Dandruff itself does not cause hair loss. However, severe dandruff can cause a person to scratch their scalp so hard that they injure it. Repeated inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scarring, slowing or stopping hair growth.
You should wash your hair more often.
Dandruff poses the opposite problem. “Not shampooing enough will only make your dandruff worse — it causes more oil and dead skin cells to accumulate on your scalp, which the yeast and fungi just continue to feed on,” warns Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart H.
The frequency of shampooing necessary to control dandruff varies from person to person. Some need to shampoo twice a week, others more frequently, even daily. Many people forget that the scalp as well as the hair needs to be shampooed.
Flaking/Dandruff
This leads to excessive skin cell growth on the scalp, which then builds up and sheds in the form on dandruff. Buildup is usually the result of infrequent shampooing and poor hygiene. Hormonal changes, stress, and illness can also cause these bacteria to become imbalanced.
The role of fungus in dandruff
One of the strongest contributing factors, however, is the level of a fungus called Malassezia. Multiple studies have found a link between Malassezia and scalp health, with dandruff scalps consistently showing a marked increase in the abundance of Malassezia.
Thankfully stress itself is not a direct cause of dandruff. The ever-present microbe on your scalp, Malassezia Globosa, is the true culprit. However, dandruff and stress are not completely unrelated as the symptoms of stress have been shown to significantly aggravate a dandruff problem.
Hot water can also cause inflammation on the scalp, which can lead to dandruff, itchiness and hair loss. This occurs because hot water damages the hair follicles and disrupts the natural balance of the scalp.
So that's that – as tempting as it might be to scrape your scalp until it's raw, just don't do it. If your dandruff's not that bad, treat it at home with a specialist shampoo (of which there are many). If it's so severe you want to scrape it all off for clicks, get yourself to a doctor post-haste.
If you assume your dandruff is due to a dry scalp, it might be tempting to cut back on washing it so often. But whether the cause is dryness or oiliness, you should actually be washing your hair pretty regularly to rinse away the flakes and any buildup of debris on your scalp.
Dandruff doesn't mean you have dirty hair, but the way you style your hair or the products you use might cause a flaky scalp. Some hair coloring and styling products can leave a flaky, dry residue or trigger a skin reaction that looks like dandruff.
Wet hair may lead to heat loss, meaning it may worsen dandruff. Hair breakage: According to a 2017 study , genetic and hormonal changes are significant factors in hair loss. However, the environment and excessive grooming may also play a part, such as going outside with wet hair.
Do cold showers stop dandruff? Cold showers are better than warm for the hair, particularly in winter. Hot air can make your hair frizzy, less shiny, and unhealthy. Cold water can work against fungi-causing dandruff effectively and help keep away from it.
However, severe dandruff can cause a person to scratch their scalp so hard that they injure it. Repeated inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scarring, slowing or stopping hair growth. This can cause weak or thinning hair.
Water is vital to our survival. But its effect on our bodies goes far further than you might expect. When it comes to your scalp, drinking enough water is important in the fight against conditions like dandruff, and should be used alongside other effective strategies, like washing your hair with a proper shampoo.
Vitamins D, B2, B3, B6, B7 are usually associated with a flaky scalp. A deficiency of these vitamins can directly impact the immune system and increase the risk of inflammation. Vitamin B and Zinc also play an integral role in boosting your immune system to counter dandruff like ailments.
Both stress, and sleep deprivation (which can often be a side-effect of stress), can cause dandruff flare-ups. We all know we should be eating a balanced diet that is packed full of fresh fruit and veg, but many of us could improve our intake of minerals and vitamins.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe Vera has certain anti fungal properties that helps treat recurring dandruff and cleanses dead skin for regeneration of fresh cells. Apply aloe vera gel on your scalp, leave for about half an hour and later wash your hair with a mild shampoo.
Head and Shoulders products effectively help manage dandruff and improve scalp health. They aren't considered bad for your hair. There are two main Head and Shoulders active ingredients to be aware of. Pyrithione zinc is found in the Everyday product line, and selenium sulfide is found in the Clinical Strength line.
Because everything is happening on your scalp, your hair length won't affect whether you suffer from dandruff. (Balding parts of the scalp may experience less dandruff, though, because the environment is less suitable for Malassezia microbe; itthrives in warm, humid places).
If the skin on your head is itchy and flaking, you may have dry scalp. The condition occurs when your scalp loses too much moisture. Hair care products, the weather, age and various skin conditions can cause dry scalp.