Heads Up, Australia!
Dandruff is more than a cosmetic issue
New Australian research into the emotional and social toll of dandruff – from confidence and connection to daily life.
Dandruff is a silent confidence issue affecting millions of Australians
More than flakes*
Dandruff is often dismissed as cosmetic. But for many Australians, it quietly affects confidence, stress levels and how they show up each day.
Shame and stigma can make it difficult to talk about – even though it is a common and manageable condition.
87%
say dandruff
impacts their
self-esteem or
confidence
78%
say it affects
stress levels
76%
say dandruff
affects how they
feel about their
overall health
57%
avoid talking
about their
dandruff with
others
* Data derived from the Heads Up, Australia! National Dandruff Survey 2026, conducted by Edelman Data and Intelligence. Sponsored by Key Pharmaceuticals.
Breaking the Silence*
It’s time to talk about scalp health
Dandruff remains surrounded by shame and misunderstanding.
63% Feel judged when others notice they have dandruff
74% Worry dandruff makes them look unhygienic
But breaking the silence is often the first step to managing dandruff.
Among those who experienced improvements to their dandruff:
62%
experience a positive change in how they feel about their appearance
3 in 5
report higher
self-esteem
Speaking to a pharmacist can be an important first step in managing symptoms.
* Data derived from the Heads Up, Australia! National Dandruff Survey 2026, conducted by Edelman Data and Intelligence. Sponsored by Key Pharmaceuticals.
Turning insight
into action for pharmacy
Practical tips for in-store conversations:
01
Start with reassurance:
dandruff is common and manageable.
02
Use open,
non-judgemental
questions to
normalise the
discussion.
03
Acknowledge the
emotional impact,
not just the physical
symptoms.
Ask if a private
conversation in a
consultation room
would be helpful.
04
Guide patients
to evidence-based
treatment options
and appropriate
referral when
needed.
Nizoral 1%
Lower strength Anti-Dandruff Treatment
Provides effective deep conditioning to help detangle and boost hair shine 6,7
Suitable for people suffering from mild to moderate dandruff
Available sizes: 125 mL & 200 mL
Nizoral 2%
Higher strength Anti-Dandruff Treatment
Clinically tested to be effective in close to 9 out of 10 users 8
Indicated for treatment of severe dandruff
9 in 10 who spoke to a pharmacist about their dandruff said that the interaction was helpful.*
Yet only 1 in 5 Australians have spoken to a pharmacist about their dandruff.*
* Data derived from the Heads Up, Australia! National Dandruff Survey 2026, conducted by Edelman Data and Intelligence. Sponsored by Key Pharmaceuticals.
About Heads Up, Australia!
About the campaign
Heads Up, Australia! is a national initiative led by Key Pharmaceuticals and Alliance Pharma to raise awareness about dandruff, normalise scalp health conversations, and encourage more Australians to seek support from their pharmacist.