Two women pose together against a white background, one with braided hair and the other with long, straight hair, both wearing black outfits and looking confidently at the camera.

Dandruff and an oily scalp/hair?
We reveal why and the solution you need

Why dandruff and an oily scalp?

1) Malassezia restricta microorganism

One of the biggest causes of dandruff is a microorganism called malassezia restricta. The excess sebum found on an oily scalp is a nutrition source for this bacteria. Once consumed, the malassezia restricta produces oleic acid. This acid can be irritating to the scalp triggering a rapid production of skin cells that leads to dandruff flakes, irritation and redness.

2) A lack of humidity

In winter, there tends to be less moisture in the air that can dehydrate the skin and cause a surge in sebum production*. Since the malassezia restricta lives off sebum this can cause your dandruff to worsen.

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

Symbiose routine for oily scalp

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

1. Salicylic acid: acts immediately to dissolve the unwanted flakes with its ability to exfoliate and cleanse the scalp;

2. Bifidus: a probiotic derived extract: since we know that the unwanted colonization of micro-organism on the scalp can contribute to dandruff, it’s important to focus on feeding a healthy eco-system, which bifidus does;;

3. Piroctone olamine: alongside bifidus, this regulates the microbiome imbalance, tackling the unwanted malassezia restricta microorganism and preventing dandruff flakes.

Alt text: Three test tubes containing different substances: one with salicylic acid (light blue liquid), one labeled bifidus (white solid), and one with piroctone olamine (pink crystalline substance).

Symbiose routine for oily scalp

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

Alt text: Three test tubes containing different skincare ingredients: one with a blue liquid labeled "Salicylic Acid," another with a pink crystalline substance labeled "Bifidus," and a third with a white powder labeled "Piroctone Olamine."

1. Salicylic acid: acts immediately to dissolve the unwanted flakes with its ability to exfoliate and cleanse the scalp;

2. Bifidus: since we know that the unwanted colonization of bacteria on the scalp can contribute to dandruff, it’s important to focus on feeding a healthy eco-system, which bifidus does;

3. Piroctone olamine: alongside bifidus, this regulates the microbiome imbalance, tackling the unwanted malassezia restricta bacteria and preventing dandruff flakes.

The Symbiose range includes four products that are ideal for oily scalps with dandruff. With Symbiose you can enjoy instant benefits and long-term efficacy allied with luxurious care.

A stylish model poses confidently, showcasing hair care products from the Symbiose line by Kerastase, which promises to help remove visible flakes, increase hydration, and provide up to three weeks of anti-dandruff efficacy.

A black-and-white image featuring a woman looking confidently at the camera, accompanied by a quote about feeling good after using a hair and scalp product. The text highlights that 82% of consumers reported positive results after using Bain Purete Anti-Pelliculaire.

A skincare product lineup for treating dandruff on a sensitive oily scalp, featuring four steps: Peel, Bath, Care, and Treat, all from the Kerastase Symbiose range.

BUY ROUTINE

Symbiose works immediately and long-term in oily hair to reduce the irritation, remove the unwanted flakes and keep unwanted dandruff and oil at bay.

A hero for you will the be the Micro-Exfoliating Cellular Treatment. An exfoliator, it boasts salicylic acid and plant-based beads made from apricot and argan seed shells. Together they help loosen and slough away the unwanted flakes.

The Purifying Anti-Dandruff Cellular shampoo is formulated for oily scalps and contains both salicylic acid for a breathable scalp and piroctone olamine that acts on all the causes of dandruff helping to reduce yeast proliferation and slow down cellular renewal speed..

Often when skin is dehydrated it produces more oil, so keeping your scalp and hair nourished will actually help to limit that sebum production. The Detangling Soothing Cellular Conditioneris a conditioner that contains salicylic acid, for a breathable scalp, and bifidus. Intensely caring yet lightweight for the scalp and lengths.

A hero product used in the fight against dandruff is the Serum Cellulaire Nuit Anti-Pelliculaire Intensif, this is a potent nighttime serum that has the trio of dandruff-fighting ingredients: salicylic acid, bifidus and piroctone olamine. Its jelly texture means it is easy to apply to the scalp and it won’t drip.

+3 Weeks of anti-dandruff efficacy*

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

Scalp looks healthier and stronger**

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

A bottle of Kerastase Symbiose serum displayed on a sleek, white surface with a circular background. The bottle features a dropper and a modern design, indicating a night anti-dandruff treatment.

A bottle of Kerastase Symbiose overnight serum with a dropper, placed on a round, clear glass dish against a soft, light background.

A hero product used in the fight against dandruff is the Serum Cellulaire Nuit Anti-Pelliculaire Intensif, a potent nighttime serum that has the trio of dandruff-fighting ingredients: salicylic acid, bifidus and piroctone olamine. Its jelly texture means it is easy to apply to the scalp and it won’t drip.

+7 Weeks of anti-dandruff efficacy*

Scalp barrier is preserved*

Scalp looks healthier and stronger**

*Clinical study on 37 people, 4 weeks of use
** Consumer test on 37 people and 94% of the consumers agree

* Karger study
** "Exploration of scalp surface lipids reveals squalene peroxide as a potential actor in dandruff condition", NIH
*** "Dandruff is associated with disequilibrium in the proportion of the major bacterial and fungal populations colonizing the scalp", NIH

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.