Two women pose closely together in a black and white photograph, both looking directly at the camera. One woman has short, textured hair and is positioned slightly behind the other, who has long, flowing hair. They both wear dark clothing and convey a sense of intimacy and connection.

Dandruff and a dry sensitive scalp?
Discover the causes and how to treat it

An itchy, flaky, scalp can be incredibly frustrating, here we reveal a simple guide to how to soothe and hydrate your scalp to treat and prevent your dandruff.

Dandruff flakes can be frustrating and can knock your confidence and, yet, dandruff affects over 20% of the women in the UK. Often dandruff is linked with excess sebum but it can also affect dry, sensitive scalps. If you have small, white dandruff flakes that tend to fall on the shoulder then you may have a dry scalp. Here we reveal how to hydrate a dry scalp and remove dandruff flakes like a pro.

A woman holding a hair product, smiling confidently. The quote emphasizes a positive impact on hair and scalp condition, with a statistic indicating that 91% of consumers felt similarly after using the product.

A model showcases her shiny hair while surrounded by various Kerastase Symbiose hair care products, highlighting benefits such as flake removal and increased hydration.

A model in a black bodysuit holding a hair product, with text highlighting a quote about feeling good and stating that 74% of consumers report positive effects after using Bain Creme Anti-Pelliculaire.

What causes dandruff in dry, sensitive scalp?

Dry, sensitive scalps can also suffer from dandruff. Unlike dandruff caused by an excess of sebum which leads to larger yellow and sticky flakes, dandruff in a dry scalp is caused by a deficit in hydration that can accelerate cell renewal leading to small white flakes, alongside an itchy, red and sensitive scalp.

The key to treating a dry, sensitive scalp is to boost hydration, whilst also tackling the flakes to remove them before they have the chance to shed.

Dandruff in dry hair is caused by decreased lipids between the cells*, as well as a deficit in anti-microbial peptides in the scalp which can lead to an imbalance in the scalp’s microbiota. As part of this, the scalp can experience barrier function alternation which leads to a loss of water and dehydration, an impaired barrier can also trigger inflammation which can leave the scalp feeling sensitive.

To read out more about the causes of dandruff and how to treat it, click here.

How to treat dandruff in dry, sensitive scalps

The key to treating a dry, sensitive scalp with dandruff is to moisturise the scalp and remove the fakes. Our new Symbiose ranges products
are formulated specifically for this purpose. The range contains three active ingredients that target and treat dandruff.

Salicylic acid

loosens and exfoliates away the dry flakes, whilst also cleansing the scalp;

Bifidus

feeds the healthy bacteria on the scalp;

Piroctone olamine

regulates the microbiome imbalance, preventing dandruff flakes.

Three test tubes containing different substances: one with salicylic acid (light blue), one labeled bifidus (pink), and another with piroctone olamine (white). Each tube is clearly marked with its respective name.

Symbiose routine for oily scalp

Symbiose is a new range of formulated with three key ingredients to treat dandruff.

Salicylic acid

loosens and exfoliates away the dry flakes, whilst also cleansing the scalp;

Bifidus

feeds the healthy bacteria on the scalp;

Piroctone olamine

regulates the microbiome imbalance, preventing dandruff flakes.

Symbiose routine for dry, sensitive scalp

One of the hero products in the Symbiose range is the Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Treatment. An exfoliator, enriched with micro-peeling acid and plant-based beads to loosen and remove unwanted dry flakes

Helps remove visible flakes

*Stylist Co-lab

The foundation of any good hair routine is your shampoo. Try our moisturising shampoo, Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Cellular it is free from silicones and sulfates and is formulated for dry scalps prone to dandruff. It foams beautifully to cleanse, exfoliate and soothe the scalp without stripping much-needed moisture.

Up to 3 weeks of anti-dandruff efficacy*

*After 3 uses per week for 4 weeks. Purifying Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo, Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo or Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum

The foundation of any good hair routine is your shampoo. Try our moisturizing shampoo, Bain Crème Anti-Pelliculaire, it is free from silicones and sulfates and is formulated for dry scalps prone to dandruff. It foams beautifully to cleanse, exfoliate and soothe the scalp without stripping much-needed moisture.

Up to 7 weeks of anti-dandruff efficacy*

*Clinical test results on 35 people, 3 applications per week during 4 weeks

To condition the hair, Symbiose Fondant Apaisant Essentiel is a silicon-free soothing and detangling conditioner for sensitive scalps prone to dandruff. A luxurious balmy texture it also contains salicylic acid for a breathable scalp and bifidus. A hydrating formula to preserve the scalp barrier. Intensely caring yet lightweight for the scalp and lengths

71% of consumers agreed that scalp discomforts were relieved***

***Clinical and self-assessment, 35 people during 4 weeks, 3 applications per week

Another hero in the fight against dandruff is our Symbiose Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum. Formulated with salicylic acid, piroctone olamine and bifidus, the formula acts on the visible dandruff for results you can see. The Symbiose serum helps to eliminate dandruff at the source..

100% of consumers agreed that it freed them from dandruff related discomforts**

**Self-Assessment and Clinical study on 37 people, 4 weeks of use

Another hero in the fight against dandruff is our Serum Cellulaire Nuit Anti-Pelliculaire Intensif. Used at night it supports the scalp when its at its most regenerative. The non-drip jelly-like serum contains all three active ingredients to loosen flakes and soothe the scalp while you sleep.

Preserves the scalp barrier*

*Clinical study on 37 people, after 4 weeks of use

How Can I Know If My Scalp Is Healthy?

If you want an expert opinion on your scalp, head to your nearest Kérastase salon. Our in-salon teams are expertly equipped to diagnose your scalp concerns and help advise you on the best products and in-salon treatments.