Hair microbiome: pay attention to the bacteria on your scalp

You have already internalized that the universe of microorganisms that colonize your skin plays a fundamental role in its well-being and development. You have even learned that their fundamental work makes them present in the most unexpected places (such as the mouth)... It is obvious that the scalp, which also has the mission of maintaining and promoting hair growth in the best conditions, is also influenced by its own microscopic population.

Eva Bernal, content specialist and member of the Kérastase training team, remembers that for many years we held the idea that all bacteria make us sick and that the best way to be clean, healthy and attractive was to eliminate the 99.9% of the skin microbiota. We now realize that cutting ourselves off from the microbial world in such a radical way is not the solution, as the microbiome is essential for skin health. “We must take care of our microscopic allies and try not to disturb them,” he says.

The essentials: what is the capillary microbiome?

Eva Bernal defines it as “the millions of bacteria and fungi that live naturally on the skin and, therefore, also on the scalp, and that vary throughout life. Recognize that this concept, also known as skin flora, is obtained when you are born (through the maternal microbiome) and adapts to different moments in life, as it is influenced by many factors such as lifestyle, where you live, with whom you relate...

The Vichy scientific team affirms that the microbiome of each of the areas of the dermis presents a different distribution, or a predominance of some species over others, since the environment is different. Marta Soria Zulaica, Montibello's R&D skin care manager, determines that the more diverse this microscopic population of the head is, the healthier the scalp will be and, conversely, the less variety there is, the more sensitive and reactive it will appear.

"The skin of this part of the body provides these tiny species with essential nutrients, mainly through sweat and sebum," acknowledges the specialist from Montibello. But it goes further and identifies that the hair follicle offers benefits compared to the rest of the skin thanks to the fact that "it favors growth due to its moisture, maintains a layer of lipids (sebum), enjoys good irrigation, maintains relative protection from UV rays and contains a less acidic pH.

What is the mission of the hair microbiome?

We start from the idea that it is an ecosystem in perfect harmony that, when it suffers from a disorder, causes alterations such as “excess sebum, dandruff , irritation, dryness, or even changes in the hair growth cycle itself," says Marta Soria Zulaica.

Its objective is to work for that health and for this: it regulates, protects and repairs. Thus, it helps to contain skin inflammation, works for the comfort of the scalp, releases antioxidant molecules that allow it to act against external aggressions (such as solar radiation or pollution) and prevents the adhesion of harmful bacteria. It also accelerates the recovery of the skin's barrier function, which triggers greater hydration and faster rehabilitation.

What signs indicate that the microbiome is not right?

There are many factors that can modify the natural hydrolipidic film of the scalp and, as a consequence, the microbiome. The threats can be multiple such as a high level of stress, the application of aggressive care products, the excessive use of heat tools, washing with very hot water, excessive sweating, pollution, maintaining an unbalanced diet, sun exposure. …

The result is that the scalp is not comfortable with discomfort such as itching, sensitivity, irritation, flaking or the appearance of dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, psoriasis... In addition, "the roots lose volume, become greasy and have little protection against the effects of pollution and UV rays, which cause hair to lose strength and beauty by weakening against oxidation”, says Eva Bernal.

How should we take care of the hair microbiome?

You don't have to go crazy, the key is to maintain proper cleaning that eliminates dirt while respecting microorganisms. Mercedes Abarquero, head of scientific communication at Laboratorios Vichy, acknowledges that “hygiene can momentarily change the microbiome of the scalp, since washing can change the environment. It will be key to use soft products that respect the pH and help maintain its balance”.

Yes, the word balance is essential to achieve full capillary health and cosmetic formulas have come a long way from the initial approach, eliminating the bad species and promoting the good ones. Marta Soria Zulaica stands out among the most advanced options:

Apart from these extra allies, they emphasize the benefits of performing detox rituals in the hair area, in order to eliminate impurities, reduce excess sebum and rebalance the microbiome. Of course, it is essential to rely on a good lifestyle that includes taking care of hygiene guidelines, committing to a healthy diet, exercising or consuming prebiotics that help stimulate the body's defenses and also those of the scalp, perpetuating its balance.

In case of doubt? Get in touch with the most specialized professional in hair and scalp matters: the trichologist dermatologist.