· Key Takeaways Dandruff does not directly cause hair loss, but scratching can cause shedding. Controlling dandruff with medicated shampoos might help prevent hair loss. Malassezia yeast, an underlying cause of dandruff, can damage hair by causing oxidative stress. · Here’s the truth: Dandruff itself doesn’t cause permanent hairloss, but it can contribute to increased shedding. Why Dandruff Leads to Shedding. 1. Itching → scratching → follicle damage. Persistent scratching irritates the scalp and weakens hair at the root. 2. Inflammation. Dandruff is common condition that causes flaky skin on your scalp. This skin often falls off, leaving white flakes on your shoulders.Some people with dandruff go on to develop hair loss. Is dandruff to blame?In most cases, dandruff doesn’t directly cause hair loss. However, the itchiness it causes can lead to scratching. This can injure your hair follicles, leading to some hair loss, though not complete baldness. In addition, dandruff can increase hair loss in people with androgenic alopecia, a condition that causes male– and female-pattern baldness.Read on to learn about tips for preventing dandruff-related hair loss.See full list on healthline.comGet a diagnosisSeveral things can cause dandruff, from hair-washing habits to underlying skin conditions. If you’re not sure what’s causing your dandruff, make an appointment with your doctor or dermatologist. They can take a look at your scalp to help determine if your dandruff is simply a matter of washing your hair too frequently or not enough. They can also check for signs of an underlying problem, such as: •Dry skin. This results in small flakes that usually aren’t accompanied by redness or inflammation. •Seborrheic dermatitis. This condition causes a rash that often looks red, scaly, and oily. The resulting skin flakes can be either white or yellow. •Malassezia. Malassezia is a fungus found on most people’s scalps. However, it can sometimes irritate your scalp and cause the growth of extra skin cells. When these skin cells die, it can cause dandruff. •Contact dermatitis. Sensitivity to certain ingredients in products, such as shampoo or hair dye, that you use on your hair or scalp can cause red, flaky skin.Once you’ve figured out the underlying cause of your dandruff, you can more effectively treat it.Use a medicated shampooIf you haven’t already, try using a medicated shampoo designed to help with dandruff. Look for products containing any of the following ingredients: •pyrinthione zinc •salicylic acid •ketoconazole •selenium sulfideShop for antidandruff shampoos containing these ingredients. For mild cases of dandruff, you may only need to use medicated shampoo for a few weeks. If you have light-colored hair, you may want to stay away from selenium sulfide, which can cause discoloration.Add moistureRegardless of the underlying cause of your dandruff, it’s important to hydrate your scalp with conditioner. This is especially important when using medicated shampoos, especially those containing salicylic acid. These can be drying when used regularly. For an added benefit, try massaging your scalp with coconut oil, then rinse it out. In addition to being moisturizing, coconut oil has antifungal properties. In fact, a 2015 study found that its antifungal activity was similar to that of ketoconazole, a common ingredient in antidandruff shampoos. Steer clear of using oils on your scalp if you think you might have seborrheic dermatitis. Extra oil can sometimes make this condition worse.See full list on healthline.comHaving dandruff doesn’t immediately lead to hair loss. However, constantly scratching your scalp can damage your hair follicles and lead to some hair loss. This isn’t permanent and should resolve once you find out what’s causing your dandruff. If you don’t already know the cause, your doctor or dermatologist can help.See full list on healthline.comMay 5, 2025 · The good news is that dandruff itself typically does not cause hair loss, our experts say. However, the side effects from symptoms of dandruff, like scratching and itching, irritation and inflammation, if left untreated, can damage the hair follicles. And this has the potential to lead to hair loss. · With many of them suffering from alopecia, many wonder: does dandruff cause hair loss? While dandruff itself doesn’t directly cause hair to fall out, the underlying factors—such as scalp irritation, excessive scratching, and inflammation —can weaken hair follicles and contribute to shedding. · However, severe or prolonged dandruff can indirectly contribute to hair thinning or temporary hair loss through several mechanisms. The underlying scalp conditions associated with severe dandruff can weaken hair follicles over time. · The simple answer is no; dandruff itself does not directly lead to hair loss. However, it can contribute to hair fall in several indirect ways. Let’s understand how. 1. Scalp Irritation and Inflammation. Dandruff can cause your scalp to become inflamed and irritated. · The good news is that dandruff itself typically does not cause hair loss, our experts say. However, the side effects from symptoms of dandruff, like scratching and itching, irritation and inflammation, if left untreated, can damage the hair follicles. And this has the potential to lead to hair loss. · With many of them suffering from alopecia, many wonder: does dandruff cause hair loss? While dandruff itself doesn’t directly cause hair to fall out, the underlying factors—such as scalp irritation, excessive scratching, and inflammation —can weaken hair follicles and contribute to shedding. · However, severe or prolonged dandruff can indirectly contribute to hair thinning or temporary hair loss through several mechanisms. The underlying scalp conditions associated with severe dandruff can weaken hair follicles over time. · The simple answer is no; dandruff itself does not directly lead to hair loss. However, it can contribute to hair fall in several indirect ways. Let’s understand how. 1. Scalp Irritation and Inflammation. Dandruff can cause your scalp to become inflamed and irritated.
