Will Dandruff Cause My Hair to Fall Out?
Dealing with dandruff can be frustrating. And when you develop this condition, it’s only natural to wonder and be concerned about other skin and hair problems. One of the most common concerns is wondering if it causes hair loss.
Thankfully, the short answer is no. Dandruff is not a direct cause of hair loss. However, it does result in behaviors that actually can be attributed to hair loss. Keep reading to learn how you can eliminate dandruff and prevent hair loss while dealing with the condition.
The Link Between Dandruff & Hair Loss
Dandruff is a skin condition of the scalp that causes flaky skin to form and fall off. As a side effect, those suffering from the condition may feel a lot of itchiness in the scalp. Scratching the scalp, of course, is a typical response. But heavy or repeated scratching of the scalp can damage hair follicles, (1) which, in turn, can lead to hair loss. Thankfully, the hair loss from scratching will usually be minimal and won’t lead to baldness.
There is, however, a condition that could increase the amount of hair loss when combined with dandruff. Individuals who are prone to androgenic alopecia (2) (a condition that causes male and female-pattern baldness) may find their symptoms worsened when experiencing a bad case of dandruff.
Dealing With Dandruff for Men & Women
The first thing you can do is really try to avoid getting it in the first place. You can reduce the risk by washing your hair properly and using a conditioner that hydrates your scalp. Hydrating your scalp is essential if you are using a medicated shampoo. These tend to dry out your scalp more than other types of shampoos.
If you do have dandruff, there could be several reasons why. It could be a manner or not washing your hair enough, or even washing it too much. It could be the type of shampoo or hair care products you are using. Or, you may also have a skin condition such as seborrheic dermatitis or Malassezia. Even excessive stress can cause dandruff. If you aren’t sure of the cause, you should see a doctor or a dermatologist for a diagnosis.
Preventing itchiness and the urge to scratch will also help to eliminate the risk of hair loss from dandruff. You can try using an anti-dandruff shampoo, using a hydrating conditioner, or even massaging your scalp with coconut oil (rinse it out after).
The key is to avoid scratching your scalp as much as possible and, of course, to eliminate the source of the flakes as well.
Talk to a Hair Loss Specialist Near You
Whether you live in New York City or Orlando, Florida, or anywhere in between, if you are experiencing the devastating effects of hair loss and would like to learn more about medical wig options available to you, we invite you to consider scheduling a free private, confidential consultation with an experienced hair loss professional near you.
Additional Reading:
(1) https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/325027
(2) https://www.webmd.com/skin-problems-and-treatments/hair-loss/qa/what-is-androgenic-alopecia