The Scalp Microbiome: Your Invisible Ally in Hair and Scalp Health

In recent years, science has uncovered a hidden world living right on our skin—including our scalp. This world, known as the scalp microbiome, is made up of bacteria, fungi, and other microorganisms that play a crucial role in scalp and hair health.

At Holistic Scalp and Hair, we believe in working with—not against—this natural ecosystem to support healthy hair growth and manage scalp conditions holistically.

What Is the Scalp Microbiome?

Just like your gut has good and bad bacteria, so does your scalp. A balanced microbiome keeps your scalp barrier strong, inflammation low, and the environment around your follicles healthy. But when this balance is disrupted—due to stress, harsh shampoos, diet, or illness—it can trigger or worsen scalp conditions like:

• Dandruff

• Seborrheic dermatitis

• Itching and flaking

• Oily scalp or dry patches

• Certain types of hair loss (including inflammatory forms of alopecia)

Potential Signs of a Disrupted Scalp Microbiome

🛑 Itchy or tight scalp🛑 Flaking that doesn’t resolve with your normal products and wash frequency🛑 Sudden sensitivity to products🛑 Scalp redness or discomfort after washing🛑 Hair shedding or thinning in inflamed areas🛑Unusual smells

If you’ve experienced these symptoms, your scalp may need microbiome support—not just stronger products.

Natural Ways to Support a Healthy Scalp Microbiome

✔️ Use a microbiome-friendly shampoo: Choose gentle cleansers that don’t strip the scalp. Avoid strong sulphates or harsh preservatives. Ingredients like prebiotics, anti-inflammatory ingredients, and tea tree oil (in the right concentration) can help.

✔️ Incorporate prebiotic and postbiotic ingredients: These help ‘feed’ the good microbes or rebalance the ecosystem.

✔️ Don’t under-cleanse: Washing your scalp daily or every second day (depending on your condition and oil production) is ideal. Leaving sweat, sebum and dead skin to build up creates a breeding ground for imbalanced yeast and bacteria.

✔️ Avoid inflammatory foods: Diets high in sugar, processed oils, and refined grains may promote systemic inflammation and alter skin pH and oil composition, indirectly affecting the microbiome. Opt for whole foods, omega-3s, fibre, and antioxidants.

✔️ Avoid aggressive scalp treatments if inflamed: If your scalp is sore, red or flaking heavily, strong scrubs or alcohol-based tonics may worsen things. Focus first on calming and rebalancing.

How We Support the Microbiome in Clinic

In your consultation at Holistic Scalp and Hair, we use trichoscopy to assess signs of inflammation, barrier damage, and imbalance. From there, we may recommend:

• A custom wash routine

• A calming, microbiome-friendly shampoo

• Natural topical support

• Nutritional advice to reduce inflammation and support skin health from within

Why It Matters

Caring for the scalp microbiome isn’t just about avoiding dandruff—it’s about setting the foundation for long-term hair health. A calm, balanced scalp creates the perfect environment for hair to grow strong, thick and resilient.

If your scalp feels off, or you’re struggling with ongoing dandruff or hair loss, let’s get to the root of the issue—literally.

📅 Book a consultation with me at Holistic Scalp and Hair and we’ll assess your microbiome health and create a personalised plan that respects your scalp’s natural rhythm.

Your scalp deserves care, not harsh treatment. Let’s restore balance naturally.

Be Healthy, Be Happy, 

Shara