Thousands of teenagers are skipping school because they feel embarrassed about dandruff, according to research commissioned by shampoo brand Head & Shoulders.
The study found that 8% of teenagers affected by dandruff are missing classes because of the condition. That is equivalent to an estimated 140,000 UK teens.
Widespread impact on attendance
The findings come as nearly one in four secondary school pupils in England are persistently absent, meaning they miss at least 10% of lessons. Government figures also show that secondary pupils overall missed around one in every 12 school sessions last year.
The survey found that 69% of UK teenagers experience dandruff, with 54% reporting embarrassment and 52% feeling self-conscious about it.
Behavioural changes and misconceptions
Half of those affected said they checked their appearance more frequently, while 35% had changed their hairstyle to disguise the condition. More than a quarter (28%) avoided dark clothing because they feared flakes would be visible, and 23% said they wore hoods, hats or headscarves more often.
The research also suggested that misconceptions about the condition remain common, with 21% of parents believing dandruff is caused by poor hygiene.
Expert advice on scalp care
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 offered four tips for looking after the scalp and avoiding dandruff: treat the scalp like a unique skin that needs targeted daily care; don't skip washes out of fear, as letting flakes and sebum build up worsens irritation; look past quick fixes and rely on science-backed formulas rather than social media fads; and be consistent, as stopping regular washing with a shampoo containing an active ingredient like piroctone olamine allows dandruff to return.
