Embarrassed kids are 'skipping school due to fears over dandruff'

Embarrassed kids are 'skipping school due to fears over dandruff' Thousands of mortified teens are skipping school because they're self-conscious about dandruff, according to a study by a shampoo brand. Research commissioned by Head & Shoulders found 8% of teenagers affected by dandruff are ditching class because of the condition - equivalent to an estimated 140,000 UK teens. The findings come as nearly one in four secondary school pupils in England are persistently absent, missing at least 10% of lessons. Government figures also reveal secondary pupils overall missed around one in every 12 school sessions last year. The survey found 69% of UK teenagers experience dandruff, with 54% reporting embarrassment and 52% feeling self-conscious about it. Half of those affected said they checked their appearance more frequently, while 35% had changed their hairstyle to disguise it. More than a quarter (28%) avoided dark clothing because they feared flakes would be visible, while 23% said they wore hoods, hats or headscarves more frequently. The research also suggested misconceptions about the condition remain common, with 21% of parents believing dandruff is caused by poor hygiene. Dr Faye Bate said hormonal changes during puberty can affect sebum production and the scalp microbiome, making dandruff particularly common during adolescence. Dr Bate said: "From a clinical perspective, we're seeing the psychological impact of this condition rival its physical symptoms. "Teens are experiencing genuine distress that affects their behaviour and confidence." Dr Bate's four tips on how to look after your scalp and avoid dandruff Treat the scalp like a unique skin: Your scalp is a unique skin and body wash doesn't work. It needs targeted daily care, not abrasive DIY hacks trending online or harsh stripping. Don't skip washes out of fear: A common myth is that washing less stops grease - actually, letting flakes and sebum build up worsens irritation. Look past the quick fixes: Avoid heavy styling product build-up that suffocates the scalp barrier and rely on proven, science-backed formulas rather than unverified social media fads. Dandruff is a recurrent condition stemming from the overgrowth of a fungus we all have as part of our microbiome. During puberty, this is where the sensitivity of our scalp is revealed and if you're genetically more prone to irritation from its byproducts, you will have dandruff. The only way to prevent dandruff is to regularly control the population of this fungus to limit its byproducts. Be consistent. If you stop washing regularly with a shampoo that contains an active ingredient like piroctone olamine, it comes back as simple as that.