Many people who suffer from hair loss wonder about the causes of dandruff and hair loss. Does dandruff affect the scalp and lead to hair loss? In the following article, you will learn the answer to this question, along with other major factors that contribute to hair loss and the available solutions. Continue reading, dear reader.
Causes of Dandruff and Hair Loss
There is an indirect relationship between dandruff and hair loss. Dandruff itself does not cause hair to fall out. What triggers shedding are the accompanying symptoms, especially itching, which leads to scratching the scalp and may damage some hair follicles. This can result in a level of hair shedding that usually does not significantly affect hair appearance.
Common causes of dandruff and related hair loss include:
- Folliculitis: A relatively uncommon medical condition in which the hair follicles become inflamed and damaged. It appears as red patches that cause itching—not dandruff.
- Chronic skin conditions such as eczema, psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, and tinea capitis. These conditions cause scalp scaling and can contribute to hair loss.
- Dry skin and lack of moisture, which may cause itching. While itching alone does not directly cause dandruff or hair loss, severe scratching can damage follicles and lead to shedding.
- Fungal infections, such as ringworm of the scalp, which cause intense itching and increased shedding, often accompanied by dry bumps and scaling.
- Thick dandruff plaques caused by psoriasis—a chronic autoimmune skin disorder. These plaques are not typical dandruff and may lead to permanent hair loss in the affected areas.
- Additional causes that contribute to both dandruff and hair loss include stress and anxiety, unhealthy diets high in poor-quality fats, and hair products that dry out the scalp.
- When dandruff is accompanied by recurrent scalp inflammation that extends to the follicles, it may halt hair growth, damage follicles, and cause scarring—leading to thinning hair. In this case, the shedding is due to inflammation, not dandruff itself.
Other Causes of Hair Loss
Beyond dandruff, several other factors can contribute to hair loss:
- Genetic androgenic alopecia, the most common type of hair loss.
- Hair loss due to frequent use of chemically harsh products.
- Improper hairstyling, including tight styling and constant pulling, which weakens follicles.
- Telogen effluvium—a sudden, temporary shedding triggered by emotional stress, illness, or injury.
- Hair loss caused by strict or low-protein diets, or significant, rapid weight loss, especially after bariatric surgery.
Treating Hair Loss Caused by Dandruff
To treat dandruff-related hair loss, a medical evaluation by a specialist is essential to identify and manage the underlying cause. Treatment options may include:
- Antifungal medications or antifungal shampoos for fungal infections.
- Minoxidil for hereditary hair loss that coincides with dandruff.
- Hair transplant procedures for permanent localized hair loss.
- Medications prescribed by the doctor to treat itching, depending on its cause.
- Hair regrowth sessions such as platelet-rich plasma (PRP), mesotherapy, stem cell therapy, or nano-fat injections.
- Medicated anti-dandruff shampoos containing ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or selenium sulfide.
Preventing Dandruff and Hair Loss
To reduce dandruff-related hair loss, the following steps are recommended, in addition to your doctor’s instructions:
- Moisturize the hair with light oils, then wash it to avoid dryness-induced dandruff and itching.
- Do not apply oils directly to the scalp if you have a medical condition such as seborrheic dermatitis unless instructed by your doctor.
- Wash the hair multiple times per week—no fewer than twice—to help reduce dandruff.
- Avoid harsh chemical products that inflame the scalp, such as hair dyes and chemical straightening treatments.
- Manage stress and anxiety, as they weaken the immune system and make the scalp more susceptible to dandruff caused by Malassezia, a natural scalp fungus.
- Sun exposure may help reduce dandruff, but always use proper sun protection to avoid harmful UV effects.
After learning the causes of dandruff and hair loss and the relationship between the two, we hope we’ve answered your questions. For further inquiries, feel free to reach us via WhatsApp.
