Many attribute hair loss to unsuitable shampoo or weather changes. However, weak, easily broken hair often stems from reduced activity of hair follicle stem cells. These cells, located within hair follicles, are crucial for producing new hair strands and maintaining the hair growth cycle. When hair follicle stem cells are less active, hair grows slower, becomes thinner, weaker, and sheds easily.

Doctor Hoang Quyet Tien, from the Medical Information Center at Tam Anh General Hospital, TP HCM, states that maintaining proper home hair care habits can foster a favorable environment for hair follicle stem cells to function effectively, thus nourishing hair long-term.

Limit high-heat blow-drying

High heat from blow dryers can dehydrate hair shafts, damaging the hair cuticle and making hair dry, brittle, and prone to breakage. Frequent high-heat drying can also dry out the scalp, impacting the micro-environment around hair follicles where hair follicle stem cells develop.

Experts recommend allowing hair to air dry naturally by 60-70% before blow-drying. They suggest using a cool air setting or low heat and keeping the dryer about 15-20 cm away from the hair.

Wash hair correctly

Harsh scalp scratching or using excessively hot water during washing can increase scalp irritation and affect hair follicles. The proper washing method involves using lukewarm water, gently massaging with fingertips for two to three minutes to cleanse sebum and dirt. After washing, blot hair with a soft towel instead of rubbing vigorously.

Keeping the scalp clean without damaging the hair follicle area helps maintain favorable conditions for hair follicle stem cell activity.

The quantity and quality of hair follicle stem cells determine hair thickness and strength. *Image: Eco Pharmaceutical Joint Stock Company*

Regular scalp massage

Scalp massage is a simple habit that offers numerous benefits. Gentle massage enhances blood circulation to the scalp, aiding in the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle area, where hair follicle stem cells require energy for regeneration.

Doctor Tien advises that dedicating three to five minutes daily, using fingertips to rub in circular motions from the forehead to the nape, can help individuals with weak hair or significant hair loss improve scalp tension and better nourish their hair.

Supplement essential nutrients from within

A diet lacking essential hair growth nutrients such as protein, zinc, iron, or other vital micronutrients can impair keratin synthesis and reduce the regenerative capacity of hair follicle stem cells.

Beyond a balanced diet, certain natural extracts have been studied for their ability to support hair follicle stem cells and enhance hair strength. These include: cynatine, horsetail extract, and pumpkin seed for women; and cynatine, saw palmetto extract, aged black garlic, and american ginseng for men.

Cynatine is a hydrolyzed keratin that provides crucial amino acids for hair strand formation. When combined with other nutrients, cynatine effectively reduces hair loss and stimulates strong hair growth from within.

According to Doctor Tien, healthy hair depends not only on shampoo but also on nutrition, sleep, stress, and the activity of hair follicle stem cells. Maintaining a healthy lifestyle combined with proper hair care helps reduce breakage and supports healthier hair growth.

Dinh Dieu