What if hair loss was linked to this unexpected factor?

Hair loss is a problem that affects many people around the world. While many factors such as hormonal changes, stress, or nutritional deficiencies are often responsible for hair loss, there is another crucial factor that is often underestimated: scalp microbiomeThe balance of this microbiome plays a determining role in the health of your hair, and a adapted pH in your hair products can be the key to preventing hair loss. 

The scalp microbiome: a fragile ecosystem

Le scalp microbiome refers to all the microorganisms (bacteria, yeast, fungi, etc.) that inhabit this area. Just like the gut microbiome, the scalp microbiome 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 depends heavily on the pH of the scalp, which is naturally located between 4,5 and 5,5, therefore slightly acidic. This acidity favors the presence of beneficial bacteria while inhibiting the proliferation of harmful microorganisms, such as 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 excessive growth of these harmful microorganisms, which leads to inflammation and hair disorders, thus increasing the hair loss.

The impact of a disrupted microbiome on hair loss

A scientific study published in 2014 highlighted the link between a disrupted microbiome and hair loss. An imbalance in the scalp microbiome promotes inflammation and irritation, factors that directly affect the hair follicle health. Indeed, studies have shown that 70% of people with seborrheic dermatitis (a scalp condition associated with excessive proliferation of Malassezia) experience increased hair loss due to chronic inflammation.

The study also found that microbial imbalances, often caused by shampoos with too high a pH, promote the growth of malassezia and other pathogenic microorganisms, which can reduce the activity of hair follicles, leading to increased hair loss. This is because high pH disrupts the balance of the scalp microbiome, increasing the likelihood of inflammation and damage to hair follicles. This phenomenon can accelerate the miniaturization of follicles and reduce the length of the growth phase (anagen phase) of hair, 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 study scientific demonstrates that The shampoos with a pH of 5 are most effective in maintaining microbiome balance and preventing Malassezia proliferation. A pH of 5 is slightly acidic and allows:

1. 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 of hair loss.
2. Reducing inflammation : Chronic scalp inflammation is one of the causes of hair loss. A pH of 5 helps maintain skin integrity, preventing excessive inflammatory reactions that could damage hair follicles.
3. Sebum regulation : Too high a pH can lead to overproduction of sebum, which can clog hair follicles and promote hair loss. A balanced pH helps control sebum production, ensuring a clean and healthy scalp.
   
   
4. Skin barrier protection : 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 the shampoos with a pH between 4,5 and 5,5 contribute to reduce the proliferation of Malassezia by 30%, while promoting better cellular regeneration of the scalp. On the other hand, products with a pH that is too high (above 6) increase the proliferation of these harmful microorganisms, which disrupts the microbial balance and promotes inflammation of the scalp.

Conclusion: pH 5, the key to a healthy microbiome and healthier hair

Le scalp microbiome is essential for maintaining the health of your hair. An imbalance in this microbiome, often caused by too high a pH in hair care, can cause inflammation and disrupt hair growth, increasing the risk of hair loss. Choosing a pH 5 shampoo, slightly acidic, helps maintain this microbial balance, reduce inflammation and promote better regeneration of the scalp, thus contributing to hair health and growth.

At MakeMyMask, we developed the first natural anti-hair loss shampoo at pH 5 which effectively combats hair loss and promotes healthy hair, 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)