Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss? Hair Experts Show the Real Picture

Dandruff is a common scalp problem. It can cause itchiness in the scalp. At times, the dandruff may worsen and lead to redness and inflammation. Dandruff usually happens due to dryness on scalp. One of the contributing factors to this excessive dryness is the use of harsh hair products, preferably sulfate-laden shampoos and conditioners. Dandruff and hair loss Many people with dandruff on their scalps experience hair loss. This may not be sudden – you have dandruff today; you start losing hair the next day. Nope. It happens over time. You leave dandruff untreated and continue to scratch your scalp and then, one fine day, to your horror, you start getting unusually large numbers of hair strands in your hand. Can dandruff cause hair loss? According to experts, it does not cause hair loss directly. It is this continuous scratching of the scalp that is the culprit. It injures your follicles. Moreover, experts have found that dandruff can worsen hair loss in sufferers of androgenic alopecia. So, if you have dandruff and you are suffering from hair loss, you must first treat your dandruff. Chances are high that your hair loss is due to this scalp issue, say hair specialists. “Stop that scratching, it hurts!” This is what your follicles scream when you consistently scratch your head due to itching triggered by dandruff! People usually use nails to scratch, remarks a trichologist, this can severely damage your follicles and render them incapable of producing healthy hair. If you must scratch, do gently with your fingertips. Meanwhile, use an appropriate anti-dandruff shampoo (sulfate-free) to wash your hair. If your scalp issue is not something severe, such as seborrheic dermatitis or contact dermatitis, then you can simply focus on keeping your scalp well hydrated. Simple dandruff is characterized by small white flakes on your scalp with no inflammation or redness. Use a moisturizing shampoo fortified with vitamins and other nourishing substances and one that is free from sulfates and other synthetic ingredients. An organic shampoo for hair loss is the best bet in this case, advises hair experts. They are loaded with botanical extracts that nourish and hydrate scalp. Choose one based on your hair type. Fungal growth on scalp At times, Malassezia fungus may attack your scalp. This is a common fungus found on scalp. It can irritate your skin, leading to severe itching. It triggers growth of excess skin cells. When the cells die, they turn into flakes that either accumulate on the scalp, causing itchiness, or drop off. In such a case, you must consult a dermatologist who will prescribe you appropriate treatment. If you ignore this fungal attack, eventually, it may adversely affect your follicle function. Remember, a pre-requisite of healthy hair growth is a healthy scalp. So, it’s actually not the question of whether dandruff can cause hair loss; it’s a question of how healthy your scalp is. If you are seeking a head full of lush hair, your scalp should be clean, hydrated, and healthy. Only then can it provide a favorable environment for follicles to function well.