Written by Ella, our Cosmetic Formulation Scientist. Lovingly translated from science-speak to real-life (italic call outs) by our other Co-Founder, Maisie
If you have ever looked into treatments designed to support hair growth, you may have come across scalp microneedling. It is a technique often used in clinics where very fine needles are used to stimulate the scalp and encourage stronger, thicker hair growth over time.
While it might sound intense, the principle behind it is surprisingly simple. It works by triggering signals in the hair follicle that help extend the growth phase of the hair cycle and support healthier, more resilient hair fibres.
Now imagine supporting similar signals without the need for needles.
That is exactly where Follibiotics Pro™ comes in.
This advanced postbiotic active works at the scalp level to help reduce excess shedding, support hair density and create the optimal conditions for stronger, healthier growth. It does this by supporting the scalp microbiome, calming inflammatory stress and activating key regeneration signals within the follicle.
The result is hair that not only grows, but grows better. Stronger, fuller and more resilient over time.
For postpartum hair loss, specifically, a procedure like scalp microneedling may not be necessary. An at home solution, that's closely linked to the process is a solution that can work for sensitive scalps, busy mums and quick routines.
What Is Follibiotics Pro™?
Follibiotics Pro™ is a postbiotic active derived from Lactobacillus fermentation, developed specifically to support the scalp microbiome and hair follicle environment.
Postbiotics are the beneficial compounds produced when probiotic bacteria ferment natural substrates. Unlike live probiotics, they are stable and highly compatible with cosmetic formulas while still delivering many of the same biological benefits.
Postbiotics are able to deliver more consistent results over pre and probiotic formulas, thanks to the stability of the active.
On the scalp, these compounds interact with the microbiome, immune signalling pathways and hair follicle biology.
This is important because the scalp microbiome plays a key role in supporting healthy follicle activity, maintaining barrier function and regulating inflammation.
When the microbiome is balanced, the scalp is better able to support consistent, healthy hair growth. When it becomes disrupted, this can contribute to irritation, excess shedding and reduced follicle performance.
Your hair growth products should not only look at follicle activity, but at the overall balance of your scalp, in order to ensure a healthy environment that feeds hair regrowth.
Follibiotics Pro™ was developed to help restore that balance.
Research shows it helps to:
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Extend the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle
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Reduce excess shedding over time
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Improve the appearance of hair density and fullness
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Support a balanced scalp microbiome
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Reduce inflammatory stress around the follicle
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Provide antioxidant protection against daily stressors
The Scalp Microneedling Connection
One of the most fascinating aspects of Follibiotics Pro™ is that it works through a biological pathway associated with scalp microneedling treatments.
Microneedling stimulates the formation of a protein called TSLP (Thymic Stromal Lymphopoietin) within the hair follicle. This protein plays a key role in tissue regeneration and hair follicle signalling.
It is particularly active during the mid anagen phase, the stage where hair is actively growing.
The presence of TSLP helps to:
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Extend the growth phase of the hair cycle
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Support follicle vitality
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Encourage regeneration within the follicle environment
Most hair growth serums focus on the surface - improving scalp condition, boosting circulation or helping hair feel thicker.
Follibiotics Pro™️ works at the root. It helps activate the signals inside the follicle that control how long hair stays in its growth phase. By supporting the same pathway triggered by scalp microneedling, it helps hair grow for longer. Therefore, resulting in stronger, fuller-looking hair over time.
In lab studies, Follibiotics Pro™ significantly increased the formation of this protein, with levels rising by up to 300% compared with control samples.
By encouraging the same biological signalling associated with microneedling techniques, Follibiotics Pro™ helps stimulate a healthier follicle environment and supports the hair cycle where it matters most.
This matters because the longer hair remains in the growth phase, the more time it has to become thicker, stronger and more visible, directly influencing how full and healthy the hair looks overall.
Why the Scalp Microbiome Matters
The scalp microbiome is the natural balance that exists on the scalp surface and within the follicle openings. It plays a key role in how the scalp functions and how well hair is able to grow.
When this balance is disrupted, sometimes referred to as an imbalance in the scalp microbiome, the scalp can become more reactive.
This can lead to:
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disruption to the hair growth cycle
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oxidative stress in the follicle environment
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increased inflammation
Hormonal shifts, stress, environmental exposure and product build-up can all contribute to this imbalance.
Follibiotics Pro™ helps to support and rebalance the scalp microbiome, creating a calmer, more stable foundation for healthy hair growth.
When the microbiome is functioning well, the scalp is better able to support stronger, thicker and more consistent hair growth over time.
Why This Matters During Pregnancy and Postpartum
Hormonal shifts during pregnancy and the postpartum period can have a significant effect on the hair cycle.
During pregnancy, elevated oestrogen levels often keep hair in the growth phase for longer than usual. After birth, oestrogen levels drop rapidly, and many follicles shift into the shedding phase at the same time.
This process is completely natural and part of the body resetting the hair cycle.
However, these hormonal changes can also influence the scalp microbiome, oil production, inflammation levels and overall follicle health.
When the scalp environment is under pressure, hair fibres can become weaker, and regrowth may appear slower or less dense.
While no topical ingredient can override the hormonal signals behind postpartum shedding, supporting the scalp during this time can make a meaningful difference.
By helping to calm the scalp, maintain balance and support follicle activity, Follibiotics Pro™ helps create the best possible conditions for healthy regrowth and improved density over time.
What the Studies Show
Follibiotics Pro™ has been evaluated through both lab and in-use studies.
In studies involving participants using formulations containing Follibiotics Pro™, results showed:
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Up to 34% reduction in hair shedding after 84 days
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Improvement in hair density and overall fullness
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Visible improvement in hair condition, with hair appearing stronger and healthier over time
Additional lab testing also demonstrated:
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Increased antioxidant activity to help neutralise daily stressors
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Reduction in inflammatory proteins linked to follicle stress
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Support for a balanced scalp microbiome
Together, these results show how supporting the scalp microbiome and follicle signalling can translate into visible improvements in hair growth and density.
A Healthier Scalp Creates Better Hair
Hair health does not start with the strands. It starts at the scalp.
Every follicle depends on a balanced, supported environment to deliver consistent, healthy hair growth. When the scalp microbiome is functioning well, and the follicle environment is calm and supported, hair is better able to grow stronger, fuller and healthier over time.
Follibiotics Pro™ works by supporting this environment from multiple angles, helping to balance the scalp microbiome, reduce stress around the follicle and activate signals linked to healthy growth.
At Maze, that philosophy sits at the centre of everything we do. Healthy hair begins with a healthy scalp and understanding the science behind the ingredients that support it.
Follibiotics Pro™ is one of the key actives helping make that possible.
** Note**
Let us introduce our style.
Our blog is written by Ella, our Co-Founder and Cosmetic Formulation Scientist, who shares the science behind your hair.
Maisie, our other Co-Founder, adds the ‘hair for dummies’ translations (in italic call-outs) to keep things understandable and easy to follow.
