Sydney | Thursday, 16 April 2026
Key Pharmaceuticals has unveiled Heads Up, Australia!, a national Australian survey examining the emotional and social toll of dandruff 1, highlighting how a common scalp condition can quietly impact confidence, relationships and day-to-day life.
While dandruff may be common - with around half the global population experiencing it at some point in their lives2 - its broader emotional impact is rarely talked about and often dismissed, which is why Heads Up, Australia! sets out to better understand what Australians are really experiencing.
Often dismissed as "just flakes", the study found that the reality can feel deeply personal, with many Australians managing symptoms quietly - changing routines, second-guessing what they wear, and worrying about how they come across day to day.
The study shows suffering from dandruff can take a real toll - 87% say it negatively impacts their confidence and 74% worry it makes them look unhygienic 1. Even so, 57%1 avoid talking about it, suggesting an ongoing stigma around scalp health.
Dandruff Changes the Small, Everyday Decisions
For many Australians, dandruff shapes daily choices in ways others may never see. Around half (51%) avoid wearing black or dark clothing because of their dandruff 1, and more than a third (37%) have avoided going outside before because of their dandruff 1. It can take a deeper emotional toll too, with 78% saying dandruff negatively affects their mood 1.
Confidence and Closeness
Dandruff can also influence dating and intimacy in subtle but meaningful ways. Nearly two-thirds (63%) say it has affected their relationships 1, and 41% share that they've pulled back from physical closeness because of their symptoms 1.
The Workplace Impact
Dandruff can also affect how people show up at work. Three in four (76%) say it impacts their professional confidence, with many describing the quiet stress of self-monitoring, feeling distracted, or worrying about how they're perceived in everyday moments1.
Encouragingly, many respondents reported that improvements in their symptoms were associated with greater confidence. Three in five reported higher self-esteem after their dandruff symptoms improved, and 62% noticed a positive shift in how they feel about their appearance1.
When Dandruff Improves, Confidence Follows
Among those experiencing moderate to severe dandruff symptoms, respondents were three times more likely to report improvements to their dating life and relationship confidence once their symptoms improved1.
Meelian Hoh, Chief Executive Officer at Key Pharmaceuticals, said the research highlights the need to normalise conversations about scalp health: "Dandruff is often dismissed as a minor cosmetic issue, but Heads Up, Australia! suggests it can affect how people feel about themselves and how they show up day-to-day. The most important first step is to reduce the stigma and encourage open conversations, so people know support is available."
The report found that only 1 in 5 dandruff sufferers speak to a pharmacist, yet 9 in 10 find it helpful. This means that pharmacists are highly effective when engaged by sufferers but underutilised as a first point of care. ¹
Visible conditions can increase self-consciousness and affect how people show up in everyday situations.¹
Dr James Kirby, Self Compassion Psychologist, said self-compassion can help people respond to these moments more constructively. "When we're feeling embarrassed or worried about how we're perceived, it's easy to become self-critical or withdraw. Self-compassion involves responding to yourself with the same understanding and practical support you'd offer someone you care about. That mindset can make it easier to reach out - whether that's speaking with a pharmacist or GP about treatment options. Research shows self-compassion supports emotional wellbeing and helps people take practical steps toward change."
