The scalp is divided into five layers: the uppermost contains the hair follicles that hold, on average, 100,000 to 150,000 strands of hair per head. Toward the top of each follicle is a sebaceous gland, and at the bottom, a tiny projection called the papilla. This hosts the blood vessels that feed the living part of the hair, the bulb. The cells in the bulb divide faster than any other cells in the body, every 23 to 72 hours, making the scalp's cell-renewal process quicker than the 28 days of the face.
This is why healthiness of scalp is so important.
Some recommended products to maintain a healthy scalp:
John Frieda
Root Awakening Lift + Refresh Root Spray - soothes the scalp
J.F. Lazartigue
Propolis Jelly for Oily Scalp - an antibacterial pre-shampoo treatment to break down oil buildup
Aesop
Equalising Shampoo - calms inflammation with fennel-fruit extract
Shu Uemura
Essential Drops - with antibacterial and antifungal peppermint oil, can turn any shampoo into a treatment by adding a few drops
Biologique Recherche
Shampooing Traitant Dermo-Apaisant - contains cider vinegar, is a natural astringent
CLEAR
Scalp & Hair Therapy Damage & Color Repair Shampoo - a clinical study shows it makes hair more resistant to breakage in just one week of use
A study conducted by the department of dermatology at Scotland found that patients who massaged their scalps with a blend including lavender, thyme, rosemary and cedarwood oil experienced "significantly" better hair growth than those who did so with a placebo blend of jojoba and grape-seed oil alone.
Also, a diet rich in protein, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids provides the proper nutrients for hair health (iron or biotin supplements are also an effective option).
(Source: Elle magazine, August 2012)
