What if hair loss was linked to this unexpected factor?
20th March 2025

What if hair loss was linked to this unexpected factor?

Hair loss is a problem that affects many people worldwide. While numerous factors such as hormonal changes, stress, or nutritional deficiencies are often responsible for hair loss, there is another crucial factor that is often underestimated: the scalp microbiome . The balance of this microbiome plays a vital role in the health of your hair, and a suitable pH level in your hair products may be 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, 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 to hair health.

 

 

The balance of this microbiome is highly dependent 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 Malassezia yeast , 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 overgrowth of these harmful microorganisms, resulting in inflammation and hair disorders, thus increasing 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 health of hair follicles . Indeed, studies have shown that 70% of people suffering from seborrheic dermatitis (a scalp condition associated with an overgrowth of Malassezia bacteria) experience increased hair loss due to chronic inflammation.

 

The study also revealed that microbial imbalances, often caused by shampoos with a pH that is too high , promote the growth of Malassezia and other pathogenic microorganisms, which can reduce the activity of hair follicles, 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 shorten the duration of the hair growth phase (anagen phase), resulting in premature hair loss.

 

 

The crucial role of pH 5 in microbiome balance

 

Maintaining a balanced pH in hair products is essential for preserving the integrity of the scalp microbiome. Scientific studies demonstrate that shampoos with a pH of 5 are the most effective at maintaining microbiome balance and preventing the proliferation of Malassezia. 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 shampoos with a pH between 4,5 and 5,5 help reduce Malassezia proliferation by 30% , while also promoting better scalp cell regeneration. Conversely, products with a pH that is too high (above 6) increase the proliferation of these harmful microorganisms, disrupting the 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 healthy hair. An imbalance in this microbiome, often caused by excessively high pH levels in hair care products, can lead to inflammation and disrupt hair growth, increasing the risk of hair loss. Choosing a shampoo with a pH of 5 , which is slightly acidic, helps maintain this microbial balance, reduces inflammation, and promotes better scalp regeneration, thus contributing to healthy hair growth.

At MakeMyMask , we have developed the first natural anti-hair loss shampoo with pH 5 that effectively fights 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 )

 

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