Focus on the scalp microbiome: what is its role and importance?

Whether in the field of health or cosmetics, the microbiome is gaining more and more interest. In the hair world, it represents the collection of microorganisms living on the surface of the scalp, similar to those found in other parts of the body such as the intestine or skin. This microbiome plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of the scalp and hair. But why is it important to take care of it, and how can we do so effectively? Answers in this article!

What exactly is the hair microbiome?

Have you ever typed “what is microbiome” into the internet? Then this article is for you. We will enlighten you and provide all the details regarding it, as well as its link to hair.
The hair microbiome is primarily composed of bacteria, fungi (yeast), and other microorganisms. It’s important to know that these microorganisms coexist in balance and together form a defense barrier against infectious agents. They also help regulate sebum production.

Therefore, the role of the microbiome is to maintain a healthy, hydrated scalp with a balanced pH. It also helps regulate sebum.

To achieve this and keep a healthy microbiome, it’s important to adapt and follow certain advice:

Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Lifestyle is often the root of many issues. To have a healthy microbiome, it is important to have a balanced diet rich in vitamins, nutrients, and essential minerals.
Use gentle products: The hair care routine you use will influence the overall state of the microbiome. Prefer gentle, non-aggressive, and non-irritating products to preserve the natural protective barrier of the scalp.
Adapt your hair washing frequency: Washing too frequently or not enough can disrupt the microbiome. Excessive washing can eliminate natural oils, while insufficient washing can lead to a buildup of bacteria.
Avoid stress: Stress can influence the immune response, indirectly affecting the microbiome.

These tips should absolutely be applied daily to maintain healthy hair.

Finding a range of products that respect your microbiome

You certainly know that to have healthy hair, it is essential to have a proper routine. The range of products you choose will accompany you daily and determine the overall state of your hair and microbiome.
Favor gentle and non-aggressive products that carefully nurture your scalp. Certain substances, such as sulfates or some preservatives, can disrupt the microbial flora and eliminate beneficial microorganisms.
At Hairborist, we work with natural products certified organic by the Ecogarantie label. Thus, we assure you of a truly authentic, natural, and 100% healthy care that respects the microbiome. We also use products with a gentle pH to match that of the skin, thereby helping to promote the pH balance of the scalp.

A hair care routine in three important steps

And since our routine is natural and certified organic, we only work with gentle products. You will surely find what you need to address your hair care needs while treating your hair with care.

The pre-shampoo oil bath that incorporates scalp massage

Scalp massage is a step that should not be overlooked to maintain a healthy hair microbiome. In fact, it is essential for several reasons:

Stimulating blood circulation: Massage promotes better blood flow to hair follicles, which helps nourish the scalp and microbiome.
Balancing sebum: Regular massage can help regulate sebum production, creating a much more balanced environment for the skin microbiome.
Eliminating dead cells: Massaging the scalp can help exfoliate the skin, gradually removing dead cells present on its surface.
Reducing stress: Massage has relaxing effects that help reduce stress, a factor often linked to microbiome imbalances.
Encouraging microbial diversity: A healthy scalp, maintained through massages, will foster greater diversity of microorganisms and thus balance the scalp microbiome.

This scalp massage can easily be incorporated into your routine with our pre-shampoo oil treatment, which is simple to implement. Just mix 20 ml of one of our vegetable oil bases with 10 drops of one of our aromasynergies. The aromasynergies are concentrated essential oils based on targeted plant extracts according to the different hair types and their specific issues.
We cover all types of issues: dry hair, oily hair, colored hair, sensitive scalps, hair loss, dandruff, lice, etc. This is the most effective way to maintain your hair. Plus, in addition to effectively caring for your hair, you can engage in a massage to stimulate the microbiome and your blood circulation, thereby promising long-lasting results.
This treatment can be performed in a Hairborist salon to enjoy a complete wellness experience and the expert touch of the hairdresser. If you unfortunately don’t have a Hairborist hairdresser nearby, you can purchase this wonderful custom oil bath on our e-shop.

The shampoo must be gentle, very gentle

To best preserve the microbiome, it is important to favor shampoos with gentle and healthy formulations. Our five shampoos are certified organic and are all designed to care for you above all else. When we use shampoos containing aggressive ingredients like sulfates or parabens, we risk disturbing this fragile harmony. These compounds can also dehydrate the skin, leading to itching, irritation, and even dandruff.

In contrast, gentle shampoos enriched with natural and hydrating ingredients provide a much more beneficial solution. These formulations respect the skin barrier of the scalp while deeply cleansing, offering a refreshing feeling without causing harm.

Adopting a gentle shampoo is also a way to promote hair growth. A healthy scalp not only creates a favorable environment for growth but also helps prevent the blockage of hair follicles, a factor often underestimated in hair loss. Thus, by opting for gentler alternatives, we cultivate a caring relationship with our hair, facilitating its renewal and shine.
Our new shampoo Naturalys, is enriched with prebiotics to best respect the scalp microbiome and nourish it with good bacteria. This is THE shampoo suitable for fragile and sensitized scalps, allowing them to be rebalanced in the best way. If your scalp is sensitive or imbalanced, this is the one to turn to.

The conditioner to close hair cuticles

And since a hair care routine does not end with shampooing, we offer four exceptional conditioners that adapt to the nature of your hair. The conditioner step is essential for moisturizing, detangling, and, most importantly, for closing the hair cuticles that were opened with shampooing. This is a crucial step that is often overlooked. So, to conclude your routine effectively, choose a natural conditioner suitable for your hair type.