It’s not easy being a teenager. Our kids have to handle so many changes and challenges all at once, so it’s no wonder their confidence often feels fragile. As well as all the social and academic pressures, there’s a new host of appearance-related worries to dent the teenage ego – and dandruff is very much one of them.
While those little white flakes on shoulders might feel like a minor nuisance to us as adults, they can really crush teens’ self-esteem. When you’re already worrying about fitting in or being judged by peers, dandruff can be a huge source of embarrassment at school and social events. For some teenagers, it goes beyond self-consciousness, with research suggesting young people with dandruff are twice as likely to experience bullying as those without. As parents, we definitely need to do some gentle hand-holding here, because it’s not an issue our teens can easily brush off. The good news is that dandruff can usually be treated effectively at home, particularly with trusted anti-dandruff shampoos such as Head & Shoulders, which has spent decades researching scalp health.
Why does my teenager have dandruff?
Scalp concerns are very common across all age groups, with a whopping 55 per cent of people aged 16-64 in the UK reporting itchiness. However, teenage scalps are particularly prone to problems, thanks to hormonal fluctuations that encourage an over-production of sebum, or oil.
The oily conditions created by puberty are unfortunately ideal for naturally-occurring scalp microbes (aka yeast or fungus) which break down the excess oils into substances that sensitise the scalp. The result? Itching and dandruff. And the oilier the scalp, the more sensitive it becomes. So just as puberty’s sebum surge commonly triggers acne, it also sets up a situation where scalp yeast thrives, more and more oil gets broken down, and teens suffer flaking and irritation.
Does dandruff get worse in summer?
As summer gets in full swing, teenage scalp issues can worsen. Yes, really: science shows several reasons why dandruff (or ‘scurf’) can take the shine off fun in the sun. Heat and humidity encourage scalp fungus to thrive, while sweat encourages scurf, too. Research has actually found that a perspiring scalp can cause a four-fold spike in fungal scalp yeast.
You don’t need a dermatology degree to realise this all puts sporty teens at greater risk of dandruff and itching. Yet none of us want to discourage our kids from being active, or enjoying outdoor life in summer.
Even their on-trend, sun-shielding headgear can play a role. Wearing a cap for just 15 minutes increases scalp temperature by 5C, and can double scalp fungus growth.
It all adds up to a lot of potential dandruff triggers for our kids, just at the time of year that’s meant to be their most carefree.
How can I help my teen manage dandruff?
Thankfully, dandruff isn’t something that teenagers need to accept as an inevitable part of growing up. There are brilliant, clinically-proven solutions out there, including the expert-backed scalp care from Head & Shoulders.
Backed by seven decades of research and expertise in scalp health, the Head & Shoulders Anti-Dandruff range helps tackle teenage dandruff quickly, effectively and reliably, and in a way that’s easy to add to their beauty or grooming regime.
Head & Shoulders Menthol Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo For Itchy Scalp
Head & Shoulders Menthol Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo For Itchy Scalp
Its latest innovation, Head & Shoulders Menthol Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, makes fighting dandruff cool – quite literally. It’s been formulated with an instant cooling effect, to calm overactive nerve signalling and soothe itchy, over-heated scalps right away. And it doesn’t just claim to stop flaking. Clinically proven to give up to 24 hours of itch relief, it's a welcome relief for any teens who feel like summer’s sweat, salt and sun are baked into their aggravated scalps.
How does Head & Shoulders Menthol Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo help treat dandruff?
Head & Shoulders Menthol Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo helps manage dandruff and soothe itchy, flaky scalps in several ways. Key benefits include:
- Providing an instant cooling effect to refresh the scalp
- Delivering up to 24 hours of clinically proven itch relief
- Offering up to 100% protection against visible flakes with regular use
- Helping reduce scalp oiliness, with eight in 10 users reporting their scalp felt less oily until the next wash
For teenagers experiencing a flaky scalp, using an anti-dandruff shampoo consistently can help reduce flakes, relieve itching and improve overall scalp comfort. That’s one less thing to worry about.
Help your teen manage dandruff with Head & Shoulders Menthol Fresh Anti-Dandruff Shampoo, online and in store at Boots
