Hair is not just about beauty and appearance; it also plays a significant role in shaping a person’s personality. People with healthy hair have more confidence and self-esteem than those with hair issues. Do probiotics help hair growth? This question has echoed in beauty circles for a decade or two.
Probiotics are the good bacteria that promote better absorption of nutrients from food. They also help reduce inflammation, and promote immunity which improves overall body health. This, in short, positively impacts hair, skin, and nails.
In this article, we will explain how probiotics help hair growth, their role in hair growth and dandruff, different types of probiotics and how you can use them for hair and scalp health.
What are Probiotics?
Probiotics are live microorganisms that promote a balance between the gut’s good and bad bacteria. They are naturally present in different fermented foods.
The gut and other body tissues have specific microbes known as the microbiome. Maintaining a balance between good and bad bacteria is necessary for optimal health and organ function.
Disruption of the gut microbiome is often linked to impaired digestion, inflammation, and other problems. Nowadays, gut health is considered more critical than just digestion. It is connected to the body’s overall health, including hair, skin, and nails.
How Do Probiotics Help Hair Growth?
Do probiotics help hair grow? The answer is yes. Probiotics have shown promising results in hair growth. Some preclinical studies on animals have suggested that they do.
Although probiotics do not directly affect hair growth, they promote hair regrowth by enhancing the overall body’s health. Here are some ways how probiotics can improve hair and scalp health:
- Nutrient Absorption: Probiotics promote better nutrient absorption and contribute to overall health. For example, absorbing nutrients like zinc, biotin, and omega-3 encourages hair growth.
- Reducing Inflammation: Good bacteria have anti-inflammatory properties, promoting an inflammation-free scalp, which is essential for hair growth.
- Hormone Balance: Probiotics can regulate hormones, which can be helpful in alopecia related to hormonal imbalance.
- Scalp Microbiome: Probiotics are thought to restore the scalp microbiome, which can play a vital role in hair loss related to dandruff and other scalp conditions. They are also considered helpful for scalp fungus.
Types Of Probiotics For Hair Growth
Some research suggests, these probiotics are beneficial for hair growth and dandruff:
- Lactobacillus acidophilus
- Bifidobacterium animalis
- Escherichia coli
- Bacillus subtilis
What Is Lactobacillus & How Does It Benefit Hair Growth?
Lactobacillus is one of the most discussed probiotics for hair growth and dandruff. This bacterium is from the lactic acid family. A study found that Lactobacillus promotes hair growth better than 5% Minoxidil.
Lactobacillus strengthens hair, promotes scalp health, and stimulates the production of growth hormones. It promotes a balance of the scalp microbiome; thus, considered a scalp probiotic.
- Scalp Probiotic: Some strains of Lactobacillus are known to promote a healthy scalp microbiome, thus inhibiting the growth of yeast that causes dandruff. This role makes it popular as a probiotic for scalp fungus.
- Healthy Hair Probiotic: Lactobacillus strengthens the hair shaft, making it less prone to breakage. It is considered one of the most effective healthy hair probiotics for strengthening hair.
- Probiotics For Alopecia: A few lactobacillus strains, namely Lactobacillus Plantarum, are known to stimulate the production of growth hormones for hair follicle growth.
Probiotics vs. Prebiotics vs. Postbiotics – A Comparison
Understanding the differences between probiotics, prebiotics, and postbiotics can help improve your gut and overall health.
| Features | Probiotics | Prebiotics | Postbiotics |
| Definition | Live microorganisms that improve gut health. | Non-digestible food components that feed probiotics. | Chemicals that are produced by probiotics. |
| Examples | Yogurt, kimchi, and certain cheeses. | Oats, onion, garlic, and fiber-rich foods. | Fatty acids, vitamins, enzymes, etc. |
| Function | Improve digestion and enhance immunity. | Nourish and promote the growth of probiotics. | Improve gut health. |
How Can Probiotics Help in Treating Dandruff?
Dandruff is a scalp condition characterised by flakes and a dry, itchy scalp, often caused by a fungus called Malassezia.
Causes of Dandruff
There are many causes of dandruff, namely:
- Malassezia fungus
- Oily scalp
- Dry skin
- Age
- weather
- stress
Role Of Probiotics For Dandruff
Probiotics can be used topically and orally to treat dandruff. Topical probiotics for the scalp can be in the form of shampoos or masks. Oral probiotics can be taken as supplements or food.
According to a study probiotics can play a vital role in reducing dandruff by:
- Promoting the scalp microbiome, which reduces the growth of Malassezia.
- Reducing inflammation.
- Promoting scalp health.
What Forms Do Topical Probiotics Come In?
People are exploring different ways to use probiotics for better hair health.
Topical Probiotics
Topical probiotics are gaining popularity in the haircare industry. Consumers with hair conditions like alopecia and dandruff are showing interest in the topical probiotics, which come in many forms like:
- Probiotic shampoo
- Probiotic conditioners
- Commercial probiotic masks
- DIY probiotic masks made from yogurt and other beneficial ingredients
Oral Probiotics
Oral probiotics are thought to promote hair growth and improve the overall hair and scalp health. They can be taken in the form of:
- Supplements
- Food
Probiotic Supplements
Probiotic supplements may improve gut and scalp health through the gut-scalp axis. However, the question remains: Will probiotics help hair growth? The research is still in infancy, but the results look promising.
A recent study demonstrates that a probiotic supplement increased hair count and thickness and reduced hair fall in 96.2% of participants.
Probiotic Foods
Probiotics are present in many food items. Some of them are listed below:
- Yogurt
- Kefir
- Kimchi
- Kombucha
- Cottage cheese
- Sour cream:
- Cheese: Swiss, Provolone, Gouda, Cheddar.
- Sauerkraut
- Pickles
- Sourdough bread
Frequently Asked Questions
Can probiotics make your hair thicker?
Although there is little evidence in this claim, probiotics are thought to strengthen hair shafts, thus making hair thicker.
How long does it take for probiotics to affect hair growth?
It depends on various factors like consistency, type of probiotic, diet and lifestyle of the person.
Can probiotics reduce hair shedding?
Yes, probiotics can help reduce hair shedding by reducing inflammation, increasing nutrient absorption and improving immunity.
How do probiotics impact hair growth cycles?
Probiotics promote hair growth in the Anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and are thought to strengthen hair follicles.
What is the relationship between gut health and hair growth?
Gut health is known to affect hair growth positively. Better gut health means better absorption of nutrients necessary for hair growth, such as biotin, zinc, and omega-3.
What are the signs that probiotics are improving your hair health?
After 12 to 15 weeks of proper probiotic usage, you might notice less hair loss and new hair growth.
Can children take probiotics for hair growth?
Always ask your physician before starting probiotics. However, probiotics are generally considered safe for children.
