Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss (Any Relationship Found)?
For most men, dandruff and hair loss seems like a question of which comes first? The chicken or the egg? But is dandruff related to hair loss? Does having dandruff mean you’ll start losing hair in the future or vice versa?
Well, to understand the relation (or lack thereof) found between dandruff and hair loss, we need to understand each at a basic level. Only then can we start to seek out any connections. So without wasting time, can dandruff cause hair loss?
Logical Thinking
Before you go berserk, take time and review the situation at hand keenly. Think about it. If you took care of your dandruff problem, does it mean your hair would stop receding? You don’t know the answer to that? It’s okay.
Picture this, more than 50% of the world’s population has had to deal with dandruff at some point in their lives. Some of them take a proactive step against dandruff and purchase ointments and shampoos formulated to get rid of dandruff specifically. And even though these measures are effective against dandruff, they still lose hair. Using this logic, one can conclude that the two phenomena are far removed from each other.
On the flip side, one could argue that losing all your hair (going bald) would put a stop to dandruff. However, there aren’t any conclusive studies to solidify this hypothesis.
Scientific Thinking
It is always best to seek confirmation from science in many things. In this case, are there studies that confirm a relationship between dandruff and hair loss? Let’s see.
Many health experts maintain that the relationship between the two (if any) is indirect. Let’s take the below events.
- One of the most popular methods of dealing with hair loss is using ointment and mediation containing Minoxidil.
- Though studies show that it is effective against hair loss, there is a flip side to it. Minoxidil has alcohol. The alcohol in the solution dries the scalp and causes the scalp to flake (the flakes resemble dandruff).
- A dry scalp and flaking cause itchiness
- And intense itchiness often leads to scratching
- Consequently, continuous scratching causes hair to dislodge from the scalp and fall off. How, well, scratching means you will break, pull and scrape hair from your scalp and worsen hair loss.
Now, you should note that scratching is the only scientific relationship between dandruff and hair loss. And scientists at leading shampoo companies like Head & Shoulders and Denorex support this claim.
If there is a way you could ensure the discomfort and refrain from scratching your scalp until you wash your hair with dandruff shampoo, you can save a huge portion of your hair. However, if your hair loss is caused by other factors aside from this, including genetics and age, then soaking your head in a bucket of shampoo will do little to save your hair. But getting rid of dandruff will make you more comfortable and socially acceptable.
Why Do I Even Have to Deal With Dandruff?
We’ve ascertained that dandruff cannot cause hair loss – at least not directly. However, if you are losing hair, it would suck if you had to deal with dandruff as well. It might seem like the world has schemed against you. But it hasn’t. And the fact that the two are indirectly related means you can save yourself the embarrassment.
Like hair loss, dandruff causes have not been fully understood or outlined. However, studies that have been conducted show that dandruff appears when the scalp is too dry or too oily. And even though there are different types of dandruff, they all have similar symptoms.
Dandruff has everything to do about the skin on your scalp. On the other hand, your hair thinning has everything to do with hair follicles and how they are affected by different factors. Dandruff is not a serious disease and doesn’t cause death. And contrary to popular opinion, it is not contagious. But even then, it affects our comfort levels with the flakes falling on the shoulders and the itchiness.
The Exceptions
In every rule, there are exceptions. In this case, the exceptions are medical conditions that have symptoms resembling dandruff, and that also cause hair loss, albeit temporary. Some of the medical conditions with harsh symptoms include psoriasis and seborrheic dermatitis. These can cause scaling, which can be confused with dandruff. The conditions can appear on and spread to any part of the body.
In the event you have flakes that you believe to be dandruff and experience itchiness for a prolonged period, even after using dandruff shampoos and ketoconazole shampoos, you should consult your health expert for a deeper examination.
Continue Washing Your Hair
According to experts, about 64% of men and women in the world experience hair loss, breakage, and thinning regardless of whether they have dandruff or not. Many of these individuals notice hair falls off every time they shampoo their hair. So does this mean they stop washing it altogether? No.
Hair loss will continue whether you clean your hair or not. Also, it doesn’t matter how often you clean your hair. But one thing is true the condition of your scalp will get worse if you don’t clean your hair and scalp. And with poor hygiene comes intense itchiness.
With that said, skipping your shampoo sessions will make the condition worse, and your hair loss problem will not go away. Do not compromise on your hygiene.
What Next?
If you have tried all hair loss treatments and nothing seems to work, then it is time you think of growing your facial hair—thick facial hair pairs well with a bald head. Heck, the style is fashionable in the 21s century. Women complementing your look will most definitely boost your self-confidence. Before you take the step, check out our best shaver for bald head review and buying guide.
Conclusion
Whether you are experiencing hair loss or not, you should always do your best to get rid of dandruff. Use the recommended shampoos and other treatments.
Remember, there is no direct relationship between hair loss and dandruff. Do not let anyone tell you otherwise.
Ruiru Kibet
Ruiru Kibet is passionate about beard care and male grooming. He believes it’s an art form and is happy to share his insight with men across the globe. He’s into wet shaving and evidence-based grooming, a passion that helps him analyze men’s grooming brands, products, and wet shaving practices presenting you with the best recommendations and advice.