The Change of Copper, Zinc, Iodine, and Selenium Contents in the Scalp Hair of Healthy Females and the Efficacy of Herbal Extract Shampoo Treatment

The study with 60 healthy female participants examined the impact of an herbal extract shampoo containing Urtica cannabina L. on the trace element content in scalp hair and its effects on hair growth and scalp health. The experimental group (35 participants) using the herbal shampoo saw significant increases in copper, zinc, and iodine levels in their hair, with a slight decrease in selenium content, compared to the control group (25 participants) using regular shampoo. Additionally, the experimental group experienced improvements in hair growth, diameter, and density, as well as better scalp skin moisture, sebum, and pH levels. The study found a positive correlation between copper content and hair diameter, and between iodine content and hair strand number. It concluded that the trace elements in the shampoo are likely beneficial for hair properties, but noted the need for larger and longer-term studies to confirm these findings.