The scalp microbiome: The key to next-gen hair care
It’s no secret that beauty consumers are more informed and health-conscious than ever, They’re demanding more than surface-level results. And when it comes to hair care, they’re seeking products that support true scalp and hair health.
This is where the scalp microbiome comes in—a groundbreaking opportunity for visionary beauty brands.
Much like the skin microbiome transformed skincare, the scalp’s ecosystem of bacteria and fungi is emerging as a key player in hair wellness—impacting everything from oil control to irritation and hair strength.
While traditional hair care often disrupts this delicate balance, leading to persistent issues like dandruff and dryness, microbiome-focused products offer a fresh approach, aligning with consumer demand for targeted, health-centric solutions.
Here are the essentials of the scalp microbiome, its role in hair health, and how your brand can harness this science to create innovative, next-generation hair care.
What is the scalp microbiome?
Just like the gut microbiome, the scalp microbiome is a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms. And, like the skin microbiome, it’s responsible for defending the scalp and hair from harmful stressors.
The scalp is unique to the rest of the body, with more hair follicles, sebaceous glands and a delicately balanced pH level. It creates an ideal environment for certain microorganisms, which interact with one another and our skin cells to influence our scalp health and hair growth, texture, and appearance.
When in balance, the scalp microbiome keeps hair strong, healthy and protected against infection and irritation. An imbalanced microbiome (a condition known as dysbiosis) often leads to flaking, irritation, soreness, or redness, and sometimes all of the above.
Which bacteria are present in the scalp microbiome?
While our gut microbiome is home to over 300 species of bacteria, the scalp microbiome is dominated by two, Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. They’re both ‘good’ bacteria, but over- or under-representation can contribute to dysbiosis.
Other microorganisms, such as the fungi Malassezia and bacteria Micrococcus and Corynebacterium are also common on the scalp. Like the gut, the scalp depends on a balanced microbial environment; when levels of these organisms shift significantly, or harmful bacteria are introduced, scalp health can suffer. For example, Malassezia, which is naturally present on almost all scalps, can lead to dandruff and irritation when it proliferates beyond normal levels.
How the scalp microbiome impacts hair health
A balanced scalp microbiome is vital for keeping your scalp and hair healthy, supporting several crucial processes:
Nutrient delivery: Ensuring hair follicles receive the nutrients they need for optimal growth
pH balance: Maintaining the ideal pH for optimal hair growth and strength
Protection: Forming a protective barrier against harmful pathogens that could damage hair follicles
Sebum regulation: Controlling sebum production—crucial for hair hydration and protection
Inflammation control: Promoting a healthy environment for hair growth by keeping inflammation in check
Toxin breakdown: Some microbes can help break down damaging pollutants and toxins
What are the side effects of scalp dysbiosis?
An imbalanced scalp microbiome can result in various symptoms. Here are some common effects of dysbiosis, which can be mistaken for product-related, stress-related, or genetic issues:
Dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis: Often triggered by an overgrowth of Malassezia fungi
Scalp inflammation: Redness, itchiness, or sensitivity may be caused by an inflamed, imbalance microbiome
Dry or oily scalp: Dysbiosis can disrupt sebum production, resulting in an overly dry or oily scalp, which affects hair quality
Hair loss: Chronic inflammation and an unhealthy scalp environment can cause hair thinning and, in serious cases, permanent hair loss.
What causes dysbiosis and how can we fix an imbalanced scalp microbiome?
Now that we know the underlying cause for so many pesky scalp and hair issues, what can we do to avoid them?
Here are some common causes of scalp dysbiosis:
Harsh hair care products
Shampoos and styling agents with strong detergents or antimicrobial agents can strip away beneficial bacteria, disrupting the scalp’s natural microbial balance. It’s essential to choose microbiome-friendly hair care products, opting for sulphate-free formulas and using clarifying or oil-control products sparingly alongside nourishing options.
Over-washing or under-washing
Over-washing can dry out the scalp, while washing too infrequently may lead to oil buildup, both of which can disrupt the microbial balance. Finding a washing routine that suits your hair type, typically every 3 to 4 days, can help maintain this balance.
Poor diet
Nutrient deficiencies can affect scalp microbiome health. Incorporate prebiotic-rich foods (onions, leeks, asparagus, banana, apple, and dandelion) and probiotic foods (kimchi, sauerkraut, yoghurt, kefir, miso, pickles, and kombucha) into our diet to support a healthy microbiome from within.
Excessive stress
High stress levels can impact the scalp microbiome, often exacerbating flakiness, irritation, or conditions like psoriasis and eczema. Integrating stress-reducing techniques, such as meditation or yoga, can be beneficial for both mental well-being and scalp health.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal fluctuations, especially related to female reproductive health, can alter the microbial composition on the scalp. While managing hormonal changes can be complex, focusing on balanced self-care, including diet and hydration, can support the microbiome.
Environmental factors
External stressors such as pollution, extreme weather conditions, and UV exposure can disrupt the scalp’s microbial ecosystem. Protecting your scalp from these stressors by wearing a hat outdoors and using hair products with UV protection can help maintain a healthy balance.
Antibiotic use
Antibiotics can reduce beneficial bacteria throughout the body, including on the scalp, contributing to dysbiosis. To support recovery, reintroducing beneficial bacteria through probiotic-rich foods or supplements is essential for restoring a healthy scalp microbiome after antibiotic use.
Let’s create your microbiome-focused hair care line
With harsh hair products being one of the main causes of scalp dysbiosis, our industry has a responsibility to offer shampoos and styling products that help the scalp microbiome, instead of harming it. That’s why forward-thinking beauty brands are embracing innovative, microbiome-friendly formulas into their family of products.
At BiomeCentric, we’re committed to helping beauty brands transform the industry. Learn more about our end-to-end manufacturing services and let’s create your dream hair product line your customers will love.