Dandruff is seborrheic dermatitis in a mild form. It is a skin condition that mostly affects the scalp.

When seborrheic dermatitis manifests in the form of dandruff, you see your scalp flaking. The scalp may also become itchy and scaly. These signs of dandruff may intensify if you are stressed. They may also be severe during harsh weather such as dry or cold seasons.

Though mild, dandruff can be irritating and difficult to treat. Regular dandruff can be an embarrassment too. But besides these harmless drawbacks, does dandruff have any major consequences, such as hair loss?

Table of Contents:

• What Causes Dandruff?
• Does Dandruff Result in Hair Loss?
• What to do for Hair Loss Due to Dandruff?
• Use Shampoos that Address Dandruff
• Protect Your Hair from the Environment
• Keep Your Hair Clean
• Eat Healthy Food
• Put in Place a Good Haircare Routine

What Causes Dandruff?

There are multiple reasons for dandruff, including:

• Accelerated growth and death rate of skin cells
• Dry skin as well as oily skin. Both can cause dandruff.
• A fungus called Malassezia can cause dandruff. This fungus thrives in the oil produced by the scalp.
• If you are already suffering from skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis, then you are more likely to get dandruff.

While these are direct causes, there are certain risk factors that increase your chances of getting dandruff:

• Being a male is a risk factor because dandruff is more common in men than in women.
• If you are a young adult, then you could be more at risk. Dandruff usually starts post-puberty. The condition can continue through middle age. In some cases, dandruff can be a lifelong problem.
• Specific medical conditions such as a weak immune system and Parkinson’s disease seem to raise the risk of dandruff. Diseases involving the nervous system also seem to increase the risk.

Does Dandruff Result in Hair Loss?

In people with dandruff, hair loss is witnessed. Is this loss related to dandruff?

It is believed that dandruff could likely be a precursor to telogen effluvium, a medical condition that causes temporary hair loss following a stressful event or a significant life change. In some cases, dandruff may be seen along with telogen effluvium. Dandruff can also accelerate baldness.

Study shows that the scalp affected by dandruff sheds hair in the range between 100 and 300. On the contrary, non-dandruff scalps result in loss of hair in the 50 to 100 range.

Experts believe that the hair loss seen in scalps with dandruff could be due to a change in the timing of the teloptosis stage (hair shedding phase) of a hair growth cycle. 

While dandruff may not directly result in hair loss, itching brought about by the condition leads to scratching, which injures hair follicles. This can cause hair loss.

What to do for Hair Loss Due to Dandruff?

Treating mild dandruff does not usually require a doctor’s intervention. Using a reliable dandruff shampoo can get rid of your worries. If repeated washes do not help you in getting rid of dandruff, then you should visit your doctor or a dermatologist.

Mild dandruff may also respond well to at-home remedies with natural and effective products. Home remedies must aim at removing the itchiness caused by dandruff.

With itchiness away, you will be less prone to scratching, which will prevent further hair damage.

Try the following remedies to clear existing dandruff and prevent further affliction. They provide short-term results while promoting thick healthy hair in the long run.

• Use Shampoos that Address Dandruff

Dandruff can be removed and prevented, too, with the right hair products. Go with products that use natural ingredients than those with harsh chemicals as they can intensify hair damage.

Use products that have been formulated for removing dandruff instead of general shampoos. Dandruff-specific shampoos contain ingredients that address the problem, unlike general-purpose products.

Look for anti-dandruff shampoos that cleanse without being harsh on the scalp. With such shampoos, not only dandruff is removed, but also build-up and hair damage are prevented.

You may want to try the Activated Charcoal & Keratin Shampoo by WOW Skin Science. This shampoo has been formulated to remove even stubborn dandruff and restore health and shine to hair.

This shampoo serves multiple purposes. It removes dandruff, deep-cleanses hair, strengthens strands, and keeps them nourished, thanks to all the natural ingredients in the formulation.

Activated charcoal offers a deep cleanse, removing scalp build-up, stubborn flakes, dirt, and dead cells. This ingredient is known for its deep detox benefits. It absorbs impurities and gets rid of them gently with every wash.

Keratin is the fundamental protein for strong hair. A regular wash with this activated charcoal-based shampoo repairs damaged strands and strengthens them from the roots.

Argan oil is a terrific moisturizer that keeps hair smooth and soft after every deep cleanse. Almond oil is rich in vitamin E and essential fatty acids, which ensure that strands do not starve for nourishment after thorough dandruff cleanse.

Aloe vera extract provides all the moisture the hair needs. It also repairs any damage on the scalp, adding smoothness and shine to the new dandruff-free locks.

That is not all. If you have colored or styled your hair, then this shampoo keeps the color safe and replenishes moisture lost during heat treatments.

This activated charcoal-based and keratin-fortified shampoo is 100% free of parabens, sulfates, silicones, and mineral oils. It is completely vegan and dermatologically tested.

Dandruff treatment at home has never been so safe or easy! Get this plant-powered anti-dandruff shampoo for your hair routine kit.

• Protect Your Hair from the Environment

Environmental pollutants can increase oil build-up on your scalp, making it easier for oil-feeding fungi to develop and thrive. Wear a hat or other covering when you are going out. A cover not only prevents oil build-up but also prevents sun damage.

• Keep Your Hair Clean

A dirty scalp is a playground for dirt, fungi, and bacteria. Maintain hair hygiene with regular washes. Wash your hair immediately in case you experience excess sweating. Any dirt, oil, or other unwanted build-ups on the scalp increases your risk of dandruff.

If you are using an anti-dandruff shampoo, then wash your hair twice or thrice every week. 

Keeping your hair clean also includes brushing your hair at least twice a day. Brushing gives a neat appearance to your hair. Most importantly, brushing removes dirt and other build-ups on the hair. So, any chances of fungi feasting on your scalp are minimized.

In addition, regular brushing improves blood flow to the scalp, which reduces the formation of excess dead cells. This prevents dead cell build-up on the scalp, reducing the risk of dandruff.

• Eat Healthy Food

Reduce consumption of dairy, sugar, and carbohydrates. A regular diet low on these food items improves your scalp quality.

Combine a healthy diet with a haircare routine for the best results.

• Put in Place a Good Haircare Routine

A simple and effective haircare routine includes a cleansing anti-dandruff shampoo and a moisturizer. Your hair receives all the moisture, vitamins, and nutrients it needs to be healthy from a well-planned haircare routine.

A haircare routine is also crucial to prevent dryness and hair damage by conditions such as dandruff, sun exposure, and nutrient deficiency.

WOW Skin Science has a range of hair care products formulated to strengthen hair, protect strands from sun damage, and improve the moisture content of the scalp and hair.

Formulations are developed using hair-friendly natural ingredients, including apple cider vinegar, coconut oil and milk, aloe vera, jojoba oil, olive oil, and vitamin C extracts.

These formulations are based on potent natural ingredients that have been part of ancient cultures and are backed by scientific proof.

Estimates show that a count of people ranging from 10% to 50% suffers from dandruff during their lifetime. It is not necessary to suffer hair loss by dandruff, though. In addition to using an anti-dandruff shampoo, you can make lifestyle changes that reduce your risk of dandruff and hair loss.