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Scalp spas are extremely popular in Japan, with treatments such as scalp facials, exfoliation, and microcirculation therapies available, which can be combined with targeted delivery systems and personalized hair care based on an individual’s microbiome analysis. As well as the benefits of improving microbiome health, regular scalp massages have been shown to increase hair thickness. This short article investigates some of the science behind the scalp spa trend.
In recent years, the scalp microbiome increasingly received attention as more and more information about the link between bacteria that live on the scalp and their role in the provision of essential vitamins and amino acids to the scalp has been elucidated.
The scalp microbiome is generally characterized by low bacterial diversity, when compared with other bodily sites. Bacteria species that dominate include Cutibacterium acnes (formerly Propionibacterium acnes), Staphylococcus epidermidis and Malassezia spp, with elevated levels of S. epidermidis on the scalp commonly leading to dandruff.
Fungi are also present, with different species of Malassezia, namely M. restricta and M. globosa, present in varying proportions depending upon your country of residence. More specifically, M. restricta has been shown to metabolize and oxidize various sebum-derived lipids leading to oxygenated species that can contribute to inflammation as well as play an active role in the acceleration of dandruff.
Much work has been undertaken looking at the effects of regular cleansing of hair and scalp upon the scalp microbiome including the use of emollients, topical medication and natural oils, and now consumers are starting to look for treatments and products that are designed to support their microbiome. Scalp spas are extremely popular in Japan, with treatments such as scalp facials, exfoliation, and microcirculation therapies available, which can be combined with targeted delivery systems and personalized hair care based on an individual’s microbiome analysis. As well as the benefits of improving microbiome health, regular scalp massages have been shown to increase hair thickness.
While scalp spas may not be available to all of us yet, there are still ways to recreate their benefits at home. Recently published work by L’Oreal has shown that application of coconut oil to hair can be beneficial by moisturizing skin as well as repairing hair damage. There’s also scientific evidence that coconut oil can have an inhibitory effect on the growth and invasion of other skin-colonizing bacteria.
So, the take home? While scalp spas are extremely popular in Japan, they’re still fairly niche in places like the US and Europe so access isn’t yet mainstream. While they’re intended to help maintain a healthy scalp microbiome, using coconut oil as part of your haircare routine can also give positive benefits. Proven outcomes can include reduced instances of dandruff and itching, as well as improved scalp hydration.
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