11/18/2025
Taking antibiotics? Your scalp might be paying the price.
We know antibiotics are sometimes necessary to fight infection. But did you know they don't just target the "bad" bacteria?
They often wipe out the "good" bacteria in your gut, too.
Why does this matter for your hair?
It’s called the Gut-Skin Axis. Your gut and your skin (including your scalp!) are in constant communication. When antibiotics disrupt your gut microbiome, it creates a domino effect that shows up on your head.
Here is how the cycle works:
Loss of Good Bacteria: Antibiotics reduce the beneficial bacteria that keep other organisms in check.
Yeast Overgrowth: Without good bacteria to police them, yeast (like Malassezia or Candida) can overgrow. On the scalp, this looks like dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, or an itchy, flaky scalp.
Inflammation & Shedding: A disrupted gut causes systemic inflammation, which can disrupt hair growth cycles and lead to increased shedding.
Nutrient Absorption: If your gut isn't happy, it can't absorb the nutrients your hair follicles need to grow strong strands.
The Holistic Fix:
If you have to take antibiotics, remember to restore the balance.
Prioritize Probiotics & Prebiotics (supplements or fermented foods like yogurt, kimchi, and sauerkraut).
Stay hydrated.
Use gentle, pH-balancing scalp care to support your scalp's microbiome externally.
Healthy hair starts with a healthy gut. It’s all connected.
