Kérastase Symbiose

Symbiose is the Kérastase range for dandruff and flaky, itchy scalps. It's cosmetic scalp care that treats the scalp gently and still leaves your lengths in good condition, which most pharmacy dandruff shampoos don't.

Which Symbiose product, and how we use it +

Pick the shampoo by scalp type. Bain Pureté Anti-Pelliculaire is for flakes with oily roots. Bain Crème Anti-Pelliculaire is for flakes with a dry, tight scalp; massage either into the scalp and leave it a minute before rinsing.

Micro-Peeling Cellulaire is a scalp scrub used before shampoo, once a week, to lift build-up and flakes. Sérum Nuit Anti-Pelliculaire Intensif goes onto the scalp in the evening and is the step for flaking that keeps coming back. If your scalp is red, sore or not improving, see your GP or a dermatologist. Our dandruff and itchy scalp guide covers the rest of the options we stock. Everything here is genuine salon stock, the same bottles we use at our basins in Wānaka, posted NZ-wide with free shipping on orders over $75.

More reading: Where to buy genuine Kérastase in NZ

Questions we get asked +

What is Kérastase Symbiose used for?
Symbiose is Kérastase's range for dandruff and flaky, itchy scalps. It's cosmetic scalp care, and the shampoos are made to clean the scalp without leaving the lengths dry and tangled. You pick the shampoo to suit an oily or dry scalp, then add the scrub or night serum if flakes keep coming back. Our dandruff and itchy scalp guide compares it with the other options we stock.

How do I use the Symbiose night serum?
Use the Sérum Nuit Anti-Pelliculaire Intensif in the evening on a dry scalp. Part the hair, apply it directly to the skin and massage it in, then leave it overnight. Kérastase designed it to work while you sleep and recommends it alongside one of the Symbiose shampoos. It's the step to add when the shampoo alone isn't keeping flakes away.

How often should I use the Micro-Peeling Cellulaire?
Once a week is plenty for most people. Apply it to a damp scalp before shampooing, massage gently and rinse, then wash with your Symbiose shampoo. Scrubbing harder or more often won't clear flakes faster and can make a sensitive scalp feel sore. If your scalp is red, broken or painful, skip the scrub and see your GP or a dermatologist.

What's the difference between Symbiose and Spécifique?
Symbiose is for flakes and itch. Spécifique is for oil: roots that go greasy fast while the ends stay dry. If you have both oily roots and flakes, the Symbiose Bain Pureté is usually the right starting point because it's made for exactly that combination. Our Spécifique range is the better match if there's no flaking at all.

Can I use Symbiose on coloured hair?
Yes. The shampoos are designed to look after the lengths as well as the scalp, so they're comfortable to use on colour-treated hair. Focus the shampoo on your scalp, let the lather run through the ends when you rinse, and follow with your usual conditioner on the mid-lengths and ends. Keep conditioner off the scalp.