We recently sat down with board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Rebecca Marcus, to get answers to some of the most common scalp questions—and why the scalp is key to healthy hair growth. She also explains how our NEW Hair Renew Scalp Hairbath & Soothing Conditioner play a crucial role in balancing the scalp environment and bringing on healthier hair.
Learn more about the best ingredients to use on your scalp, how often to treat yours and some important signs your scalp might be sending you.
How are scalp health and hair health linked?
Dr. Marcus: The scalp is the home of thousands of hair follicles which are responsible for producing and sustaining hair growth. Healthy hair follicles are essential for normal functioning of the hair growth cycle. When hair follicles are compromised by inflammation or irritation on the scalp, hair growth may be compromised, and hair may even be at risk of falling out.
What is a balanced scalp environment? Why is it important?
Dr. Marcus: A balanced scalp is healthy and free from irritation, excess oil, buildup, dryness and inflammation. Balance may also refer to a healthy microbiome, in which natural “good bacteria” keep harmful bacteria and fungi in check. It is an optimal state that allows for the scalp’s natural functions such as oil production and circulation to support follicles in the growth of healthy hair.
Why are the following ingredients, found in Hair Renew Scalp Hairbath & Soothing Conditioner so important for the scalp and hair?
Fermented Willowbark (in Hair Renew Scalp Hairbath & Soothing Conditioner)
Dr. Marcus: Willowbark is a natural source of salicylic acid, a beta-hydroxy acid (BHA) known for its exfoliating and anti-inflammatory benefits. It is a soothing and mildly exfoliating ingredient that can help minimize flaking often associated with seborrheic dermatitis.
Green Coffee Bean Extract (in Hair Renew Scalp Hairbath)
Dr. Marcus: Green Coffee Beans are powerful antioxidants and can help protect the scalp from oxidative stress that may damage the scalp and weaken follicles. The caffeine in Green Coffee Bean Extract supports circulation by increasing blood flow to the scalp, leading to increased delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the scalp. Caffeine has been shown to stimulate hair follicles, encouraging them to move from the resting (telogen) phase to the active (anagen) phase of the hair growth cycle.
Pumpkin Seed Oil (in Hair Renew Scalp Hairbath)
Dr. Marcus: Pumpkin Seed Oil is rich in linoleic acid, an essential fatty acid that helps lock moisture into the scalp. This helps prevent a dry, flaky scalp, and can also help soothe existing irritation and inflammation. As a source of phytosterols, Pumpkin Seed Oil has been shown in some studies to help those suffering from androgenetic alopecia.
Niacinamide (in Hair Renew Soothing Conditioner)
Dr. Marcus: Niacinamide is known for supporting the skin barrier, and therefore can help to reduce irritation, dryness and flaking. Its anti-inflammatory properties can soothe irritation and flaking that are often seen in conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis and dry scalp. Niacinamide hydrates hair, making it more flexible and less prone to breakage and split ends.
Rice Protein (in Hair Renew Soothing Conditioner)
Dr. Marcus: Rice Protein is rich in amino acids, which are the building blocks of keratin, the primary protein in hair. The amino acids in rice protein penetrate the hair shaft and help to reinforce the hair structure, supporting strength and minimizing risk of breakage.
What are the signs of an unhealthy scalp and what are the causes?
Dr. Marcus: An unhealthy scalp may be dry, itchy, flaky, red, irritated, inflamed, tender, overly oily or may develop pimple-like lesions. Scalp conditions that cause these symptoms may also be associated with hair loss, either in specific areas or diffusely.
There are many potential causes of an unhealthy scalp. Conditions such as psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis are common causes of flaking and formation of irritated, scaly plaques on the scalp. An overgrowth of fungus or bacteria can cause seborrheic dermatitis (also known as dandruff) and folliculitis. Products that contain ingredients to which one is sensitive may cause inflammation, itching and flaking. Dry skin/scalp can lead to flaking and itching. Hormonal shifts may result in overproduction of sebum, leading to oily hair and odor. Autoimmune conditions can lead to scarring of the hair follicles and hair loss.
What are the signs of a nourished, healthy scalp?
Dr. Marcus: A nourished, healthy scalp is hydrated but not greasy, does not itch or feel tight or tender, and is free from flaking, inflammation, redness and pimples. A healthy scalp supports growth of healthy hair at a normal rate of growth.
Why are clean formulations better for your scalp health?
Dr. Marcus: Clean formulations are free from ingredients that are commonly known to irritate skin. They may also contain ingredients that are known for nourishing the scalp and supporting optimal function and hair growth.
What does the Hair Renew Scalp Hairbath do?
Dr. Marcus: Hair Renew Scalp Hairbath soothes and hydrates the scalp, promoting circulation and delivering antioxidants to the hair follicles, setting the stage for healthy hair growth. Fermented Willowbark, one of the key ingredients in Hair Renew Scalp Hairbath, is a natural source of salicylates, and helps reduce flaking on the scalp.
What does the Hair Renew Soothing Conditioner do?
Dr. Marcus: Hair Renew Soothing Conditioner is a deeply hydrating post-wash treatment that nourishes the scalp and promotes density and shine of hair strands. Hair Renew Soothing Conditioner features ingredients such as Fermented Willowbark, a source of salicylates that calms the scalp and reduces flaking, Niacinamide that supports circulation and Rice Protein that smoothes the hair cuticle and reduces the appearance of split ends.
Why is a conditioner still necessary for scalp health?
Dr. Marcus: Those with a dry scalp may benefit from applying a conditioner to the scalp after shampooing. Shampoo is designed to lift oil and dirt from the scalp and hair. By design, even a gentle shampoo will leave skin drier than it was pre-wash, and a conditioner can help to replenish and seal in moisture.
What are some tips to build out a scalp care regimen?
Dr. Marcus: The specifics of a scalp care regimen depend on your particular needs, whether your scalp is balanced, oily, dry/flaky, or sensitive. It will also depend on how often you wash your hair and whether or not you use other products that may create buildup. Hair Renew Pre Wash Treatment is a product that helps remove product buildup and can be used once or twice weekly prior to washing your hair. True Enlightenment Scalp Scrub is a physical exfoliant that can also be used once or twice a week to help remove dead skin cells and buildup of sebum from the scalp. If you suffer from irritation or flaking on your scalp, adding a hydrating, soothing post wash treatment such as Hair Renew Daily Active Serum or Hair Renew Scalp Oil can help to provide extra hydration and soothing to dry, flaky scalps.
How often should I be doing scalp care?
Dr. Marcus: The frequency of scalp care depends on the condition of one’s scalp, but in general, once or twice per week should be sufficient to address concerns without contributing to buildup on the scalp or overstripping the scalp.