Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

Dandruff is a chronic scalp condition that results in flaky skin on the scalp which leaves white flakes on the shoulders when the skin falls off. This superficial layer of skin is formed of dead skin cells that cause itching. Many people believe that dandruff results in hair loss. Normally, dandruff does not cause hair loss. However, it is the vigorous itching that results in scratching. The hair follicles get injured due to scratching which causes them to fall. It should be noted that itching results in hair loss but it does not causes complete baldness. However, in people with androgenetic alopecia, a genetic condition that results in male and female pattern baldness, dandruff can increase the hair loss.

Are dandruff and hair loss related?

Most of people tend to lose some hair while showering and they think that it has been caused due to dry scalp after shampooing hair. However, this is true. The thing is that dandruff gets worse when you do not shampoo your hair regularly and hair loss goes on at the same rate. So, when you wash the hair after a long gap, the loose hair fall off and you see them losing all together.

It is crucially important to find out the cause of the problem so that treatment can be done accordingly. Same is the case with dandruff. In order to control excessive hair loss, the first step is to get rid of dandruff completely which can be done if you know which the cause of dandruff and treatment is to be started. Dandruff can be caused due to various medical factors which can include overgrowth of fungus, eczema or psoriasis and many more. Non medical factors can include an illness, unhealthy dietary habits, and wrong way of shampooing or lack of hygiene.

How to cure dandruff and hair loss naturally?

There are many treatments available in the market for treating dandruff and hair loss. However, most of them have certain chemical properties that can cause side effects. Medications like minoxodil and finasteride are used for treating hair loss but they fail to treat dandruff. In addition, the side effects these medicines carry can worsen the situation.

Hence, it is best if you use natural and home remedies to combat dandruff and hair fall. One of the best and safe methods to treat hair loss is to have a healthy diet that includes foods rich in vitamin A, C, D and E and fresh fruits and vegetables. For healthy hair, consume foods rich with zinc. To get rid of dandruff, wash your hair apple cedar vinegar every week. Apple cedar vinegar has certain anti-bacterial properties that help to get rid of dandruff. Egg yolk can also be applied on hair to treat dandruff and have healthy hair.

It can be finally said that dandruff and hair loss are not directly related but they can be cause of each other. Any medication for hair loss may also result in reducing dandruff or vice versa. However, it is a fact that hair loss does not start immediately due to dandruff. It is the constant scratching that damages the hair follicles due to which hair fall. The problem can be treated effectively once you know the real cause of dandruff. A consultation with an expert dermatologist can help you in this case.