June 18, 2025

Your Scalp's Ecosystem: Key to Healthy Hair - AI Podcast

8 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Your scalp hosts a dense microbial ecosystem that protects against inflammation and disease. When disrupted, it can lead to flaking, itching, thinning hair, and inflammatory scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis
The scalp microbiome is dominated by key bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These microbes help protect your skin barrier, manage inflammation, and regulate other harmful organisms
Scalp dysbiosis can be triggered by overwashing, harsh shampoos, excessive oil production, and even genetic factors like hair density or dandruff-prone skin. These disrupt the balance of good and bad microbes
Dandruff is linked to reduced microbial diversity and fungal overgrowth. Studies show healthy scalps have more protective bacteria, while dandruff-prone scalps are overrun with inflammatory microbes like Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa
Long-term relief comes from restoring beneficial microbes, not just killing fungi. Using microbiome-safe natural products, avoiding daily shampooing, and consuming foods that promote the growth of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are effective ways to rebalance your scalp naturally

...more

By Dr. Mercola

4.6

14831,483 ratings

June 18, 2025

8 minutes

Story at-a-glance

Your scalp hosts a dense microbial ecosystem that protects against inflammation and disease. When disrupted, it can lead to flaking, itching, thinning hair, and inflammatory scalp conditions like seborrheic dermatitis
The scalp microbiome is dominated by key bacteria like Cutibacterium acnes and Staphylococcus epidermidis. These microbes help protect your skin barrier, manage inflammation, and regulate other harmful organisms
Scalp dysbiosis can be triggered by overwashing, harsh shampoos, excessive oil production, and even genetic factors like hair density or dandruff-prone skin. These disrupt the balance of good and bad microbes
Dandruff is linked to reduced microbial diversity and fungal overgrowth. Studies show healthy scalps have more protective bacteria, while dandruff-prone scalps are overrun with inflammatory microbes like Malassezia restricta and Malassezia globosa
Long-term relief comes from restoring beneficial microbes, not just killing fungi. Using microbiome-safe natural products, avoiding daily shampooing, and consuming foods that promote the growth of probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics are effective ways to rebalance your scalp naturally

...more