The scalp ages much like the rest of the body's skin. It loses tone and elasticity, and cell production declines. As the scalp ages, the hair weakens. It is part of the lifecycle of the hair follicle, but that lifespan can be extended when the same methods and ingredients for skin care are applied to the scalp.
"Through research, we now know that many of the ingredients traditionally used in aesthetic treatments also have the power to inhibit the progression of hair damage and loss," Allison said. "Using cosmeceutical-grade peptides, amino acids, antioxidants, and organic stem cell technology we can stimulate the mitochondria, support keratin, fight free radicals, and maintain a healthy hair cycle." 
In healthy conditions hair strands go through three stages - the anagen (active growth) phase, catagen (transition/end of active growth) stage, and the telogen (resting) phase. The hair falls out and is usually replaced by new hair. The cycle continues like clockwork, but as the scalp ages or is affected by a disorder or disease, the cycle can be disrupted.

Factors that can disrupt the cycle and trigger hair loss:

•   Disease and illness
•   Stress
•   Thyroid diseases and hormones
•   Nutritional deficiencies
•   Medications and surgery

"Nutrition inside and out is vital to correcting and avoiding disruptions," Allison said. "Internally healthy hair thrives on micronutrients including vitamin B, amino acids and proteins. Externally the hair and scalp need a system of preventative and corrective care that includes cleansing, strengthening, building and restoring."

Some ingredients that can actively inhibit the progression of hair damage and loss include:

• Peptides and amino acids - like Pterocarpus Marsupium Bark improve hair density, increase the number of follicles, prevent scalp disorders, and stimulate the cells that improve root anchoring and strength. 
• Antioxidants - Thioctic is powerful dual antioxidant that maintains protection of extra-cellular proteins, fights free radicals and limits lipid oxidative degradation.
• Vitamin B - such as Inositol, part of a complex that stimulates protein biosynthesis and cell vitality, proliferates cell growth and increases energy production. 
• Enzymes and proteins - ingredients like Panthenyl Ethyl Ether, Milk Protein and Lactose can stimulate protein biosynthesis and cell vitality, increase energy production in scalp tissue, and anchor hair to the root. Hydrolyzed Lupine Protein also works to slow hair loss and encourage nutrient assimilation to help hair growth.

"While these ingredients are vital, it's important to take into consideration ingredient levels and how they are being combined," Allison said. "Just as with skin care formulas, be sure to look beyond ingredient listings and learn what levels are being used and what, if any, research supports the formulation.