Exclusive: Unilever scientists’ microbiome discovery could pave the way for gender-tailored scalp treatments

By Lynsey Barber | Published: 13-Oct-2025
Hair Care Skin Care

A new Unilever study has uncovered the role of two bacteria in dandruff severity, and the varying presence between the scalps of men and women, which could lead to more personalised hair treatments

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Unilever researchers have uncovered fresh evidence on how the scalp microbiome plays a role in dandruff severity, and how this can differ between men and women.

The findings of the Dandruff Scalp Microbiome Exhibits Flake Severity and Sex-Related Differences study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, has mapped, for the first time, how the scalp microbiome changes with dandruff severity.

The research could lead to more personalised hair treatments for the scalp condition.

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