Incubatory Environment of the Scalp Impacts Pre-Emergent Hair to Affect Post-Emergent Hair Cuticle Integrity

The study investigated the impact of oxidative stress from an unhealthy scalp on the cuticle integrity of pre-emergent hair. Conducted over 24 weeks, it involved 8 weeks of pretreatment with a cosmetic shampoo followed by 16 weeks of treatment with either a potentiated zinc pyrithione (ZPT) antidandruff shampoo or a placebo. Results showed that oxidative stress negatively affected hair surface structure, but the ZPT shampoo improved scalp health and significantly enhanced hair surface hydrophobicity and cuticular moisture barrier effectiveness. The findings suggested that oxidative stress from an unhealthy scalp could alter cuticle properties, making hair more vulnerable to damage.