What if hair loss was linked to this unexpected factor?
Hair loss is a problem affecting many people worldwide. While numerous factors such as hormonal changes, stress, or nutritional deficiencies are often responsible for hair loss, there is another crucial, often underestimated factor: the scalp microbiome. The balance of this microbiome plays a decisive role in your hair's health, and an appropriate pH in your hair products can be the key to preventing hair loss.
The Scalp Microbiome: A Fragile Ecosystem
The scalp microbiome refers to all the microorganisms (bacteria, yeasts, fungi, etc.) that inhabit this area. Just like the gut microbiome, that of the scalp plays a crucial role in maintaining a healthy environment, promoting hair growth, and preventing hair loss. A balanced microbiome protects against infections, regulates inflammation, and helps maintain healthy skin, which is fundamental for hair health.
The balance of this microbiome heavily depends on the scalp's pH, which naturally lies between 4.5 and 5.5, making it slightly acidic. This acidity promotes the presence of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, such as the yeast Malassezia, responsible for several scalp disorders.
However, a disruption of the microbiome due to pH changes or unsuitable or irritating hair products can lead to an excessive growth of these harmful microorganisms, causing inflammation and hair disorders, thereby increasing hair loss.
The impact of a disturbed microbiome on hair loss
A scientific study published in 2014 highlighted the link between a disturbed microbiome and hair loss. An imbalance in the scalp microbiome promotes inflammation and irritation, factors that directly affect the health of hair follicles. Indeed, studies have shown that 70% of people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis (a scalp condition associated with excessive Malassezia proliferation) experience increased hair loss due to chronic inflammation.
The study also revealed that microbial imbalances, often caused by shampoos with too high a pH, promote the growth of Malassezia and other pathogenic microorganisms, which can reduce hair follicle activity, leading to increased hair loss. Indeed, a high pH disrupts the balance of the scalp microbiome, increasing the likelihood of inflammation and damage to hair follicles. This phenomenon can accelerate follicle miniaturization and reduce the duration of the hair's growth phase (anagen phase), leading to premature loss.
The crucial role of pH 5 in microbiome balance
Maintaining a balanced pH in hair products is essential to preserve the integrity of the scalp microbiome. The scientific study demonstrates that shampoos with a pH of 5 are the most effective in maintaining microbiome balance and preventing Malassezia proliferation. A pH of 5 is slightly acidic and allows for:
- Maintaining microbial balance: A pH of 5 helps maintain a balanced microbial flora, limiting the proliferation of Malassezia, a yeast responsible for many scalp disorders, including seborrheic dermatitis, a known factor in hair loss.
- Reducing inflammation: Chronic scalp inflammation is a cause of hair loss. A pH of 5 helps maintain skin integrity, preventing excessive inflammatory reactions that could damage hair follicles.
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Sebum regulation: Too high a pH can lead to an overproduction of sebum, which can clog hair follicles and promote hair loss. A balanced pH helps control sebum production, thus ensuring a clean and healthy scalp.
- Protecting the skin barrier: A pH of 5 protects the scalp's skin barrier, allowing for better moisture retention and preventing skin dehydration, which can also lead to itching and hair loss.
The study specifies that shampoos with a pH between 4.5 and 5.5 help to reduce Malassezia proliferation by 30%, while promoting better cellular regeneration of the scalp. In contrast, products with too high a pH (greater than 6) increase the proliferation of these harmful microorganisms, disturbing microbial balance and promoting scalp inflammation.
Conclusion: pH 5, the key to a healthy microbiome and healthier hair
The scalp microbiome is essential for maintaining your hair's health. An imbalance in this microbiome, often caused by too high a pH in hair care products, can cause inflammation and disrupt hair growth, thereby increasing the risk of hair loss. Choosing a pH 5 shampoo, which is slightly acidic, helps maintain this microbial balance, reduces inflammation, and promotes better scalp regeneration, contributing to hair health and growth.
At MakeMyMask, we have developed the first natural anti-hair loss shampoo with pH 5, which effectively fights hair loss and promotes healthy hair, all while respecting the scalp microbiome!
Source:
Gavazzoni Dias MF et al, The Shampoo pH can Affect the Hair: Myth or Reality? Int J Trichology. 2014 Jul;6(3):95-9 (available here)
