Ageing of the scalp and hair

As we age, our skin undergoes a series of changes that affect its physical, morphological and physiological properties. These changes equally impact the skin of our face, body, but also our scalp. This is associated with the natural and inevitable process of ageing. When it comes to the scalp, over time, the ageing of the human body also causes changes in hair follicles and their pigment-producing cells, i.e. melanocytes, triggering the gradual elimination of the stem cells they contain. Although no method has yet been discovered that would completely stop this process, there are ways to keep your hair healthy and beautiful for longer.

Ageing of hair and hair follicles – the free radical theory

The cycle of normal hair growth includes three main phases: anagen, catagen and telogen. Anagen is characterised by intense growth and rapid cell proliferation. It usually lasts several years. The next phase, catagen, is referred to as the transitional phase, during which hair growth stops completely. This phase is short and usually lasts 1–2 weeks. The final phase is telogen, which is characterised by the lowest biochemical activity of hair follicles. It lasts 5–6 weeks and ends with hair loss. As we age, the hair growth cycle becomes disrupted.

Free radicals (reactive oxygen species, ROS) play an important role in the ageing process of the scalp and hair. They have the ability to damage cellular structures, such as proteins, lipids or genetic material (DNA). The production of free radicals can be triggered by both external and internal factors. External factors include air pollution, tobacco smoke, UV radiation and poor diet, while internal factors include genetics, stress, hormonal changes or general body weakness. An imbalance between the amount of free radicals formed and the rate of their removal from the body leads to oxidative stress. As a result, the stem cells found in the hair follicles are gradually eliminated and the hair ages visibly. The signs of scalp and hair ageing include: 

Greying– caused by the loss of pigment that gives hair its colour
Hair thinning–  resulting from the degeneration of the hair fibre (reduction in the diameter of individual strands) and increased hair loss, associated with the reduced number of hairs in the active growth phase – anagen
Weakening of the hair shaft structure– leading to brittleness, rough texture and loss of radiance

How can we slow down the ageing of the scalp and hair?

One of the basic steps we can take to slow down the ageing process is proper care. It is important to use products with a high content of antioxidants, which prevent ROS from reacting with cellular components, interrupt such reactions and repair the resulting damage.

Our Capilarte Anti-Ageing Shampoo addresses the problem of an ageing scalp and hair. It has proven antioxidant properties, determined by the DPPH free-radical scavenging assay carried out at the Institute of Natural Raw Materials and Cosmetics of the Łódź University of Technology.

This product contains the innovative Kerascalp^TM – an extract of the fruit of amla, also known as Indian gooseberry. This ingredient is particularly popular in Asian medical practices, where it has been used as an adaptogen in Ayurveda for thousands of years. Its unique properties result from a high content of antioxidants, such as emblicanin, phyllanthin, quercetin, gallic acid and ellagic acid. Due to its incredible antioxidant capacity, Kerascalp^TM protects cells from oxidative stress, increases the production of collagen and inhibits its degradation, as well as stimulating stem cells to create new hairs and produce pigment (thus preventing premature greying). Furthermore, it strengthens the hair and promotes its regeneration, as well as giving it a healthy shine.

In addition to the amla extract, our Capilarte Anti-Ageing Shampoo also contains plenty of antioxidants, such as: 

Caffeine, which improves the micro-circulation in the scalp, as well as stimulating hair follicle activity

Apigenin, contained in the patent-pending Pilotantum^® complex, which promotes micro-circulation in the scalp

Apple extract (Malus domestica), which delays the ageing of hair follicle stem cells, regenerates, stimulates and nourishes hair follicles, as well as improving their vitality

Basil extract, which reduces 5-alpha-reductase activity, thus preventing hair loss.

With its carefully selected ingredients, our shampoo not only slows down the ageing process, but also improves the structure of the hair shaft, delays greying, reduces hair loss and effectively cleanses the scalp, as well as protecting it against environmental pollutants.

In addition to proper care, we should also remember not to expose the scalp and hair to harmful factors, such as frequent chemical bleaching, heat styling (straighteners, curling irons), UV radiation or tobacco smoke.

How should I use the Capilarte Anti-Ageing shampoo?

For best results, we recommend following these steps:

1. Generously wet your hair and scalp
2. Dispense a small amount of shampoo onto your hands and apply to your scalp
3. Gently and thoroughly massage the product into your scalp
4. Rinse
5. Repeat steps 2–3 
6. Leave the shampoo on your scalp for approx. 2 minutes
7. Rinse thoroughly

Our shampoo is also suitable for daily use.

Summary

Hair ageing is becoming more and more common. In order to minimise its effects as much as possible, we recommend using our Capilarte Anti-Ageing Shampoo whenever you wash your hair. It is a perfect product for women and men who struggle with hair greying, weakening and dullness, hair loss and damaged hair shaft (damage associated with age, heat styling, dyeing or bleaching).

However, if your symptoms become more severe, consult a trichologist, who will help you identify the root cause.