Scalp Science You Need To Know

11 November, 2024

Did you know? Hair health, growth, thickness and vitality start at the scalp. 

The scalp’s condition and microbiome plays a vital role in maintaining the right environment for hair to thrive. Let’s dive into the science behind why… 

The Scalp Microbiome

A key to healthy hair is a healthy scalp - and the health of your scalp starts with the scalp microbiome!

The scalp microbiome is defined as ‘an array of microorganisms important in maintaining scalp homeostasis and mediating inflammation’ (1). 

This delicate ecosystem acts as a protective barrier, safeguarding the scalp from external stressors. When balanced, the scalp microbiome helps to regulate sebum production and maintain optimal pH levels. However, when this balance is disrupted, it can lead to issues like irritation, dryness and scalp damage - all of which compromise hair health. Scalp microbial dysregulation is said to contribute to many conditions including alopecia areata, dandruff/seborrheic dermatitis and scalp psoriasis (2).

Navigating these conditions over time means you may experience hair breakage or loss (3). Luckily, a consistent regime with good hair hygiene, balanced nutrition and high-quality products can assist in promoting an environment conducive to healthy hair! 

Think of your hair as the flowers in a garden and your scalp as the soil. You have to take care of the soil first if you want the plants to thrive. By nurturing the microbiome, you create the optimal scalp environment, promoting stronger and healthier hair. 

Our Scalp Health Tips 

  1. Don’t overwash. Wash your scalp regularly to remove buildup, but avoid overwashing or using harsh products which can strip away natural oils and disrupt the microbiome balance.
  2. Use a gentle and revitalising shampoo. Our Purifying Vitamin Shampoo is specifically formulated to maintain the scalp's natural pH without causing dryness or irritation, whilst also deeply cleansing your strands. 
  3. Exfoliate once a month. Exfoliating the scalp semi-regularly can help reduce skin cells and excess oil, creating a healthier environment for hair growth. Be sure to omit this step if you have a very sensitive scalp or are experiencing irritated scalp conditions.
  4. Nurture your scalp. Look for conditioners like our Nourishing Vitamin Conditioner which contain natural actives (Vitamin C, Calendula, Avocado Oil, Vitamin E and Frankincense) to hydrate, soothe and nurture your scalp’s health. Expert tip: if you have a dry scalp, once a week, apply a thicker layer of our conditioner and leave on scalp and hair lengths for 5-20 minutes as an intensive mask, then wash out as usual.
  5. Stay hydrated and eat a balanced diet. Be sure to drink plenty of water and consume nutrient-rich foods like leafy greens, nuts, fatty fish and seeds, which support overall skin and scalp health.
  6. Avoid heat styling/tight hairstyles. Limit heat styling tools and avoid tight hairstyles, which can cause scalp stress and hair breakage.
  7. Regular scalp massages. Japanese ‘head spas’ are certainly trending in wellness right now! Why not recreate a head spa experience at home, by giving yourself a deeply cleansing shampoo wash, a conditioning treatment and then gently massaging your scalp with a leave-on scalp serum to finish? You can do this either with your hands or a scalp massager. This boosts circulation and delivers more nutrients to hair follicles… Bonus: it is incredibly relaxing!
  8. Protect your scalp from sun exposure: Wear a hat (or chic head scarf) to shield your scalp from UV damage when outside or in the sun, which can harm the microbiome and lead to hair damage.
  9. Use a scalp serum, daily. Incorporating a scalp serum with clinically-proven actives, such as our new Vita-Growth Scalp Serum, into your complete hair routine is a key tool for transforming your hair (and scalp) health. Regular use will help balance and nourish the microbiome, leading to thicker, healthier, fuller hair! 

Healthy hair truly begins at the scalp - nourish it well, and your hair will thank you.

References

  1. Shah, R.R., Larrondo, J., Dawson, T., Mcmichael, A. Scalp microbiome: a guide to better understanding scalp diseases and treatments. (2024), 316(8), p. 495. PubMed
  2. Trüeb, R. M., Henry, J. P., Davis, M. G., & Schwartz, J. R. (2018). Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress. International journal of trichology, 10(6), 262–270. PubMed
  3. Saxena, R., Mittal, P., Clavaud, C., Dhakan, D.B., Hegde, P., Veeranagaiah, M.M., Saha, S., Souverain, L., Roy, N., Breton, L., Misra, N., Sharma, V.K. Comparison of Healthy and Dandruff Scalp Microbiome Reveals the Role of Commensals in Scalp Health. Front Cell Infect Microbiol. (2018),  Vol 4(8), p.346. PMID: 30338244. PubMed