs/news/oxidative-stress-free-radicals-hair-scalp-health

*Oxidative stress and its impact on skin, scalp and hair
https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/full/10.1111/ics.12736

*Oxidative Stress Impact on The Scalp
https://robertjamesclinic.com/oxidative-stress-impact-on-the-scalp/