Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

The itchiness and flaking skin are bad enough but does dandruff cause hair loss? 

Otherwise known as seborrheic dermatitis (SD), dandruff is not known to directly cause hair loss, though it may indirectly cause it when itchiness leads to constant scratching that can damage hair follicles. 

In this blog, we will take a closer look at how dandruff causes hair loss.

Understanding Dandruff

Dandruff is a common scalp condition that causes itching, flaking, and inflammation on the scalp. It is caused by a yeast or fungus on the skin known as Malassezia globosa. 

This fungus is naturally present on our skin but when due to any factor there is an excess production of Malassezia combined with scalp sebum it can cause itchy scalp and white or yellow flakes.

Some common factors that may trigger dandruff are 

• Dry skin
• Stress
• Hormonal changes
• Seborrheic dermatitis
• Contact dermatitis

Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

Hair loss isn’t a direct symptom of dandruff or seborrhea. However, it isn’t uncommon to experience dandruff and hair loss simultaneously. This is because if you suffer from dandruff, your hair follicles may be damaged, making it very easy for the hair to break off altogether.

Pair this with a constant urge to scratch, and you may start finding a lot of loose hairs with those white flakes. 

Connection Between Hair Loss and Dandruff

The connection between hair loss and dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis is related to scalp health and hair damage.

Certain factors that accompany dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (oily dandruff) that can trigger hair loss are:

Oil Build-up

When you have dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, greasy scalp, and oil build-up are very common. The build-up can clog the skin pores and hair follicles, which disrupts the scalp’s ecosystem leading to slower hair growth and excess hair loss.

Inflammation

Scalp inflammation can cause itchy and irritated skin which leads to hair thinning and weak hair strands. This scenario can increase the chances of hair loss.

Itchy Scalp

Itchy scalp itself can cause hair weakening but when you start scratching vigorously it can further worsen the condition. Scratching the scalp can injure the hair follicles due to which the hold of skin on the hair strands becomes weaker and results in hair breakage and hair fall.

Hair Growth Cycle 

It is normal for a person to lose some amount of hair every day it is a natural process. Hair on our scalp has a hair growth cycle according to which during the 

• Anagen phase: you will experience active hair growth
• Catagen phase: the hair growth will stop for some time.
• Telogen phase: during this hair growth will not happen and you will experience some hair loss. After which the hair will start growing again.

Hair growth can be disrupted due to oxidative stress caused by excess Malassezia yeast when experiencing dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis, and this can result in hair loss.

Dandruff and Hair Loss Medication

If you were using any medicated hair loss shampoo there are chances you may experience dandruff as well. In a recent study, scientists found that patients using minoxidil, an ingredient used in hair loss medications to treat hair loss, were more likely to be left scratching their scalps.

Alcohol and other harsh ingredients can often cause adverse reactions that may trigger dandruff or other uncomfortable skin conditions like seborrheic dermatitis and contact dermatitis. Switching treatment plans and adding an anti-dandruff shampoo to your hair care routine can help reverse the flaking and itching.

Will Hair Loss From Dandruff Grow Back?

For those who suffer from flaky, itchy scalps, it’s not easy to find an upside to dandruff, but here’s one of them: any hair loss caused by dandruff is almost always reversible. This is because loose hairs are usually the result of follicles that have been weakened and damaged by constant scratching. Once the symptoms of dandruff are managed, and your head-scratching ceases, your hair can go back to its normal, healthy growth routine.

Other Conditions That Can Cause Hair Dandruff and Hair Loss

Many other skin conditions can cause symptoms similar to those of dandruff. Any condition that causes inflammation, scalp itch, or urges you to scratch the scalp can lead to hair fall. Some of those conditions are

• Contact dermatitis
• Scalp psoriasis
• Eczema
• Ringworm (Tinea capitis)
• Seborrheic dermatitis (Cradle cap in babies)
• Folliculitis decalvans (rare)
• Lichen planopilaris (rare)
• Alopecia areata

How to Get Rid of Dandruff and Hair Loss?

To control hair loss caused by dandruff it is important to manage the symptoms of dandruff first. Once you stop scratching your scalp and the underlying inflammation is diminished, your hair will go back to its natural growth cycle and the lost hair will grow back.

Use Dandruff Shampoo

The best way to soothe dandruff is by using specially formulated shampoo for dandruff. Dr. Eddie’s Happy Cappy Medicated Shampoo is specially formulated for children but equally effective for adults who want a gentle dandruff solution with natural ingredients, and without potential irritants like synthetic dyes and fragrances, BPAs, parabens, sulfates, and alcohol. 

It contains the FDA-approved active ingredient pyrithione zinc, which is scientifically proven to relieve the symptoms of dandruff.

Avoid Harsh products

Hair products like hair dyes, hair sprays, and hair wax contain harsh chemicals such as fragrances, dyes, and preservatives. These chemicals can damage the scalp’s health and lead to skin conditions like contact dermatitis, dandruff, and hair loss.

It is important to avoid these types of hair products especially when experiencing dandruff as it can worsen the condition. 

Reduce Stress

Stress can often trigger or worsen dandruff in some people. If you suspect that your dandruff becomes worse when you are under stress, then try managing it. Stress can lead to a weakened immune system making your scalp more sensitive to Malassezia yeast and severe dandruff.

You can reduce stress with

• Yoga
• Exercise
• Walking
• Dancing
• Breathing techniques.

Don’t Scratch

Scratching will only damage your scalp health, and hair and make your condition worse. So remember don’t scratch. If you have an intense urge to scratch then use a cradle cap brush to gently massage the scalp in circular motions.

Using a gentle and mild medicated shampoo can help in reducing the itch and dandruff flakes.

Be Patient

Keep in mind that it can take time, sometimes months, for hair to properly grow back after dandruff symptoms have resided. Be patient throughout the process and continue using a daily product that manages your dandruff condition while still being gentle on the scalp and hair follicles. In time, your hair will return to its original fullness.

Consult a Doctor

If your hair continues to fall out, or you haven’t seen noticeable results after managing your dandruff on your own for 2-3 weeks, you may be suffering from another common condition–perhaps male- or female-pattern hair loss. If this is the case, you may want to speak to your dermatologist about medicated hair growth treatments you can pair with your anti-dandruff shampoo.

Conclusion

The answer to does dandruff causes hair loss is, no dandruff can not cause hair loss directly. However, there are certain symptoms and factors associated with dandruff that can trigger hair loss such as itchy scalp, inflammation, oil build-up on the scalp, and disrupted hair growth cycle. 

Hair loss from dandruff can be easily managed by reducing dandruff symptoms by using a medicated dandruff shampoo at least 2 to 3 times a week. If you are still experiencing hair loss after the dandruff symptoms are managed it is best to consult a doctor. Shop for Happy Cappy products to effectively manage dandruff, seborrheic dermatitis, and cradle cap.

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Dr. Eddie Valenzuela

Dr. Eddie Valenzuela is an award winning pediatrician and the founder and CEO of Pediatric Solutions, LLC.

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