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Season 4: What Healthy Scalp Means and How Effects Develop

Supporting a Healthy Scalp

Dr. Manfred Groeppel, Prof. Dr. Alexander Steinkasserer 28.05.2026 03:46

In summary

  • The microbiome is the most important factor for a healthy scalp; alcohol-based hair growth products destroy it with regular use and are one of the main reasons for high discontinuation rates. 
  • Aggressive care does more harm than good: washing too often with harsh shampoos, constant exfoliation, and hard brushes all damage the scalp. 
  • Good scalp care is straightforward: mild products, lukewarm water, and a balance between cleansing and moisture. 
  • Redness, flaking, greasy hair, and itching are warning signs that the skin barrier is no longer intact.
FAQ

Supporting a Healthy Scalp

How can you effectively support the scalp without overwhelming it?
A healthy scalp needs an intact microbiome, good blood circulation, and a functioning skin barrier. Mild care, lukewarm water, and no alcohol-based products are the most direct way to get there.
What does a healthy scalp really need, and what doesn't it need?
It needs a balanced microbiome that strengthens the skin barrier and hair function, plus adequate nutrient supply through good blood circulation. What it does not need: harsh shampoos, excessive exfoliation, or alcohol-based products that disrupt the microbiome.
Which scalp care measures are overrated and potentially harmful?
Washing too often with harsh shampoos, constant scalp exfoliation, and hard brushes put unnecessary stress on the scalp. Hairstyles that place persistent tension on the follicles, such as tight ponytails or box braids, can also lead to long-term hair loss.
What role do cleansing, care, and the choice of active ingredients play?
Mild products without alcohol, lukewarm water, and a good balance between cleansing and moisture form the basis. For hair growth products specifically, the ingredient list matters: alcohol as a solvent destroys the microbiome over time.
Can home remedies or DIY tips harm the scalp?
Yes, if they are stored incorrectly, fungal or mould growth can occur. Using them too often or choosing remedies that are not suited to your skin type can also cause damage. The individual skin type really does matter here.
How can you tell if the scalp is out of balance?
Redness, flaking, and greasy hair are clear signs that the skin barrier is compromised. Inflammation follows, and itching is a reliable signal that something is not right. The strongest indicator of all is hair loss.

Description

A healthy scalp protects the hair follicles and, through good blood circulation, supplies them with nutrients. The most important factor is an intact microbiome: it strengthens both the skin barrier and hair function. Alcohol-based hair growth products destroy the microbiome with regular use, which is one of the main reasons those products have such high discontinuation rates. 

What damages the scalp: washing too often with harsh shampoos, constant exfoliation, hard brushes, and hairstyles that place persistent tension on the follicles. Home remedies can also cause problems if stored incorrectly, applied too often, or not suited to the individual skin type. 

The warning signs are clear: redness, flaking, greasy hair, and itching all indicate that the natural balance has been disrupted. Left unaddressed, the result is hair loss.

Experts

Dr. Manfred Groeppel
Dr. Manfred Groeppel
Prof. Dr. Alexander Steinkasserer
Prof. Dr. Alexander Steinkasserer
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