What are free radicals?

Free radicals are all about chemistry so let’s give you a brief introduction to what they are.

Free radicals are chemically instable molecules with at least one unpaired electron. They scavenge the body looking for other electrons to pair up with. They, so to speak, steal electrons from other molecules in order to become stable themselves. However, the molecule being robbed is left an electron short, which is the source of the entire debacle. 

Because now the robbed molecule becomes a free radical itself, which may reduce the function of other cells and ultimately kill them. The free radicals’ destruction of cells in an organism eventually leads to ageing of that organism. This process is called oxidative stress. Don’t worry, it’s not all doom and gloom and it is possible to fight this process. Keep reading and we’ll tell you how. 

How free radicals damage your hair

Your hair is made up of molecules. And you’ve probably already guessed that the process we described before also takes place in your hair – or more specifically on your scalp.

Things that you come across more or less on a daily basis, like tobacco smoke, polluted air, UV rays, radioactive radiation, organic solvents, chemicals, etc. all contain free radicals.

Studies show that when exposed to large amounts of free radicals for longer periods of time, hair tends to age faster – just like your skin does. Genetics of course also weigh in, but free radicals do accelerate the ageing of your strands. Grey hair is super beautiful and very much in fashion right now but ageing often also leads to thinning hair and hair loss, which doesn’t really bode well for a good hair day.