Dandruff, Demystified
Stressing about wearing the color black? Looking at your scalp in every mirror you pass? Frequently asking your work wife to do a shoulder check? If you nodded your head to any of the above, chances are you’ve dealt with dandruff—and it’s officially time to tackle it. But don’t stress: Caring for your hair and scalp is simpler than you think, and with Kérastase’s new Symbiose line of science-backed, super-hydrating essentials specifically formulated to help eliminate symptoms of dandruff, it *might* just feel more like a spa treatment than a chore. Ready to pamper your scalp, but not sure where to start? Take the quiz to find the solution that’s right for you, no matter what your hair-care comfort level is. Consider this the first step to demystifying your dandruff.
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How often do you wash your hair?
Once a week or less to help maintain my scalp health
A few days a week, when I notice it’s oily
Every day (is that bad?)
A.
B.
C.
How do you personally care for the health of your scalp?
I use masks and serums when needed
I try to wash minimally to avoid drying out my skin
Um, that’s a thing?
You see flakes on your shirt. Do you:
Set aside 30 minutes for my full scalp-care routine
Start researching dandruff shampoos
Panic—I have no idea what to do
In between showers, how do you care for your hair and scalp?
Oh, you mean my five-step nightly routine?
I swear by my silk pillowcase
It doesn’t usually cross my mind
Scalp-Care Newbie
You’re all about that one-and-done, shampoo-and-conditioner-only kind of life. You want some relief for your flaky and itchy scalp—without an overwhelming shower-caddy overhaul. It’s time to enter into the world of science-backed hair care, where a simple upgrade can shift the state of your scalp. That’s the thinking behind Kérastase’s new dandruff-fighting Symbiose line, formulated to soothe and hydrate your scalp for healthier, stronger, and smoother hair. Skin-care-inspired ingredients like salicylic acid and pyrithione zinc work together to help eliminate symptoms of dandruff, reduce scalp irritation associated with the condition, and remove dead skin cells (ahem, flakes), says Dale Ruby Moriarty, education director at Kérastase. Bonus: Kérastase’s feel and fragrance turns every shower into a spa experience. To make the switch to luxurious scalp-and-hair care, Moriarty recommends lathering up with the sulfate- and silicone-free shampoo twice a week (no, you don’t need to be suds-ing every day), or as recommended by your doctor, and applying conditioner more frequently. That’s it—no extra steps or skills required.
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You're a
Laid-Back Mane Manager
You’d never claim to be a celebrity hairstylist, but you do know a thing or two about managing your mane. And with flakes that just won’t seem to quit, you’re open to learning more about scalp care—and adding a dandruff-fighting step or two to your routine. Need a quick refresher on where that itch is coming from? “Often when dandruff is present, the scalp has an overproduction of skin cells,” says Dale Ruby Moriarty, education director at Kérastase. “The dead skin/flakes can build up on the scalp, causing it to become sensitized and itchy.” Salicylic acid and pyrithione zinc, key skin-care-inspired ingredients in Kérastase’s Symbiose line, help remove those dead cells and hydrate the scalp so you can ditch the itch. Since healthy hair starts with a healthy scalp, Moriarty suggests incorporating Kérastase’s pre-cleansing scalp scrub into your shower routine twice a week, or as recommended by your doctor. It’s designed to help eliminate symptoms of dandruff, hydrate your head, and give your hair more volume thanks to infusions of apricot-seed oil. Take those extra minutes in the shower to practice a standing meditation—or to belt out your favorite ballad.
…who can get behind a mini scalp-care upgrade.
Consider yourself the
Dedicated Dandruff Fighter
You’re a self-proclaimed scalp-care veteran: You’ve tried all the latest dandruff solutions, and you’ll admit, you don’t hate an excuse for an at-home spa moment. Give yourself a salon-worthy hair-care upgrade with Kérastase’s new Symbiose line, formulated to fight dandruff and hydrate your strands. According to Dale Ruby Moriarty, education director at Kérastase, it’s all about “a scientific approach to dandruff care, with the feel, fragrance, and results of luxurious hair care.” For your healthiest scalp (which leads to your healthiest hair—but you know that by now), Moriarty’s recommendation is hydration. Soap up with a pre-cleansing scalp scrub and shampoo, and then opt for a good lathering of conditioner—or give yourself five extra minutes for a squalane-infused, extra-moisturizing hair mask. And when you’re ready to wind down before bed, apply a lightweight, non-greasy night serum (formulated with your forever friend, salicylic acid) to soothe and hydrate your scalp while you snooze. Sweet (flake-free) dreams, dandruff fighter.
…who’s always down to try something new.
You can call yourself a
