The Impact of Oxidative Stress on Hair

November 2015 in “ International Journal of Cosmetic Science ”

Ralph M. Trüeb

oxidative stress reactive oxygen species UVR inflammation oxidized scalp lipids chemical insults UV radiation

TLDR Oxidative stress damages hair and contributes to aging, and managing it can help maintain hair health.

The 2015 review by R. M. Trüeb outlined the effects of oxidative stress on hair, noting that it has been less studied compared to skin aging. Oxidative stress, caused by an imbalance between reactive oxygen species production and neutralization, damages cellular structures and contributes to aging. It affects hair both before and after it emerges, with pre-emerging fibers impacted by oxidative metabolism, smoking, UVR, and inflammation, and post-emerging fibers affected by UVR, chemical insults, and oxidized scalp lipids. Trüeb recommended that dermatologists address these factors to maintain hair health, suggesting patient education, lifestyle changes, and evidence-based treatments. The review did not report on a specific study with participant numbers.

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