Phytosterols for hair: what are the effects?

To prevent split ends and breakage, it is crucial to provide daily adequate hydration to your hair. Phytosterols can contribute to hair hydration due to their moisturizing properties. Indeed, they have the ability to attract and retain water, and help to limit its evaporation.

Note : It is wise to remain cautious about the moisturizing properties of phytosterols on hair. Indeed, these properties were first demonstrated on skin and, so far, they have been minimally studied in the hair care field.

The application of a phytosterol-based treatment on hair fibers could slow down the graying of hair due to the properties antioxidants of these compounds. Studies have indeed highlighted the existence of a link between oxidative stress and graying hair. Free radicals generated by UV rays, pollution, or even tobacco degrade melanin, the pigment that gives hair its color, through a series of reactions. It's also worth noting that free radicals are likely to weaken the hair bulb and promote hair loss and split ends.

Phytosterols protect hair from free radicals due to their chemical structure. This structure is rich in double bonds, which allows them to neutralize these reactive species through a donation of an electron. Moreover, some studies suggest that phytosterols can stimulate the activity of endogenous antioxidant enzymes such as superoxide dismutase (SOD) and glutathione peroxidase. These are essential proteins in the mechanism of free radical elimination.

A recent study has highlighted in vitro that β-sitosterol, a phytosterol found in the seeds of certain plants, could inhibit the growth of Staphylococcus aureus, a Gram-positive bacteria. However, the mechanism of action of β-sitosterol has not yet been determined. Although further tests targeting other bacteria would be necessary, this study suggests that phytosterols could be useful in combating certain bacterial infections affecting the scalp.