Scalp microbiome: What is its role and importance?

The microbiome is generating increasing interest in the fields of health, skin care, and hair care. 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. Why should hairdressers take an interest in it? How can we care for it and provide innovative solutions for your clients? Answers in this article!

Focus on 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 mainly consists of bacteria, fungi (yeast), and other microorganisms. It’s important to know that these microorganisms coexist in a balanced state and together form a defense barrier against infectious agents. They also help regulate sebum production.
The role of the microbiome is to maintain a healthy, hydrated scalp with a balanced pH. It also regulates 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.

As you know as a hairdresser and expert in the hair world, these are daily tips for maintaining healthy hair.

As a hairdresser, how can you help maintain microbiome health?

Research on the scalp microbiome is still developing, but it promises interesting innovations. Prebiotics and probiotics are under study to play a crucial role in rebalance the microbiome and improving scalp health.
Shampoos containing prebiotics are starting to emerge, designed to promote the beneficial bacteria in the microbiome. Prebiotics are natural substances that serve as food for the good bacteria present on the scalp. They help nourish and protect against aggressions while maintaining a healthy and balanced environment, essential for proper hair growth.

Raise awareness at your level

As a hairdresser, you have an educational and awareness role regarding all hair-related topics. And the subject of the microbiome is still not well known to the general public. This is where you can step in and help your clients better understand the role of the microbiome and scalp health in general.
You can also give your clients advice on how to maintain their hair, how to wash it properly, and how often. These are questions that may often seem vague to most people, who are unaware of what is truly good for their hair.
As an expert in the field, they will listen to you and follow your advice closely.
Don’t hesitate to remind them that every hair care action they take will influence the microbiome and its overall state.

Choose the right products

The range of products you choose will accompany you daily. It is essential to choose them wisely to best preserve the overall health of the hair and microbiome.
Favor gentle and non-aggressive products that care for your scalp gently. Certain substances, such as sulfates or certain 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 true authentic care, natural and 100% healthy, respectful of the microbiome. We also use products with a gentle pH to match that of the skin and thus promote the pH balance of the scalp.

Incorporate scalp massage

To maintain a healthy hair microbiome, it is important to massage your clients’ scalps 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 the 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 by massages, will foster greater diversity of microorganisms, thereby balancing the scalp microbiome.

Scalp massage can easily be integrated into your hair salon with the Hairborist oil treatment. It is a true blend of essential and plant oils that creates a well-being moment. To apply this oil bath on your client, simply massage their scalp deeply for a few minutes. This way, you establish a relaxing moment and contribute to the health of their microbiome. What more could you ask for?

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