Benefits of Pre & Probiotic Haircare for Your Healthiest Hair

A healthy scalp will produce healthy hair.

Topical probiotics are primarily known for their benefits on skin health, but there is positive proven research and increasingly growing interest in their effects on hair health.

Did you know the secret to having your healthiest hair is looking after the balance of your scalp microbiome?

What is scalp microbiome?

Your scalp microbiome refers to the diverse community of microorganisms, including bacteria, fungi, and other microbes, which live on the scalp's surface. This ecosystem plays a crucial role in maintaining scalp health and can influence hair growth and overall hair well-being.

A balanced scalp microbiome can defend against and recover from everyday aggressors such as harmful pathogens, toxins, inflammation, irritation, dandruff, and hair damage. A disrupted and imbalanced scalp microbiome can result in irritation, dryness, damaged hair, sebum build-up and may impede hair growth.

The scalp microbiome is unique to the skin microbiome on your body. Inside each of the thousands of hair follicles you have on your scalp is a complex microbial community, which is more moist and more acidic (typically the pH of the scalp ranges from 4.5 to 5.5) than the follicles on the rest of your body.

Factors that can affect the scalp pH include shampoos, conditioners or styling products with a high pH, your diet as well as pollution, humidity, and other environmental disruptors. Maintaining a balanced scalp pH is crucial for optimal scalp and hair health. Using pH-balanced haircare products can help preserve this balance.

How Pre & Probiotic Haircare can balance your scalp microbiome

Like your gut microbiome, you can ‘feed’ the scalp’s healthy bacteria by taking probiotic supplements and eating probiotic-rich foods. Evidence suggests that oral and topical probiotics can help improve the scalp’s microbiome, aiding to alleviate symptoms of psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. Using topical probiotic haircare alongside a holistic approach to hair health will maximise the benefits.

Incorporating probiotic haircare into your routine can significantly enhance both scalp and hair health, leading to a more vibrant and resilient mane. Probiotic haircare offers several benefits for both your hair and scalp. These include.

1. Balanced Scalp Microbiome: They help maintain a healthy balance of micro-organisms on the scalp, which can prevent issues like dandruff and scalp irritation.
2. Reduced Inflammation: They can soothe inflammatory conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, itching or psoriasis, leading to a more comfortable scalp.
3. Hydration: Probiotic haircare enhances the skin's moisture barrier function, keeping the scalp hydrated and reducing dryness and flakiness.
4. Antimicrobial Properties: They help combat harmful bacteria and fungi, reducing the risk of infections that can negatively impact scalp health.
5. Stronger Hair Follicles: A healthy scalp supports stronger hair follicles, leading to reduced hair breakage and improved growth.
6. Improved Hair Texture and Shine: Probiotic treatments can enhance hair texture and shine, making hair look healthier overall.
7. Support for Colour-Treated Hair: They can help maintain scalp health without stripping colour, making them beneficial for those with dyed hair.
8. Enhanced Volume: A well-nourished scalp can contribute to fuller-looking hair, as healthier follicles are better able to support hair growth.

What is Your Scalp Type?

Different scalp types can influence your unique hair health and care needs. Not sure if you have an oily, dry, combination or normal scalp? Below is a general guide to help you identify what scalp type you most likely have.

Oily Scalp

1. Shiny Appearance: If your scalp looks shiny or greasy shortly after washing, it may indicate you have an oily scalp. After washing your hair, wait a day or two to see how quickly your scalp becomes oily. If it gets oily within a few hours to a day, it is oily.
2. Excessive Oil: You may notice a build-up of oil especially at the roots. You can use a blotting paper or tissue to dab your scalp. If it picks up a significant amount of oil, it indicates an oily scalp.
3. Frequent Washing: If you find yourself needing to wash your hair more often than every other day to manage oiliness, this could indicate an oily scalp.
4. Dandruff or Flakiness: Oily scalps can sometimes lead to a type of dandruff that appears greasy rather than dry.
5. Itchiness: An oily scalp can become itchy due to clogged hair follicles or irritation from excess sebum.
6. Hair Clumping: Hair may appear clumped together at the roots rather than fluffy or voluminous, making it look less clean.
7. Smell: In some cases, an oily scalp can develop an unpleasant smell due to excess oil and bacteria.

Dry Scalp

1. Flakiness: If you notice white or dry flakes on your scalp or in your hair, this is a common sign of dryness. While dandruff can also be associated with an oily scalp, dry scalp dandruff tends to appear as dry, white flakes rather than oily ones.
2. Itching: A dry scalp often feels itchy or irritated due to lack of moisture. If your scalp feels dry and itchy shortly after washing, it could indicate dryness.
3. Tightness: You may experience a tight sensation on your scalp, especially after washing your hair.
4. Rough Texture: The scalp may feel rough or uneven to the touch, as dry skin can lead to texture changes.
5. Redness or Inflammation: In some cases, a dry scalp can become red or inflamed, indicating irritation.
6. Increased Hair Breakage: A dry scalp can lead to weaker hair follicles, which may result in increased hair breakage or shedding.

Combination Scalp

1. Varied Oiliness: You may notice that areas of your scalp, like the crown feel oily shortly after washing. While other areas, like the sides feel dry or normal.
2. Flakiness: Parts of your scalp might show dry, flaky skin, while other areas may have a greasy residue. This can lead to visible flakes that differ in texture.
3. Itchiness: You might experience itchiness in the drier areas, while the oilier regions may feel less irritated.
4. Hair Textures: You may find that hair around the oily areas appears flatter or greasier, while hair from drier regions might feel brittle or rough.
5. Frequent Product Changes: You might find that products that work well for one part of your scalp exacerbate issues in another, requiring a tailored approach to your haircare routine.

Normal Scalp

1. Balanced Oil Production: Your scalp feels neither too oily nor too dry. It may have a slight sheen without being greasy.
2. Minimal Flakiness: You rarely notice visible flakes, whether dry or oily, and there is little to no itching or irritation.
3. Comfortable: Your scalp feels comfortable and does not experience tightness, redness, or discomfort after washing. After washing your hair, observe how your scalp feels over the next few days. If it remains comfortable and does not show signs of oiliness or dryness, it indicates a normal scalp.
4. Healthy Hair Growth: Hair grows without excessive shedding or breakage, and it looks healthy and vibrant.
5. Flexible Care Routine: You can use a variety of shampoos and conditioners without experiencing negative reactions, indicating that your scalp can manage various products.

Benefits of Probiotic Haircare for All Scalp Types

Balancing the Scalp Microbiome

Topical probiotic haircare helps maintain a healthy balance of bacteria on the scalp. An imbalanced microbiome can lead to excessive oil production as well as dryness and irritation. Probiotics may encourage skin cell turnover and repair, helping to restore the scalp’s natural barrier and improve its overall health.

Therefore, enhancing and nurturing your scalp health will lead to overall healthier hair.

Soothing Inflammation

Topical probiotics have anti-inflammatory properties that can soothe irritated and inflamed skin, alleviating discomfort associated with a dry scalp. By calming inflammation and irritation, probiotic haircare products can help reduce the itchiness often associated with a dry scalp.

Studies suggest that probiotics can influence sebum production and by regulating this process may help reduce the overall oiliness of the scalp.

Minimising Clogged Follicles

Probiotic haircare can help prevent the build-up of oil and dead skin cells in hair follicles, reducing the risk of clogged pores that can contribute to an oily scalp and associated issues like dandruff.

Probiotics help in promoting hair growth cycles and reduce shedding, benefiting individuals experiencing thinning hair from any scalp condition.

Gentle and Nourishing

Probiotic formulations are often milder and can be suitable for sensitive scalps, providing a gentle option for all users without harsh chemicals.

Hydration and Texture

Topical probiotic haircare can enhance the skin’s moisture barrier, helping to retain hydration and effectively combat dryness.

While managing oiliness, probiotics can also enhance the overall texture and appearance of hair, making it look healthier and shinier without adding extra grease.