A guide to your scalp's microbiome
No, seriously. Don't freak out—those microbes are supposed to be there and, in fact, they serve a very important purpose!

Believe it or not, the germs that live on your scalp play a bigger role in your hair's health than you think. To help you better understand the ins-and-outs of your scalp's microbiome, we've put together a comprehensive guide to all things scalp care.

Now, onto your burning questions…
Fun fact: Your scalp is covered in microbes
The friendly community of microbes that live on your skin—including bacteria, fungi, and viruses—is called the microbiome, and it is one of the most important factors in your skin's health.

When this live ecosystem is in balance, it helps to protect against invading pathogens and strengthen the skin barrier. In other words, a balanced microbiome keeps your skin in a healthy condition.

However, when this delicate ecosystem is thrown off-balance, an array of issues such as psoriasis, eczema, and acne can arise. In such cases, a good biotic (read: prebiotic, probiotic and postbiotic) skincare routine is needed to restore the skin to its balanced, healthy state.

This brings us back to our topic of the day: As your scalp is also skin, it too has a microbiome that requires its own biotic TLC routine. Why? Well…
What is the microbiome?
Why is scalp care important?
Though you may already be an aficionado with biotic skincare, you may not be giving your scalp's microbiome enough love. Put simply, keeping your scalp's microbiome in balance with the right essentials is key to growing healthy hair.

Like the skin on your face and body, an unbalanced scalp can lead to issues like dryness, dandruff, irritation and hair loss. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways that you can restore your scalp to a balanced state. One foolproof way is to invest in microbiome-friendly scalp care essentials like the Schwarzkopf Professional Scalp Clinix line.
The latest launch from Schwarzkopf Professional marks the brand's continuous journey into the world of skincare. Created to strengthen the scalp's health, it encompasses a customisable in-salon service and at-home regime.

At the heart of each Scalp Clinix product is biotic technology, which has been designed to support the scalp's microbiome. This hero ingredient combines prebiotic Japanese fermented ingredients with Edelweiss extract to keep the ratio of good and bad microbes on the scalp in balance, fostering a healthier scalp.
What is Scalp Clinix?
The in-salon Scalp Clinix Biotic Service
Created for those with scalp concerns, the Biotic Service is three-step service that re-balances your scalp microbiome. It can either be offered as a standalone or included in the Fibre Clinix Tribond Service, depending on your needs.
The results are in…
We got four familiar faces to try the in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment for themselves at the renowned A Cut Above hair salon in Midvalley Megamall, and this is what they thought!
Gently exfoliate the scalp with the Scalp Clinix Pre-Shampoo Scrub to prepare it for cleansing
Step 1
Prep
Cleanse the scalp with the Fibre Clinix Tribond Shampoo
Step 2
Cleanse
Treat the scalp with the Scalp Clinix Biotic Base, customised with one of three Scalp Clinix Boosters:
Step 3
Treat
Scalp Clinix Flake Control
for all dandruff types
Scalp Clinix Oil Control
for oily scalps
Scalp Clinix Soothing
for dry and delicate scalps
DELPHINE TRIES THE CALM YOUR SOUL (SOOTHING) IN-SALON SCALP CLINIX TREATMENT
Delphine Lim, Model and Yoga Instructor
What did you learn about your scalp type from your consultation?
"I learned that my scalp is sensitive and oily, which makes a lot of sense because my facial skin is also the same! So, because of that, I was recommended to the Soothing range to help treat my irritation."

What are your key hair concerns?
"Though I do not have any current hair problems, I am worried about the health of my hair in the long run as I use hairsprays, heat-styling tools and other damaging products quite frequently, especially when I do photoshoots. I just hope that I can keep on styling my hair and keep it healthy."

How does your scalp feel after your in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment?

"It no longer feels greasy but fresh and clean now! I am very impressed by the use of the microbiome technology to help balance out the good and bad bacteria on my scalp to enhance the growth of my hair.

"My hairstylist, Gene, told me not to worry about the health of my hair in the future, as long as I continue to take care of my scalp. This is because healthy hair starts from a healthy scalp!

"The Schwarzkopf Professional Scalp Clinix home care series is very helpful in maintaining it myself, but I will definitely seek salon treatments more frequently, especially in periods where I'll have been styling my hair a lot."
DELPHINE TRIES THE CALM YOUR SOUL (SOOTHING) IN-SALON SCALP CLINIX TREATMENT
Delphine Lim, Model and Yoga Instructor
What did you learn about your scalp type from your consultation?
"I learned that my scalp is sensitive and oily, which makes a lot of sense because my facial skin is also the same! So, because of that, I was recommended to the Soothing range to help treat my irritation."

What are your key hair concerns?
"Though I do not have any current hair problems, I am worried about the health of my hair in the long run as I use hairsprays, heat-styling tools and other damaging products quite frequently, especially when I do photoshoots. I just hope that I can keep on styling my hair and keep it healthy."

How does your scalp feel after your in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment?

"It no longer feels greasy but fresh and clean now! I am very impressed by the use of the microbiome technology to help balance out the good and bad bacteria on my scalp to enhance the growth of my hair.

"My hairstylist, Gene, told me not to worry about the health of my hair in the future, as long as I continue to take care of my scalp. This is because healthy hair starts from a healthy scalp!

"The Schwarzkopf Professional Scalp Clinix home care series is very helpful in maintaining it myself, but I will definitely seek salon treatments more frequently, especially in periods where I'll have been styling my hair a lot."
FAA TRIES THE FLAKE-AWAY
(FLAKE CONTROL) IN-SALON SCALP TREATMENT
Faa Firds, Content Creator
What did you learn about your scalp type from your consultation?
"I learned that I have a flaky or dandruff-prone scalp. It's not severe, but it's there and, apparently, it's common among hijabis. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but it's also not wrong to seek help when and where you need it."

What are your key hair concerns?
"My main hair concern is just thinning hair at the front of the hairline, around my temples on both sides. I think it's due to me tying my hair up on a daily basis.

How does your scalp feel after your in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment?

"My scalp feels so refreshed, with a nice cooling effect—a prolonged one, actually. The whole walk from the salon to the studio was quite hot, but I still felt cool even though I was wearing my hijab and I was under the hot sun!

"I'm really excited to continue the at-home treatment. I'm supposed to use it three times a week (not every day), and hopefully this will help me with my dandruff problems.

"Other than that, the treatment at the salon felt amazing. It was really nice to have some me-time, and to have someone to care for and pamper my scalp instead of having to do it myself at home. Also, apparently your skin renews itself every 21 days, so the salon actually advised me to come once a month to get my scalp checked and cleaned!"
FAA TRIES THE FLAKE-AWAY
(FLAKE CONTROL) IN-SALON SCALP TREATMENT
Faa Firds, Content Creator
What did you learn about your scalp type from your consultation?
"I learned that I have a flaky or dandruff-prone scalp. It's not severe, but it's there and, apparently, it's common among hijabis. It's nothing to be ashamed of, but it's also not wrong to seek help when and where you need it."

What are your key hair concerns?
"My main hair concern is just thinning hair at the front of the hairline, around my temples on both sides. I think it's due to me tying my hair up on a daily basis.

How does your scalp feel after your in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment?

"My scalp feels so refreshed, with a nice cooling effect—a prolonged one, actually. The whole walk from the salon to the studio was quite hot, but I still felt cool even though I was wearing my hijab and I was under the hot sun!

"I'm really excited to continue the at-home treatment. I'm supposed to use it three times a week (not every day), and hopefully this will help me with my dandruff problems.

"Other than that, the treatment at the salon felt amazing. It was really nice to have some me-time, and to have someone to care for and pamper my scalp instead of having to do it myself at home. Also, apparently your skin renews itself every 21 days, so the salon actually advised me to come once a month to get my scalp checked and cleaned!"
VANIZHA TRIES THE CLEAN & FRESH
(OIL CONTROL) IN-SALON SCALP TREATMENT
Vanizha Vasanthanathan, Model
What did you learn about your scalp type from your consultation?
"I have always known that I had an oily scalp but, during my consultation, I found out that my scalp is also sensitive—though this condition is not very severe. So, based on the discussion, my treatment was arranged accordingly."

What are your key hair concerns?
"My concern is mainly hair fall and dandruff, which I realise is due to my oily scalp."

How does your scalp feel after your in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment?
"To be honest, it feels very light and easy. My favorite part of the treatment was when I was getting my scalp scrubbed—my scalp felt so refreshed after my appointment."
VANIZHA TRIES THE CLEAN & FRESH
(OIL CONTROL) IN-SALON SCALP TREATMENT
Vanizha Vasanthanathan, Model
What did you learn about your scalp type from your consultation?
"I have always known that I had an oily scalp but, during my consultation, I found out that my scalp is also sensitive—though this condition is not very severe. So, based on the discussion, my treatment was arranged accordingly."

What are your key hair concerns?
"My concern is mainly hair fall and dandruff, which I realise is due to my oily scalp."

How does your scalp feel after your in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment?
"To be honest, it feels very light and easy. My favorite part of the treatment was when I was getting my scalp scrubbed—my scalp felt so refreshed after my appointment."
SARAH TRIES THE SCALP ENRICHING
(ANTI-HAIR LOSS) IN-SALON SCALP TREATMENT
Sarah Hani Jamil, Editor at BURO Malaysia
What did you learn about your scalp type from your consultation?
"I usually can't go more than two days without shampooing my hair as oil builds up quickly. Moreover, I'm experiencing quite a bit of hair fall these days. Gene, the hairstylist from A Cut Above shared that the overproduction of oil could be due to my lack of sleep and an unbalanced diet as I have not been eating healthily lately. After checking my scalp, I was recommended the in-salon scalp-enriching treatment to help manage my scalp and hair better."

What are your key hair concerns?
"Because my scalp easily gets oily, one of my main hair concerns is limp and thinning hair. I've done several hair treatments and I do change up my shampoo and conditioner from time to time but have not found a routine that works great for my hair yet."

How does your scalp feel after your in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment?
"It feels light and clean, not to mention my hair feels ultra-soft and bouncy. The session took one hour and 15 minutes overall and it was incredibly relaxing. When applied directly to the scalp, the treatment solution delivered a cooling, tingling sensation—the good kind—and kept me feeling calm and soothed. From the consultation to the product application, head massage, rinse, and blow-dry, the service was top-notch. I was given the Scalp Clinix Anti-Hair Loss at-home routine to better manage my scalp condition as it's designed to improve circulation. Looking forward to better hair days ahead!"
SARAH TRIES THE SCALP ENRICHING
(ANTI-HAIR LOSS) IN-SALON SCALP TREATMENT
Sarah Hani Jamil, Editor at BURO Malaysia
What did you learn about your scalp type from your consultation?
"I usually can't go more than two days without shampooing my hair as oil builds up quickly. Moreover, I'm experiencing quite a bit of hair fall these days. Gene, the hairstylist from A Cut Above shared that the overproduction of oil could be due to my lack of sleep and an unbalanced diet as I have not been eating healthily lately. After checking my scalp, I was recommended the in-salon scalp-enriching treatment to help manage my scalp and hair better."

What are your key hair concerns?
"Because my scalp easily gets oily, one of my main hair concerns is limp and thinning hair. I've done several hair treatments and I do change up my shampoo and conditioner from time to time but have not found a routine that works great for my hair yet."

How does your scalp feel after your in-salon Scalp Clinix treatment?
"It feels light and clean, not to mention my hair feels ultra-soft and bouncy. The session took one hour and 15 minutes overall and it was incredibly relaxing. When applied directly to the scalp, the treatment solution delivered a cooling, tingling sensation—the good kind—and kept me feeling calm and soothed. From the consultation to the product application, head massage, rinse, and blow-dry, the service was top-notch. I was given the Scalp Clinix Anti-Hair Loss at-home routine to better manage my scalp condition as it's designed to improve circulation. Looking forward to better hair days ahead!"
Made to maintain your improved scalp condition between salon visits, the at-home Scalp Clinix regime provides four treatment regimes.
The at-home Scalp Clinix range
Why are there four at-home Scalp Clinix regimes?
No two microbiomes are alike, so Scalp Clinix's at-home range offers treatment options that address four key scalp issues. Click on your scalp concern to find your perfect match!
Dry
Dry scalps do not produce enough oil to condition the skin, leaving them feeling tight, itchy and irritated. Plus, more often than not, those with dry scalps tend to have dry hair as there is no natural sebum to condition the strands.
Dry
For dry, delicate scalps
This range has been formulated to help restore the scalp's moisture levels while promoting a healthy scalp microbiome.
Ingredients: Anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial blue cornflower extract, moisture-binding panthenol, healing tigergrass extract, soothing allantoin, astringent witch hazel and calming chamomile.
Scalp Clinix Soothing
Dandruff is a common scalp condition caused by factors like excess sebum, excess dryness, fungal infections, skin sensitivity and pre-existing skin conditions. It leads to irritation and itchiness in the scalp, as well as scales of dead skin that flake off your scalp.
Dandruff
For all dandruff types
This range has been formulated for those who struggle with dandruff, gently removing visible flakes while soothing the scalp and strengthening its microbiome.
Ingredients: Fungicidal octopirox and protective, circulation-boosting ginger root extract.
Scalp Clinix Flake Control
Oily scalps are more common in those with oily skin, and the excess oil production can make your hair look and feel greasy or heavy. In addition, the overproduction of sebum can cause the follicles on your scalp to become clogged, leading to inflammation.
Oily
For oily, clogged scalps
This range has been formulated to deep-cleanse the scalp and remove excess sebum without compromising the microbiome.
Ingredients: Antioxidant-rich rosemary extract, cooling menthol, and purifying eucalyptus leaf extract.
Scalp Clinix Oil Control
Hair loss can be caused by a number of factors such as stress, age, genetics (in the case of male pattern baldness or alopecia), hormonal changes, autoimmune diseases, or certain infections.
Hair Loss
For thinning hair and weak follicles
This range has been formulated for those experiencing hair loss, designed to be massaged into the scalp in order to improve circulation as well as support the microbiome.
Ingredients: Circulation-boosting ginseng extract, follicle-preserving taurine and carnitine tartrate, and soothing, anti-inflammatory echinacea extract.
Scalp Clinix Anti-Hair Loss
For more on your scalp health, follow Schwarzkopf Professional Scalp Clinix here.
editor: sarah hani jamil
Creative direction & text: redzhanna jazmin
Art direction & layout DESIGN: sarah tai
Photography: Raymond Pung ASSISTED BY MIKI TEOH | Unknown Imagery
Makeup: Kevin Lee
Hair: A Cut Above Mid Valley
Credits
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