The answer to this common question is: No, not directly. Dandruff may have several causes, all of which can lead to itching and inflammation. Most people with dandruff do not experience any hair loss at all.
However, while this inflammation does not directly lead to hair loss, it can contribute to hair loss in some cases. Chronic inflammation in the hair follicles can cause damage and scarring, and can slow or stop hair growth. It can also result in weak or thinning hair. If the itching and scratching from the dandruff is severe or if you brush it aggressively, it can lead to hair breakage, making the hair itself appear thinner and more brittle.
If dandruff is left untreated, it can lead to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Seborrheic dermatitis can cause more severe inflammation and itching, which can lead to hair loss in some cases. It can also increase hair loss in people with androgenic alopecia, which causes male- and female-pattern baldness.
The link between dandruff and hair loss
Conditions that lead to skin flakiness can cause dandruff. The key to preventing hair loss due to dandruff, therefore, is to eliminate the itchiness on your scalp that occurs due to the scalp’s flakiness. If you are experiencing hair loss and dandruff, it is important to see a dermatologist to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss so that you can treat it more effectively.
Common causes include:
• Dry skin. This causes small flakes that usually aren’t accompanied by redness or inflammation.
• Fungal infections. These include Malassezia or tinea capitis (ringworm). Malassezia, for instance, which is found on most people’s scalps, can irritate your scalp and cause the growth of extra skin cells; when these skin cells die, it can cause dandruff.
• Seborrheic dermatitis. This forms a rash that often looks red, scaly, and oily causing the skin flakes to be either white or yellow. It can affect any part of the body.
• Contact dermatitis. Sensitivity to certain ingredients, as found in products such as shampoo or hair dye, can cause red, flaky skin on the scalp.
• Scalp psoriasis. Psoriasis is a type of autoimmune condition that causes dandruff-like symptoms and itchy, scaly patches that could cause bald spots.
• Lichen planopilaris. Although more common in women, lichen planopilaris causes a dry, flaky rash and can cause the hair to fall out in clumps.
• Folliculitis decalvans. This rare inflammatory condition destroys hair follicles and causes itchy red patches to develop.
• Pityriasis amiantacea. When dandruff is left untreated for a long period of time, thick layers of scale can be stuck to the surface of the scalp and cause temporary hair loss.
There are also other conditions that directly cause hair loss, including male pattern baldness (which affects both men and women), telogen effluvium (hair loss caused by infection, injury, or stress), alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition that causes patchy baldness) and other scalp infections.
Dandruff can be treated with over-the-counter shampoos and doesn’t require medical treatment, but see your doctor if the following occurs:
• your over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo or other treatments aren’t helping,
• your scalp is very red or swollen,
• your hair comes out in clumps, or
• you’re experiencing hair loss.
Although dandruff does not directly cause hair loss, treating it as soon as you notice it may minimize inflammation – and the itching which comes with it – and reduce the risk of damaging your hair follicles. Minimizing inflammation and damage to the hair follicles is key to promoting healthy regrowth. Read more: 5 Tips for Great Scalp Health.
References
- Healey, N. (2018). Can dandruff and an itchy scalp lead to hair loss?. Patient [Online]. Accessed on 5 July 2023.
Available from https://patient.info/news-and-features/can-an-itchy-scalp-cause-hair-loss - Nall, R. (2019). Is there a link between dandruff and hair loss?. Medical News Today [Online]. Accessed on 5 July 2023. Available from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/326960
- Santos-Longhurst, A. (2019). Avoiding Hair Loss from Dandruff. Healthline [Online]. Accessed on 5 July 2023. Available from https://www.healthline.com/health/dandruff-hair-loss#Can-dandruff-cause-hair-loss?
- Trüeb, R. M., Henry, J. P., Davis, M. G., & Schwartz, J. R. (2018). Scalp Condition Impacts Hair Growth and Retention via Oxidative Stress. International Journal of Trichology, 10(6), 262– 270. Available from https://journals.lww.com/ijot/fulltext/2018/10060/scalp_condition_impacts_hair_growth_and_retention.3.aspx
- Zielinski, L. (2022). Dandruff and hair loss: are they connected?. Ro.co [Online]. Accessed on 5 July 2023. Available from https://ro.co/hair-loss/dandruff-and-hair-loss/
