Is Your Hair Loss Associated With Dandruff?

There are many reasons for hair loss in both men and women but is dandruff one of them? Yes, say hair care experts.

Anything that results in the creation of an unhealthy scalp can lead to hair loss and thinning. So, does dandruff cause hair loss? A scalp that has dandruff can cause immense damage to hair follicles and can trigger hair loss if the problem is not tackled quickly.

What Causes Dandruff?

About half of the world’s population suffer from dandruff and it is known to affect people across all age groups and gender. Dandruff appears because of the presence of a naturally-occurring yeast that thrives on the oil present in the scalp. An imbalance in the composition of surface bacteria of the scalp can also cause dandruff.

There are other reasons for dandruff affecting the scalp. A key cause is seborrheic dermatitis, a condition that makes skin look red and greasy.  The scalp also develops flaky white or yellow patches as a consequence. While this condition is commonly seen on the scalp, it can happen in other areas of the skin too where there are oil glands. The condition can be treated using a proven and reputed brand of anti-dandruff shampoo.

How to Know If You Have Dandruff

The most common sign that you are suffering from dandruff is the appearance of a white powdery substance on the shoulders when you comb your hair. It may also appear in the comb and other tools used for hairstyling and management. When you have dandruff on the scalp, you are most likely to suffer from:

• Severe and persistent itching across the scalp
• Extreme dryness of the scalp
• Redness

You may be still wondering – does dandruff cause hair loss. Here is the answer.

Dandruff may not be a direct trigger for hair loss but it can definitely be a contributing factor if the condition is not treated quickly and appropriately. The flakiness caused by dandruff can cause irritation to the scalp and result in uncontrolled and rigorous itching action. This, in turn, can weaken the hair follicles and cause hair to fall out.

What To Keep An Eye On

Flaking is the first visible sign of dandruff on the scalp. White flakes start making an appearance on the hair strands and the scalp. As the condition progresses, you may see white powdery flakes on the shoulders too.

Flakes cause the scalp surface to lose its moisture and dry faster. This leads to the next sign which is itching. Severe itching can lead to redness and can make your scalp feel tighter. This is the right time to introduce an anti-dandruff shampoo into your hair care regimen. If you act fast and treat dandruff at the first sign of its appearance, you can prevent hair damage and hair loss.

It must be noted that dandruff is not a serious condition and its onset does not trigger episodes of hair loss. However, if left untreated for a long period of time, dandruff can cause the development of thick layers of scale on the surface of the scalp. This condition can affect the process of natural hair growth and also cause temporary hair loss.