6 Ways to Naturally Reset Your Scalp Microbiome
Your scalp is home to a unique ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, viruses, and other microbes, which we call the scalp microbiome. Much like the healthy gut microbiome affecting your wellbeing so the health of your scalp microbiome plays a key role in your scalp’s overall well-being. A balanced microbiome supports healthy hair and scalp, while an imbalanced one can lead to issues such as dandruff and even hair loss [i]
The Importance of a Balanced Scalp Microbiome
A healthy scalp microbiome helps maintain the right environment for your hair to grow strong and shiny. On the flip side, an imbalance in your scalp's microbes can lead to scalp conditions such as dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, hair thinning, and in extreme cases, hair loss.
Experts, including Eva Proudman, Chairman of the Institute of Trichology, explain that ‘the scalp microbiome functions to keep the skin on the scalp and our hair healthy for optimum growth. Conditions such as dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis are a consequence of an imbalanced scalp microbiome as well as hair shedding and thinning’
Your scalp microbiome plays an active part in educating your immune system, helping reduce inflammation and keeping unhealthy bacteria in check. [ii] [iii]
Your scalp is also vulnerable to external stressors such as pollution, UV rays, and harmful bacteria, but microbes on the scalp act as a natural barrier to protect it. They also help produce vital nutrients like amino acids and B vitamins that are essential for hair health.
Factors that Affect the Scalp Microbiome
Each area of your body has its own unique microbiome, influenced by various factors such as amount of sebum production. The scalp microbiome is home to beneficial bacteria such as Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis, as well as a yeast called Malassezia, which thrives in oil-rich areas of the scalp.
An imbalanced microbiome, called dysbiosis, is often linked to dandruff. When this happens, there is a higher concentration of the yeast Malassezia and certain bacteria, like Staphylococcus capitis, while beneficial bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes decrease. This imbalance is triggered by multiple factors, including the composition of your scalp's oils, your personal health and your scalp microbiome.
Protecting Your Scalp Microbiome
Your scalp has around 280,000 oil glands, which create a humid environment that can be easily disrupted. That’s why maintaining a healthy scalp microbiome is just as important as taking care of your skin. A balanced microbiome helps protect the scalp and hair as you age.
In fact, the scalp ages six times faster than your face. Scalp problems such as inflammation, flaking, or dryness can speed up this ageing process. An overpopulated microbiome—often caused by excess oil production—or an underpopulated microbiome—often caused by harsh or non pH balanced products[iv] [v] can disrupt scalp health.
While some factors, like genetics, age, gender and external pollution are beyond your control, there are things you can do to maintain a healthy microbiome. These include staying hydrated, balancing oil production, and keeping the scalp’s natural pH level in check.
Here are six tips to naturally reset your scalp microbiome:
1. Protect from Heat and Stay Hydrated
Excessive heat from styling tools can dry out your scalp, disrupting its natural balance. Minimize heat styling and allow your hair to air dry whenever possible. On hot days, wear a hat to protect your scalp from UV radiation. Don’t forget to hydrate your body by drinking enough water—around 6 glasses or 2 litres a day. Use moisturizing hair products or oils (like coconut oil) to keep your scalp nourished [vi]
2. Avoid Harsh Products
Certain products can throw off your scalp’s pH balance. Avoid shampoos with sulphates, which can irritate the skin, dry out your scalp, and harm protective bacteria . Look for gentle, sulphate-free products to maintain a healthy scalp microbiome.
3. Nourish from the Inside
What you eat can impact your scalp health. A diet rich in fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains helps nourish the scalp and promote healthy hair growth. Omega-3 fatty acids from fish such as salmon and sardines help reduce inflammation and support scalp circulation. Oxidative stress can contribute to aging so antioidants from food such as green tea and fresh produce can help.[vii]
Probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics support your gut microbiome and may positively influence the scalp microbiome through a process known as the gut-skin axis. Managing stress and getting enough sleep also play a big role in maintaining overall health.
4. Balance Sebum Production
Sebum, the oil produced by your scalp, is necessary to protect your hair and skin. However, too much oil can cause a build-up which in turn disrupts the microbiome. Wash your hair regularly when it gets oily, but don’t overdo it. Over-washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils. Some people find washing every other day works best, while others can go longer between washes.
5. Maintain the Scalp’s Natural pH
Your scalp’s pH is naturally acidic, typically around 5.5, while the pH of a hair fibre is more acidic still – around 3.67 [viii].This acidity helps protect the scalp from infection, keeps the hair cuticle flat and healthy and is the optimal pH for your scalp microbiome to thrive. When the pH is disrupted, such as during chemical treatments like hair colouring, the hair cuticle lifts and can be damaged by pollutants.
To help maintain a balanced pH, rinse your hair with a mixture of diluted apple cider vinegar (1 part vinegar to 5 parts water) or use a spritz of aloe vera juice. Always choose hair products that are pH-balanced to avoid disrupting your scalp’s natural state.
6. Choosing a shampoo with added pre or post biotics.
There are many naturally derived ingredients that have been found to have beneficial cleansing effects on the scalp, for example a biosurfactant that is yeast fermented produces a very gentle cleanser containing post biotics – which in turn are recognized to be good for scalp microbiome [ix] [x]
Conclusion
Your scalp microbiome is a delicate ecosystem that plays a critical role in hair health. Keeping this balance is key to preventing issues like dandruff, scalp irritation, and in extreme cases hair loss. Simple changes, such as maintaining hydration, using pH-balanced products, eating a healthy diet, and protecting your scalp from heat and pollutants, can go a long way in keeping your scalp microbiome healthy.
There is no one straight answer and following as many of the above will help, as will choosing the correct shampoo. At An’du all our products are sulphate free, pH balanced and contain not only a coconut oil derived cleanser but also a gentle yeast fermented cleanser containing those all-important post-biotics.
If all of this seems overwhelming, just remember staying hydrated, wearing a hat, eating balanced meals, and using gentle hair products can help protect and nourish your scalp. It’s easier than you think!