Does Dandruff Cause Hair Fall

• 2 May 2023
• Dr Malay Mehta

Are You Wondering Will Dandruff Cause Hair Fall?

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that affects many people worldwide. It is characterized by flaky skin on the scalp and can be a source of discomfort and embarrassment for those who experience it. One of the common concerns people have about dandruff is whether it causes hair fall.

Our leading expert answers the question “does dandruff lead to hair fall” below!

Understanding dandruff and hair fall.

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that affects up to 50% of people worldwide. It is often characterized by white or yellowish flakes on the scalp that can be itchy, dry, or greasy. While dandruff itself does not directly cause hair loss, it can be a contributing factor.

What is dandruff?

Dandruff is a skin condition that affects your scalp. The most common cause of dandruff is Malassezia Globosa, a naturally occurring fungus on your scalp. This natural fungus breaks down your scalp sebum, leading to the production of oleic acid. This can cause itching, redness and the formation of white-yellow flakes of dead skin.

Several factors that contribute to sebum production, and therefore dandruff include:

• Hormonal changes,
• Genetic predisposition,
• Weather fluctuations,
• Dry or irritated skin where the skin barrier is compromised,
• Skin conditions like psoriasis, eczema or seborrheic dermatitis,
• Weakened immune system,
• Reaction to hair products, and

While dandruff is not a serious medical condition, it can be embarrassing and uncomfortable for those who experience it. Proper treatment and maintenance of good scalp hygiene can help manage the condition and prevent associated hair loss.

Dandruff is a skin condition of your scalp that results in white or yellowish flakes of dead skin, itching and irritation. Some people ask can dandruff cause hair loss? Well, keep reading to find out!

Will dandruff cause my hair to fall out?

Dandruff itself does not directly cause hair loss, however, research has shown that an irritated scalp damages your hair. It causes cuticle and protein damage to your hair that results in brittle, dull hair that is susceptible to falling out.

So, in short, there is a link between dandruff and hair fall. However, it is not the direct cause of your hair falling out. Rather it is a complication of untreated dandruff that leads to damage to your hair follicles and poor condition of the skin on your scalp.

What conditions cause both dandruff and hair loss?

To ensure you have the best treatment for your dandruff and hair loss, you need to know exactly what is causing your symptoms. There are several conditions that can cause both dandruff and hair loss:

• Scalp psoriasis causes thick, scaly patches on the scalp that can be itchy and sore.
• Folliculitis decalvans is an inflammatory condition causing red, itchy and puss-filled lumps that damage the hair follicles.
• Lichen planopilaris causes a dry, flaky rash and hair to fall out in clumps.

If you’re experiencing hair loss along with dandruff, it’s essential to consult a doctor to determine the underlying cause and get the proper treatment.

Do treatments for dandruff lead to hair fall?

Treatments for dandruff, such as medicated shampoos, do not typically lead to hair loss. In fact, using anti-dandruff shampoo or similar decreases inflammation and the risk of hair follicle damage. This treatment can go a long way to preventing hair loss.

Anti-dandruff shampoo and treatments do not cause your hair to fall out. They improve the skin condition on your scalp, decrease inflammation and irritation, and therefore decrease the risk of hair loss.

Do hair loss treatments cause dandruff?

Hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil or finasteride, may cause scalp irritation or dryness, which can lead to dandruff. Some people may also experience contact dermatitis or a reaction to certain hair loss products, which can worsen or trigger dandruff.

How to prevent dandruff-related hair loss

To prevent hair loss caused by dandruff, it’s essential to look after your scalp and hair.

Medicated shampoos and conditioners:

Medicated shampoos and conditioners are an effective way to prevent and manage dandruff. These products contain active ingredients such as salicylic acid, ketoconazole, or selenium sulfide that help reduce the growth of the fungus that causes dandruff. They can also help soothe an itchy, irritated scalp and prevent hair loss associated with dandruff.

It’s essential to follow the instructions provided with the product and use it regularly to see the best results. If you’re unsure which product to use or if you have a more severe case of dandruff, you should consult a dermatologist.

Moisturize and nourish your scalp:

Moisturizing and nourishing your scalp can help prevent dandruff and promote healthy hair growth. Using a scalp oil or serum can help hydrate and nourish the scalp, reducing the likelihood of dandruff. Additionally, incorporating foods rich in vitamins and minerals such as zinc, vitamin B, and omega-3 fatty acids into your diet can help promote scalp health and prevent dandruff.

Applying serums and oils on your scalp and skin provides nourishment and moisturize to reduce the risk of, or to treat your dandruff.

Manage your stress and anxiety:

Stress and anxiety can contribute to the development of dandruff. High levels of stress can disrupt the balance of hormones in the body, leading to dandruff. Finding ways to manage stress and anxiety, such as practicing mindfulness, meditation, or regular exercise, can help prevent dandruff. Additionally, getting enough rest and sleep can also help reduce stress levels and keep your scalp healthy

Natural anti-dandruff remedies:

These remedies are not science or researched back, however many people find they help alleviate their symptoms of dandruff:

• Tea tree oil acts as an anti-inflammatory and anti-fungal treatment.
• Aloe vera is soothing and reduces inflammation.
• Apple cider vinegar fights fungus balances pH and eliminates dead skin cells.

Does dandruff lead to hair fall?

By now we know that dandruff does not directly cause hair loss. However, an itchy and irritated scalp from dandruff can lead to hair loss. Proper treatment and methods to improve your scalp health can help prevent dandruff and hair loss.

If you’re experiencing dandruff and are concerned about hair loss, consult Dr Malay Mehta and his team to get the right treatment for your scalp. With the right care, you can manage your dandruff and prevent hair loss.

FAQs

Read through some commonly asked questions about dandruff and hair loss below.

Does anti-dandruff shampoo cause hair loss?

No, shampoo for dandruff does not cause hair loss. In fact, medicated shampoos designed to treat dandruff can help reduce hair fall associated with dandruff. These shampoos contain active ingredients that help control the growth of the fungus that causes dandruff, therefore preventing damage to the hair follicle that may contribute to hair loss.

How can I stop dandruff and hair loss?

To stop dandruff and hair loss, it’s essential to treat the underlying cause of dandruff. This can be achieved by using medicated shampoos and topical treatments prescribed by a dermatologist. Additionally, moisturizing and nourishing your scalp can help prevent dandruff and promote healthy hair growth.

Is it normal for dandruff to fall out of your hair?

It’s normal for some dandruff to fall out of your hair. The dead skin flakes become loose due to things like washing or brushing and will peel off the scalp. They may fall on your shoulders or sit in your hair.

Is dandruff harmful to hair?

Yes, dandruff can be harmful to hair if left untreated. Dandruff can cause an itchy, irritated scalp, which can lead to scratching and further damage to the hair follicles. Additionally, if left untreated, dandruff can cause long-term damage to the hair follicles, leading to permanent hair loss.