Children's dandruff shampoo? Can children get dandruff?
In this article you will learn that dandruff is a common condition affecting about 50% of the population, often beginning at puberty due to hormonal changes and increased sebum production. It is caused by the microbe Malassezia globosa, which produces oleic acid, triggering dandruff. Dandruff symptoms include a dry, itchy scalp with flakes and redness. Effective treatment requires regular use of anti-dandruff shampoo. For children with cradle cap, consulting a pediatrician is recommended.
In this article:
- Go to sectionDANDRUFF IN CHILDREN
- Go to sectionDANDRUFF IN TEENS
- Go to sectionHOW TO TELL IF IT’S DANDRUFF
- Go to sectionHOW TO TREAT DANDRUFF EFFECTIVELY
- Go to section3 MIN QUIZ: WHAT IS YOUR HAIRCODE?
Take our quiz to get a free scientific debrief
of your hair type and personalized list of products.
- Go to sectionFAQ
Dandruff is an extremely common condition that affects most people at least once in their lives. Find out if your child has dandruff and how to treat it effectively.
Dandruff is a very common condition – with 50% of the world’s population affected by the itchiness and flakes that come with it at some point in their lives.
DANDRUFF IN CHILDREN
Dandruff typically begins in puberty. Babies and younger children with dandruff-like symptoms may in fact be suffering from “cradle cap.”
If you suspect your child may have cradle cap, consult with a paediatrician for diagnosis and treatment options.
DANDRUFF IN TEENS
As children approach puberty, natural hormonal changes begin to take place –and the scalp begins to produce oil, known as sebum.
A common microbe called Malassezia globosa thrives on scalp oils. Unfortunately, Malassezia globosa also produces oleic acid, which can trigger dandruff for many people.
Good hygiene isn’t enough to get rid of the problem; it takes a special anti-dandruff shampoo to protect the scalp from dandruff and prevent flakes.
HOW TO TELL IF IT’S DANDRUFF
Look out for the major symptoms of dandruff:
dry scalp
itchy scalp
flakes
redness
It could be mistaken for head lice too – here’s how to spot the difference between dandruff and lice.
HOW TO TREAT DANDRUFF EFFECTIVELY
First, avoid scratching as this makes the condition worse. Next, and most importantly, make sure your teen shampoos regularly with an anti-dandruff shampoo.
Exclusive use of a dandruff shampoo is best, so the active ingredient is always present to protect the scalp from dandruff and prevent symptoms from reappearing.
Head & Shoulders Classic Clean Shampoo is mild on your teen’s scalp while removing up to 100% of dandruff flakes* and locking in moisture to keep the scalp healthy.
More about when dandruff starts
* visible flakes, with regular use
3 MIN QUIZ: WHAT IS YOUR HAIRCODE?
Take our quiz to get a free scientific debrief
of your hair type and personalized list of products.
FAQ
Yes, children can get dandruff, especially as they approach puberty due to hormonal changes and increased oil production. However, younger children might have cradle cap, and it's advisable to consult a pediatrician for diagnosis and treatment.
Dandruff in teens is often caused by hormonal changes during puberty that increase sebum production, which feeds the microbe Malassezia globosa. This microbe produces oleic acid, triggering dandruff symptoms like flakes and an itchy scalp.
Dandruff can be effectively treated using an anti-dandruff shampoo containing Pyrithione Zinc, such as Head & Shoulders. These shampoos are proven to work and come in various formulations to suit different preferences.
