Edilene Salomão Amador
The intricate relationship between systemic health, nutrition, and dermatological manifestations, particularly hair and scalp conditions, presents a burgeoning area for nursing intervention. This review synthesizes current literature to delineate the evolving role of nursing in addressing hair nutrition and scalp health. Employing a scoping review methodology, a systematic search was conducted across prominent academic databases, identifying studies that explicitly or implicitly link nursing practice with nutritional aspects of hair and scalp care. Inclusion criteria focused on empirical research and review articles published in English or Portuguese, excluding clinical guidelines and opinion pieces without primary research. The findings reveal a nascent but critical role for nursing, primarily centered on patient education regarding nutritional impacts on hair growth and health, the application of topical formulations, and the integration of these aspects into holistic care plans. While direct nursing interventions specifically targeting 'hair nutrition' are limited, the principles of holistic assessment, health promotion, and patient education, core to nursing practice, are highly relevant. The review identifies a significant gap in the formalized integration of hair and scalp nutrition into nursing curricula and care protocols, despite its relevance to patient well-being and body image. This synthesis underscores the necessity for nurses to expand their competencies in dermatological nutrition, advocating for its inclusion in nursing education and practice guidelines. The conclusion emphasizes that by integrating hair nutrition into routine assessments and patient education, nurses can significantly contribute to improved patient outcomes, enhanced self-esteem, and a more comprehensive approach to health, thereby elevating the standard of holistic nursing care.