TLDR The scalp has more diverse bacteria, while hair has more bacteria and unique types.
The study analyzed bacterial community structures on human hair and scalp from 18 individuals, revealing significant differences in cell density, alpha and beta diversity, and relative abundances of major bacterial phyla. The scalp harbored a more diverse bacterial community due to its moist and nutrient-rich environment, while hair had a higher bacterial cell number and distinct bacterial populations, including a stable presence of Pseudomonas. The findings suggested that hair-specific bacterial communities are formed from both hair-specific and skin-derived bacteria, with implications for understanding scalp health and conditions like dandruff and alopecia.
65 citations
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October 2018 in “Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology” Certain bacteria and fungi are linked to healthy scalps and dandruff, suggesting that the scalp's microbial balance affects its health.
33 citations
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September 2018 in “Frontiers in Microbiology” Human hair shafts inhibit Gram-positive bacteria growth but not Gram-negative bacteria.
54 citations
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January 2018 in “Scientific reports” Human hair contains diverse proteins, including keratins and histones, which could help assess hair health and aging.
78 citations
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January 2017 in “Skin appendage disorders” Biotin supplements may improve hair and nail growth in people with certain deficiencies or conditions, but there's not enough evidence to recommend it for healthy individuals.
27 citations
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September 2015 in “Current Pharmaceutical Biotechnology” Avoid harmful shampoo chemicals and use scalp treatments with micronutrients for better hair health.
4 citations
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October 2022 in “Genes” Our microbiome may affect the development of the hair loss condition Alopecia Areata, but more research is needed to understand this relationship.
33 citations
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September 2018 in “Frontiers in Microbiology” Human hair shafts inhibit Gram-positive bacteria growth but not Gram-negative bacteria.
Thermal spring waters and their microbes could be good for skin health and treating some skin conditions in skincare products.
26 citations
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May 2019 in “PLOS ONE” Hair loss patients have different microbes in hair follicles, possibly affecting hair loss.
65 citations
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October 2018 in “Frontiers in cellular and infection microbiology” Certain bacteria and fungi are linked to healthy scalps and dandruff, suggesting that the scalp's microbial balance affects its health.
