What is The Scalp Microbiome And Why Does It Matter for Your Hair?

You’ve probably heard plenty about the gut microbiome, but the scalp microbiome serves just as important role. Here’s everything you need to know.  

The word microbiome appears frequently in beauty – across packaging, on the shelves in-store, and in beauty media – but the microbiome that lives on your scalp is rarely part of the conversation. 

Like your gut, your scalp is home to a complex ecosystem of bacteria, fungi, and other microbes that help regulate scalp health, and subsequently, the hair that grows from it. When this ecosystem is thriving your scalp functions well and your hair grows healthier. But, when it’s disrupted, you can experience dandruff, itching, inflammation, and increased hair shedding.  

Getting to the root of how the scalp microbiome functions is an exciting area of research for Dove scientists. 

27 August '26
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5
min read

 What exactly is the scalp microbiome?   

The term ‘microbiome’ broadly refers to a community of microorganisms. Much attention is paid to the gut microbiome and how it impacts immunity, mood, and digestion, and in recent years there has been an emphasis on the skin’s microbiome and how that can affect everything from acne to rosacea.

The scalp microbiome refers to the microorganisms that live directly on the scalp. Rich in sebum produced by the scalp’s sebaceous glands, the scalp provides an environment in which many microorganisms can thrive. The most prolific fungal species found on the scalp is Malassezia, an important element of a healthy scalp microbiome.

The health of your own scalp microbiome depends on a number of factors, including diet, how often you wash your hair, how gentle (or not) your shampoo and conditioner are, and the environment you’re living and working in.  

“The scalp microbiome is one of the most dynamic skin ecosystems we study,” explains Katherine Frizoni, Beauty & Wellbeing R&D Lead, Unilever. “What makes it fascinating is that its ever-changing; it fluctuates with the seasons, your diet, your stress levels. It depends on a careful calibration of conditions, and it doesn’t take much to knock things off balance.”

 What does a healthy microbiome look like?

A healthy microbiome is a balanced and diverse one. One that isn’t sterile, that nurtures and supports the proliferation of beneficial microorganisms. It produces healthy, wellanchored hair, keeps inflammation at bay, balances pH, and maintains a healthy skin barrier to grow healthy, resilient hair.   

 What disrupts the scalp microbiome?

The scalp microbiome is a delicate ecosystem that can easily be knocked off balance through harsh cleansing, rinsing with too-hot water, hormonal fluctuations, and even styling product build-up.   

 What happens when the scalp microbiome is out of balance?

Signs of an imbalanced scalp microbiome can include dandruff, flaking, irritation, scalp discomfort, and increased sensitivity. Emerging research also suggests that scalp microbiome imbalance may be associated with changes in hair health, including increased shedding in some individuals.  

How to give your scalp microbiome the support it needs

Two things you must remember when caring for your scalp…  

  • 1

    Cleanse gently but thoroughly

    Regular cleansing helps remove product build-up, excess sebum, and pollution particles from the scalp. However, it's important to choose a shampoo that's appropriate for your scalp's needs and helps maintain a healthy scalp environment. Overly harsh cleansing can disrupt the balance of the scalp microbiome and leave the scalp feeling dry, uncomfortable, or irritated.  

     

    Tip: Use a shampoo that has been formulated for your specific scalp and hair needs…

    • For a weakened scalp that’s prone to hair fall, try Scalp + Hair Therapy Density & Growth Shampoo.
    • If you have a very dry scalp, try Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Soothing Hydration which is formulated with Hyaluron-Complex and Pharma-Grade Glycerin to restore balance and calm, while helping to repair a damaged skin barrier.
    • If you have a compromised scalp and chemically treated hair, try Scalp + Hair Therapy Damage Rescue. It’s formulated with a Peptide Complex and Niacinamide to help restore strength to strands.
    • While those with a dandruff prone scalp should try Scalp + Hair Therapy Dandruff Control. It’s formulated with Salicylic Acid, Piroctone Olamine, and Moisturising Panthenol to restore harmony and balance to scalp while reducing flaking.   

  • 2

    Support your scalp barrier with a targeted serum

    Look for products containing ingredients like Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) and Glycerin that help maintain the scalps protective barrier.   

     

    Tip: Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy Soothing Hydration 3-in-1 Scalp Serum features DynaZinc, a proprietary technology featuring Zinc salt to support hair anchorage, and Dynagen, a hydrolysed yeast protein that boosts hair strength and supports growth.

    Together with Niacinamide and Glycerin, this 3-in-1 serum regenerates the scalp’s protective barrier, anchors follicles, and prolongs the hair growth cycle. It’s not surprising then that 96% of women agree their scalp feels revitalised after applying this serum* .

    As explained by Frizoni, maintaining a balanced microbiome is key for healthy hair. She says, “When we talk about scalp care, we're really talking about creating the right conditions for the scalp's own biological systems to function at their best. The microbiome is part of that system. Our job as formulators isn't to interfere with it, but to respect it by helping maintain a healthy scalp environment and minimising the factors that can disrupt its natural balance.”  

The Dove approach: skincare science for the scalp

Dove scientists have spent more than 65 years researching hair and scalp and the culmination of their hard-earned expertise is the Dove Scalp + Hair Therapy collection. Developed with skincare-inspired principles and ingredients, every product is designed to restore balance and help the scalp perform optimally.

The collection features: 

  • Glycerin: a well-known and well-tested humectant that helps the scalp retain moisture while reducing dryness and flaking.
  • Niacinamide (Vitamin B3) – supports the scalp’s protective barrier and maintains balance.
  • DynaZinc – Helps reinforce the fibre-to-follicle bond, supporting stronger hair anchorage and helping reduce shedding.  

Refs:
* Based on a clinical study of 57 women over 8 weeks. 

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