Scalp balance and health: the importance of scalp microbiota

The scalp is the skin that covers the skull and on which hair grows. Like the skin, the scalp is composed of a dermis and an epidermis. The scalp can therefore be considered as skin. The term ‘skinification of the scalp’ is used to refer to the care given to the scalp, just as one takes care of the skin on one's face.

Is there microbiota on the scalp?

A single square centimetre of human skin can contain a billion microorganisms on its surface, including bacteria, viruses and fungi (Chen et al. 2018). The microbiota present on the scalp has been studied and characterised (notably by Watanabe et al. 2019), and its role in hair health is a very active area of research as there is still much to learn.

Is the skin microbiota the same for everyone?

The skin and scalp are complex, dynamic ecosystems. The nature of the skin microbiota and the interactions between the host and the skin microbiota depend greatly on the context, the host's immune system, genetic predispositions, the skin barrier, the location of the microbiota, and interactions between microbes (Chen et al., 2018).

What is the role of the skin microbiota?

Under normal circumstances, the skin microbiota acts as a natural shield on the skin's surface: it works symbiotically to promote the host's health. In other cases, an unbalanced microbiota can lead to disease or other problems. Mycobacteria, for example, can cause a wide range of pathologies, from systemic disease to skin manifestations such as irritation or plaques (Chen et al. 2018).

What is microbiota dysbiosis and what is its impact?

Dysbiosis is the term used to describe an imbalance in the microbiota. This can affect the microbiota in the gut, on the skin or on the scalp. A recent study (Woo et al. 2022) compared the scalp microbiota of 10 people with healthy scalps to that of 10 people with atopic dermatitis. Scalp dermatitis is quite common: it appears as red patches covered with white or yellowish dandruff. The scalp microbiota of people with dermatitis showed characteristic dysbiosis – an imbalance – in all subjects in the study.

What are the symptoms of scalp imbalance?

The symptoms of scalp imbalance can be mild, such as irritation: the scalp itches and scratches. Patches may appear, as well as inflammation and hyperproliferation of the epidermis, leading to excessive dandruff. Occasional hair loss may also be observed.

An imbalance in the scalp and its microbiota can also lead to more severe inflammation, such as psoriasis, or chronic diseases. These imbalances represent medical needs for which there is no adequate response. This is all the more problematic as an imbalance in the scalp can impact not only health but also people's psychosocial well-being (Kanti et al. 2018): research is currently underway in both pharmaceutical and dermo-cosmetic approaches.

How to apply the scalp treatment:

Apply a few drops directly to the scalp and massage in. We recommend using a scalp massage brush, as this activates microcirculation. Leave on for as long as possible: the serum can be applied in the evening before bed, the night before shampooing, or after showering, without rinsing.

How the scalp serum works:

Upon contact with the serum, the scalp's microbiota is strengthened. In addition, the serum's other active ingredients soothe (action of hyaluronic acid) and slow hair loss (action of Lindera Strychnifolia).

How effective is treatment with silk serum?

Proven effectiveness: three types of tests were carried out on the effectiveness of the scalp serum.

• A microbiota population test: testers used the serum twice a week for 28 days. Samples of their scalp microbiota were taken on day 1 and day 28. The microbiota was characterised and the population of symbiotic bacteria, fungi and viruses increased.
• A hair density test: testers used the serum twice a week for 28 days. A photograph of the scalp was taken on day 1 and day 28. The hairs were counted and it was proven that hair density increased by an average of 13%.
• A usage test: testers used the serum twice a week for 14 days, without knowing the brand of the product. Their opinions were collected through a questionnaire.
• 93% of users reported that their scalp felt soothed.
• 96% of users said that their scalp was better hydrated.

Recognition of the serum's excellence by professionals:

The scalp serum won the award for best hair care product in pharmacies, awarded by pharmacists and professionals in the sector for its innovative nature (SILKBIOME patent) and effectiveness.

Wash your scalp without damaging it.

In addition to local scalp treatment, we recommend choosing a shampoo that is gentle on the scalp. SILKBIOTIC Laboratories offers a natural silk shampoo with the SILKBIOME patent. Designed to rebalance the scalp's microbiota, this natural shampoo cleanses the scalp and hair without damaging the scalp's microbiota.

It is essential to use a shampoo that does not damage the scalp or strip away the skin's microbiota, which acts as a protective shield. Cheap shampoos often contain a lot of surfactants. Surfactants are foaming agents, but they irritate and strip the scalp.

We recommend that you at least check the INCI composition of your shampoo, or test it on an app such as Yuka or INCI beauty.

Scalp balance: can essential oils be applied to the scalp?

Essential oils contain active ingredients, and we recommend using them with caution, taking into account their reactivity and concentration. Some essential oils can be used on the scalp, but we recommend checking their safety through thorough research in aromatherapy.

By combining the rebalancing serum with silk (twice a week) and the rebalancing shampoo with silk, you will allow the scalp's microbiota to rebalance itself. Your scalp will regain its health, which will have a positive impact on the beauty and quality of your hair.

You will find a two-month treatment offer at a preferential price below.

Scientific articles, peer-reviewed reference journals

CHEN, Y. Erin, FISCHBACH, Michael A., et BELKAID, Yasmine. Skin microbiota–host interactions. Nature, 2018, vol. 553, no 7689, p. 427-436.
KANTI, Varvara, RÖWERT‐HUBER, Joachim, VOGT, Annika, et al. Cicatricial alopecia. JDDG: Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft, 2018, vol. 16, no 4, p. 435-461.
SCHWARTZ, James R., MESSENGER, Andrew G., TOSTI, Antonella, et al. A comprehensive pathophysiology of dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis-towards a more precise definition of scalp health. Acta Derm Venereol, 2013, vol. 93, no 2, p. 131-7.
WATANABE, Kota, NISHI, Eiji, TASHIRO, Yukihiro, et al. Mode and structure of the bacterial community on human scalp hair. Microbes and environments, 2019, vol. 34, no 3, p. 252-259.
WOO, Yu Ri, CHO, Minah, HAN, Yujin, et al. Characterization of distinct microbiota associated with scalp dermatitis in patients with atopic dermatitis. Journal of Clinical Medicine, 2022, vol. 11, no 6, p. 1735.

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VIDAL, dossier patient : Chute de Cheveux, consulté le 16/06/2025