And if the solution against the persistent dandruff or scalp psoriasis was not only found in an antifungal shampoo or a corticosteroid cream? The latest research in dermatology all points to a still too little-known player: the scalp microbiome.
In this article, I explain what this microbiome is, why its imbalance promotes dandruff and psoriasis, and how to rebalance it naturally to regain a healthy scalp.

What is the scalp microbiome?

The scalp is home to billions of microorganisms: bacteria, fungi, yeast. This ecosystem, called skin microbiome, plays an essential role in the balance and health of the skin.

• When the microbiome is balanced → the scalp remains healthy, protected from attacks and inflammation.
  
  

When it is unbalanced (dysbiosis) → certain species (like the mushroom malassezia) take over, triggering dandruff, itching, or psoriasis flare-ups.

The role of the microbiome in dandruff

In a person prone to dandruff:

• The scalp produces too much sebum.
  
  

• Malassezia feeds on this sebum and releases irritating fatty acids.
  
  

• Result: inflammation, itching, scales.
  
  

👉 Conventional shampoos temporarily eliminate Malassezia but also destroy the good bacteria, worsening the imbalance in the long term.

The role of the microbiome in psoriasis

In psoriasis, the immune system goes into overdrive and the skin produces too many cells.
Studies show that:

• Psoriatic patients have a depleted skin microbiome, with fewer protective bacteria.
  
  

• This dysbiosis maintains inflammation and worsens plaques.
  
  

👉 Restoring a balanced microbiome could reduce the intensity and frequency of flare-ups.

Why do conventional treatments fail?

• Powerful antifungals : effective at the time, but they strip and impoverish the microbiome.
  
  

• Corticosteroids : calm inflammation, but do not act on the skin flora.
  
  

• Sulfated shampoos : further unbalance the pH and weaken the skin barrier.
  
  

Result: almost inevitable relapses.

How to rebalance your hair microbiome?

1. Choose a shampoo with pH 5

The scalp is naturally slightly acidic (pH ~5).

• This pH protects beneficial flora and prevents the proliferation of pathogenic bacteria.
  
  

A shampoo formulated at pH5 respects and restores this balance (eg. Universal Shampoo pH5 ou Tricho-Pure pH5 Anti-Dandruff Shampoo).

2. Use prebiotic-enriched care

prebiotics serve as “food” for good bacteria, strengthening their presence and their protective role. Example: the Tricho-Pure Soothing Serum.

3. Act from within

• probiotics : positively influence the intestinal and skin microbiota.
  
  

Anti-inflammatory diet : omega-3, colorful vegetables, turmeric, avoid sugar and alcohol. Take specific food supplements such as SOS Oily Dander Supplements et SOS Dry Plaques.

FAQ

Is the scalp microbiome like the gut microbiome?
Yes, it's also a microbial ecosystem. The two are linked: an imbalance in the gut can worsen an imbalance in the scalp.

How do I know if my microbiome is imbalanced?
Persistent dandruff, psoriasis, oily or very dry scalp are often signs of dysbiosis.

Is a probiotic shampoo enough to rebalance the scalp?
No, you need a comprehensive approach: gentle pH5 shampoo + prebiotic care + appropriate lifestyle.

Conclusion

The microbiome is the forgotten key in the management of dandruff and psoriasis. Rather than stripping or masking symptoms, the goal is to restore a lasting balance through respectful care (pH5, prebiotics) and an anti-inflammatory lifestyle.

👉 Want to find out which microbiome-friendly routine is best suited to your scalp? Make your free dermo-capillary diagnosis here.