Kérastase for Dandruff & Scalp Care

Kérastase's scalp care collection spans two ranges with pharmaceutical-grade precision: Spécifique for everyday scalp concerns (oily, sensitive, irritated) and Symbiose for dandruff and microbiome rebalancing. Together they cover almost every scalp condition with sulphate-free, dermatologically-tested formulas developed in collaboration with trichologists.

Symbiose is Kérastase's dedicated anti-dandruff range, using Piroctone Olamine as the antifungal active alongside microbiome-balancing ingredients.

Symbiose Bain Crème Anti-Pelliculaire: Creamy anti-dandruff shampoo for dry scalps with flaking. Cleanses gently whilst treating dandruff.

Symbiose Bain Pureté Anti-Pelliculaire: Purifying anti-dandruff shampoo for oily scalps with flaking. Combines anti-dandruff actives with sebum balancing.

Symbiose Fondant Apaisant Essentiel: Anti-dandruff conditioner that soothes and detangles whilst extending the treatment.

Symbiose Masque Revitalisant Essentiel: Weekly anti-dandruff mask for intensive treatment.

Symbiose Micro-Peeling Cellulaire: A scalp exfoliating pre-shampoo treatment. The most concentrated scalp scrub in Kérastase's range — used weekly to remove build-up and dead skin cells.

Symbiose Sérum Cellulaire Nuit: Overnight scalp serum that treats whilst you sleep.

Spécifique addresses specific scalp concerns beyond dandruff.

Spécifique Bain Divalent: Balancing shampoo for oily scalp with dry lengths. Dual-action — purifies the scalp whilst nourishing the ends.

Spécifique Bain Riche Dermo-Calm: Soothing shampoo for sensitive scalps (thick to normal hair). Calms irritation and itching.

Spécifique Bain Vital Dermo-Calm: Soothing shampoo for sensitive scalps (fine to normal hair). Lighter formula. Available in 250ml and 500ml.

Spécifique Bain Prevention: Fortifying shampoo for early-stage thinning and scalp resilience.

Spécifique Stimuliste Spray: Daily leave-on scalp serum for ongoing scalp health and follicle support.

Spécifique Potentialiste: Hair and scalp balancing serum. The newest addition — addresses both scalp barrier and hair fibre health in one product.

Dandruff with dry scalp: Symbiose Bain Crème Anti-Pelliculaire.

Dandruff with oily scalp: Symbiose Bain Pureté Anti-Pelliculaire.

Oily scalp without dandruff: Spécifique Bain Divalent.

Sensitive scalp: Spécifique Bain Vital or Bain Riche Dermo-Calm.

Early-stage thinning: Spécifique Bain Prevention + Stimuliste serum.

Build-up and product residue: Symbiose Micro-Peeling Cellulaire weekly.

Dandruff vs dry scalp — what's the difference? Dandruff is caused by overgrowth of the yeast Malassezia and produces larger, yellowish, oily flakes. Dry scalp lacks moisture and produces smaller, white, dry flakes. Dandruff needs antifungal treatment (Symbiose); dry scalp needs hydration (Bain Vital Dermo-Calm or moisturising shampoos from the Nutritive range).

How often should I use Symbiose Micro-Peeling Cellulaire? Once a week as a pre-shampoo scalp scrub. Apply to damp scalp, massage gently for 1–2 minutes, then shampoo as usual.

Are Kérastase scalp shampoos sulphate-free? Most are. Symbiose and Spécifique Dermo-Calm formulas are sulphate-free. The anti-dandruff Symbiose formulas use gentle surfactants suitable for sensitive scalps.

Partners Hair Design is an authorised Kérastase stockist — every product is 100% authentic. Free SA delivery over R390. Salon-tested by trichology-trained stylists across 8 Cape Town locations.