What causes and how to get rid of dandruff with Symbiose?

Got dandruff? Discover the causes and how to treat it

If dandruff flakes have got you down, know that you’re not alone. Here we reveal the no-nonsense guide you need to treat your dandruff and prevent unwanted flare-ups.

Dandruff is one of the most common scalp concerns with 5.2 million women in the UK experiencing unwanted dandruff flakes—that’s 21% of the female population. Here we reveal what causes dandruff, as well as the lifestyle factors that trigger flare-ups, plus how to treat dandruff in the short- and long-term with our effective new Symbiose range.

Especially created for those who are dealing with dandruff, Symbiose’s indulgent formulas mean you don’t have to compromise on your luxury in-shower experience when you want to wave goodbye to dandruff flakes.

What is dandruff?

We all shed our skin. In fact, humans shed their entire outer layer of skin every 2-4 weeks. Seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff are the same disease that affect different parts of the body, with dandruff restricted to the scalp*. A healthy scalp usually renews its cells every 14 days but when dandruff occurs the skin overproduces cells and the renewal process takes just 7 days. The combination of the excess cells and the speed of renewal causes flakes to cluster on the scalp, often along the top of the head, behind the ears and at the nape of the neck. When they finally dislodge the large white flakes are more noticeable than usual, especially in dark or short hair. A mild form of seborrheic dermatitis, dandruff doesn’t just cause flakes to fall, it can also leave the scalp red, irritated and oily.

A concern some have, is can dandruff cause hair loss? And, in short, the answer is no. However, if your scalp is irritated enough for you to itch it a lot, you could damage the scalp which could, in turn, slow hair growth. That’s why it’s best to get to the root of the problem and get things under control.

What Causes Dandruff?

There are various known triggers, so if you are dealing with unwanted dandruff then it could be down to any of the following causes:

Malassezia Restricta Microorganism

Most cases of dandruff can be traced to a single-celled microorganism that exists on all scalps called malassezia resticta. It feed on the oils and produces oleic acid, which can irritate some scalps triggering an immune response causing rapid skin cells proliferation leading to irritation, redness and dandruff flakes.

A sudden drop in temperature

When the colder temperatures hit, there tends to be less moisture in the air both outside and inside where central heating can dehydrate the skin. This dryness can trigger an overproduction of sebum** that the malassezia restricta feeds off causing a dandruff flare-up. One study in India found that dandruff was worse in the colder northern regions than in the south***, where the high humidity could have reduced the severity of the dandruff cases.

What Causes Dandruff?

There are various known triggers, so if you are dealing with unwanted dandruff then it could be down to any of the following causes:

Malassezia Restricta Bacteria

Most cases of dandruff can be traced to a single-celled bacteria that exists on all scalps called malassezia resticta. It feed on the oils and produces oleic acid, which can irritate some scalps triggering an immune response causing rapid skin cells proliferation leading to irritation, redness and dandruff flakes.

A sudden drop in temperature

When the colder temperatures hit, there tends to be less moisture in the air both outside and inside where central heating can dehydrate the skin. This dryness can trigger an overproduction of sebum** that the malassezia restricta feeds off causing a dandruff flare-up. One study in India found that dandruff was worse in the colder northern regions than in the south***, where the high humidity could have reduced the severity of the dandruff cases.

Using the wrong hair and scalp products

This can lead to a condition known as dermatitis (a general term for skin irritation) and dandruff. It’s important to wash hair with dandruff regularly to dislodge the flakes but you need to ensure you’re using the right products.

Other factors that cause dandruff

While stress can’t cause dandruff to start, it can cause dandruff to worsen. The same goes for external aggressors like pollution—city dweller, take note.

Using the wrong hair and scalp products

This can lead to a condition known as dermatitis (a general term for skin irritation) and dandruff. It’s important to wash hair with dandruff regularly to dislodge the flakes but you need to ensure you’re using the right products.

Other factors that cause dandruff

While stress can’t cause dandruff to start, it can cause dandruff to worsen. The same goes for external aggressors like pollution.

How To Treat Dandruff?

If, by now, you have realised you have dandruff you might be wondering - will dandruff go away on its own? Unfortunately it won’t, you need to look at using products specially formulated with dandruff in mind to tackle the bacteria that’s causing the proliferation of flakes. A microbiome product that helps balance the bacteria will be your best line of defense when it comes to dandruff, as well as a shampoo and scalp scrub as they will help loosen those flakes, soothe the scalp and reduce the oil.

Another question many with dandruff ask is - whether dandruff can be cured? While there is no medication that can get rid of dandruff for good, it can be effectively and easily managed with the right hair products. Once it’s under control, you may get the occasional flare-up if you’re stressed or the weather is getting colder, but well formulated products can work wonders.

So what products should you use to treat your dandruff? Symbiose is a new range of hair products formulated to treat the causes and symptoms of dandruff with three key ingredients. Salicylic acid instantly acts to dissolve the flakes thanks to its exfoliating and cleansing action; Bifidus works to feed a healthy scalp eco-system, while Piroctone Olamine regulates the microbiome imbalance, effectively ‘killing’ the unwanted malassezia restricta microorganism.

Symbiose Main Ingredients to fight dandruff

So what products should you use to treat your dandruff? Symbiose is a new range of hair products formulated to treat the causes and symptoms of dandruff with three key ingredients. Salicylic acid instantly acts to dissolve the flakes thanks to its exfoliating and cleansing action; Bifidus works to feed a healthy scalp eco-system, while Piroctone Olamine regulates the microbiome imbalance, effectively ‘killing’ the unwanted malassezia restricta bacteria.

Symbiose for Dandruff

The Symbiose range includes six products and has been formulated so you can still enjoy a luxurious hair washing experience whilst also functioning as an effective dandruff treatment. Symbiose’s claim is Alliance is Power, the focus for this range is the alliance between ingredients, as well as the effectiveness of the alliance between day and night products. With Symbiose you can enjoy instant benefits and long-term efficacy allied with luxurious care.

Symbiose Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Treatment

Micro-Peeling Cellulaire, for sensitive scalp prone to dandruff.

One size

200 ml

Bain Pureté Anti-Pelliculaire

Purifying Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo, for oily sensitive scalp prone to dandruff

Symbiose Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Cellular Shampoo

Moisturising anti-dandruff cellular shampoo, for dry sensitive scalp, prone to dandruff.

One size

250 ml

Symbiose Detangling Soothing Cellular Conditioner

Detangling soothing cellular conditioner for sensitive scalp, prone to dandruff.

One size

200 ml

Symbiose Intense Revitalising Mask

Intense revitalising mask for damaged hair prone to dandruff.

One size

200 ml

Symbiose Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum

Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum, for sensitive scalp prone to dandruff

Inspired by skincare, there is the Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Treatment which, is an exfoliating peel. This silicone-free purifying formula is enriched with micro-peeling acid and plant-based beads. It instantly exfoliates dead cells and flakes at a biological and visible level, purifying the scalp and soothing discomfort without stripping. After usage, the roots are lifted, and hair revitalised.

There are two sulfate-free shampoos to choose from depending on whether you have a dry or oily scalp. Both contain salicylic acid and also piroctone olamine to tackle the malassezia restricta microorganism that causes the dandruff to occur, whilst also effectively cleansing your scalp and strands. The Purifying Anti-Dandruff Shampoo is formulated for oily scalps while the Moisturising Anti-Dandruff Shampoo for dry scalps. The addition of a sugar derivative improves scalp comfort by relieving the sensations of itchiness.

In the range, there is also a conditioner and masque. The Detangling Soothing Cellular Conditioner contains lipids, vegetal oils and glycerin to hydrate hair and comfort the scalp that can also be left irritated from dandruff. It also contains bifidus to support a healthy scalp ecosystem. For further nourishment, there is the Masque Revitalisant Essentiel that contains surface perfectors that carry a positive charge to target damaged zones of the hair (that are negatively charged). They then form a protective veil over the most damaged parts of the hairs’ surface.

To bolster your fight against dandruff, there is also a nighttime hair serum - Intensive Anti-Dandruff Cellular Night Serum, this contains the trio of active dandruff-fighting ingredients - salicylic acid, bifidus and piroctone olamine. With a jelly-like texture it easily glides onto the scalp with no mess or drips.

With continued use, Symbiose works instantly and over time to fight the symptoms of dandruff sloughing away unwanted flakes and soothing irritation, whilst feeding a happy, healthy, scalp ecosystem.

*“Seborrheic Dermatitis and Dandruff: A Comprehensive Review”, Department of Dermatology and Cutaneous Surgery, University of Miami Miller School of Medicine
** “Seasonal Modulation of Sebum Excretion”, Department of Dermatopathology, University of Liège, Belgium
*** “Association of Malassezia species with dandruff”, Department of Medical Microbiology, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education & Research,

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.