Dandruff affects about half of the adult population worldwide. Yet, despite its prevalence, there are numerous myths surrounding dandruff. In this blog post, we debunk some of the most popular myths surrounding dandruff so that you make better decisions to keep your scalp healthy and flake-free.
Myth 1: Dandruff is caused by poor hygiene
Contrary to popular belief, dandruff is not caused by poor hygiene. Dandruff has several possible causes, including oily skin, dry skin, contact dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema, and most commonly, the overgrowth of a naturally-occurring yeast fungus, Malassezia, found on the scalp. However, while dirty hair itself doesn’t cause dandruff, the oily buildup from not washing your hair can cause flakes.
Myth 2: You can get rid of dandruff by washing your hair frequently
Frequent hair washing can help reduce the visible flakes on the scalp, but it does not address the underlying cause. If the cause of the dandruff is the Malassezia fungus, for instance, excessive washing can strip the scalp of its natural oils, causing the scalp to produce even more oil, exacerbating the problem. Washing your hair daily can also leave you with a dry, irritable scalp.
Myth 3: Hot oil treatment cures dandruff
A hot oil hair treatment can help with dandruff, but only if the dandruff is being caused by having a dry scalp. In this case, a hot oil hair treatment can help stimulate blood circulation and release flaky, dry skin sitting on top of the scalp. But, if your dandruff is caused by the yeast Malassezia, which feeds off the oil on your scalp, again, it can worsen your dandruff. Other causes of dandruff, such as seborrheic or contact dermatitis, require medicated dandruff treatment.
Myth 4: Dandruff is contagious
Dandruff is not contagious, not infectious, and cannot be spread from one person to another.
Myth 5: Dandruff only gets worse
Dandruff can be life-long – once you’ve had dandruff, the chances are that it will recur in the future – but it’s generally stable, and can be managed effectively and controlled with treatments such as anti-dandruff shampoos. If you don’t see any improvement with over-the-counter medicated shampoos, or the dandruff gets worse, see a dermatologist as you may have another skin condition such as eczema or psoriasis.
Myth 6: Dandruff only affects adults
Dandruff can affect people of any age: infants can be affected by cradle cap; children may get inflammatory conditions of the scalp such as eczema or psoriasis; and once puberty starts, sebum (oil) production increases, increasing susceptibility to dandruff. The severity of dandruff may vary from person to person and can be influenced by various factors such as hormonal changes, stress, and certain medical conditions. Read more: Are my hormones giving me dandruff?
Myth 7: Dandruff causes hair loss
Dandruff doesn’t directly cause hair loss, however, it can lead to itching and inflammation. Chronic inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scarring and can slow or stop hair growth. Read more: Does dandruff cause hair loss?
References
- Cherney, K. (2019). Is Dandruff Contagious? And Other Important Questions About Those Frustrating Flakes. Healthline [Online]. Accessed on 27 June 2023. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/dandruff-contagious#How-can-I-treat-dandruff?
- Dr Batras. (n.d.). Dandruff Myths: True or False. Dr Batras [Online]. Accessed on 27 June 2023. Available from https://www.drbatras.com/dandruff-myths-true-or-false-read
- Ducray Dermatological Laboratories. Simple dandruff conditions – All the facts/myths. Ducray [Online]. Accessed on 27 June 2023. Available from https://www.ducray.com/en-ca/loose-dandruff/simple-dandruff-conditions-all-the-facts-myths
- Harpter, S. (2022). Hair expert debunks top dandruff myths – from hair loss to help hacks. The Courier [Online]. Accessed on 27 June 2023. Available from https://www.thecourier.co.uk/fp/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/2436391/hair-expert-debunks-top-dandruff-myths-from-hair-loss-to-help-hacks/
- Herndon, J. (2021). How Long Can You Go Without Washing Your Hair?. Healthline [Online]. Accessed on 30 June 2023. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/beauty-skin-care/what-happens-if-you-dont-wash-your-hair#:~:text=Dirty%20hair%20itself%20doesn’t,getting%20worse%2C%20see%20a%20dermatologist.
- Manuel, F., & Ranganathan, S. (2011). A new postulate on two stages of dandruff: a clinical perspective. International Journal of Trichology, 3(1), 3–6. Available from https://journals.lww.com/IJOT/pages/default.aspx
- Mayo Clinic. (2021). Dandruff Symptoms and Causes. Mayo Clinic [Online]. Accessed on 30 June 2023. Available from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/dandruff/symptoms-causes/syc-20353850
- Quinn, D. (2022). The Benefits of a Hot Oil Treatment for Hair and How to Do It Yourself. Real Simple [Online]. Accessed on 30 June 2023. Available from https://www.realsimple.com/beauty-fashion/hair/hair-care/hot-oil-treatment-for-hair
- The Healthsite. (n.d.). 5 Common Myths About Dandruff Busted. The Healthsite. [Online]. Accessed on 27 June 2023. Available from https://www.thehealthsite.com/beauty/hair-care/5-common-myths-about-dandruff-busted-734481/
