Can Dandruff Cause Hair Thinning & Hair loss? Check Answers

Dandruff, characterized by a whitish and grayish flakes of dead scalp, is a common hair condition that affects millions of individuals across the globe. While it is considered to be a cosmetic issue, dandruff can also affect the scalp health, sometimes leading to severe hair conditions like hair thinning and hair loss. A lot of individuals suffering from dandruff frequently turn to Google with questions like "can dandruff cause hair loss or not?” and “how to resolve dandruff related hair fall?”

In fact, there are a lot of questions around dandruff you might be concerned about. The good news is that we’ve all the answers you need right here! In this blog, Lordhair - trusted globally for men’s hair pieces - will explain everything about dandruff and hair loss.

Since some of you might be in a hurry to learn about the relation between dandruff and hair loss, here’s a FAQ version of the article!

Can dandruff cause hair loss?

Dandruff itself can not cause hair loss, but it contributes to factors that cause hair fall and shedding. The main reason through which dandruff affects the hair health is by causing inflammation on the scalp.

Can dandruff cause thinning of the scalp and more hair shedding?

Yes, dandruff contributes to hair thinning and increased hair shedding. It also leads to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis under which inflamed patches occur on the scalp, disrupting the natural growth cycle of the hair and leading to hair thinning and shedding.

Does dandruff stop hair growth?

As already mentioned, dandruff itself does not affect hair growth. However, it creates the environment on the scalp under which the hair growth is less conducive.

How to regain hair lost to dandruff?

Regaining hair lost to dandruff needs a tailored approach to create an environment that promotes hair growth. Here are the ways to promote hair growth and stop dandruff:

Use anti-dandruff shampoo
Maintain scalp hygiene
Avoid scratching
Healthy diet and hydration
Is hair loss from dandruff temporary or permanent?

The hair loss caused due to dandruff is temporary and can be easily reversed by making little changes in the lifestyle. However, if the hair loss due to dandruff is not stopped at its initial stages, it can leave permanent damage in the form of bald patches on the head.

What are the symptoms and signs of dandruff?

Following symptoms and signs are noticeable in people suffering from dandruff:

White and grayish flakes
Persistent itchiness
Scalp redness
Oily scalp
Soreness & pain

How to reduce dandruff and hair fall with home remedies?

Hair fall at its initial stages can be easily stopped with home remedies. Here are some treatments that you can try at home:

Using jojoba oil for hair loss
Applying onion juice extract on the scalp
Increasing biotin intake

Now that we are done with the TL;DR version, let’s talk about dandruff and how it leads to hair loss in detail along with treatments to recover from hair loss!

Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss and Hair Thinning?

Are your shoulders constantly being dusted with flaky white and grayish dead remnants from the scalp? Dandruff is the main culprit behind it. This irritating condition is very annoying to deal with and leave most people embarrassed.

However, dandruff does not cause hair loss directly but it leads to conditions that fosters hair loss and hair thinning. Here are the conditions that you need to know about:

Scalp Inflammation and Follicle Damage

One of the primary reasons dandruff contributes to hair loss is through scalp inflammation. In this condition, the hair follicles become weak and find it hard to hold on to the scalp. In the presence of long term inflammation, hair follicles do not get appropriate nutrients from the scalp, and may lead to hair thinning and shedding. Seborrheic dermatitis, a severe form of dandruff, can cause significant inflammation, further exacerbating this issue.

Scratching and Hair Damage

Dandruff often causes itchiness on the scalp, leading to frequent scratching. Individuals suffering from dandruff might be familiar with this. This frequent scratching of the scalp damages the hair follicles that are already weakened, resulting in hair breakage and loss. Sometimes over scratching of the scalp also causes wounds on the scalp, leading to infection and hair damage.

Malassezia Overgrowth

For those who don’t know, Malassezia is a genus of fungus that is found on the skin and requires fat to grow. Since our head scalp consists of a thick fatty layer, malassezia can easily grow on the scalp . This yeast like fungus irritates the scalp, making it oily and inflamed. All these conditions lead to an unhealthy hair growth environment and disrupts the normal hair growth cycle, leading to increased shedding and thinning.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is an advanced form of dandruff under which red and inflamed patches appear on the scalp. This condition can lead to permanent hair loss if not treated at its initial stage. Seborrheic dermatitis also causes inflammation on the scalp and weakens the hair follicles, causing hair to fall out more easily.

can dandruff cause hair thinning

Stress and Anxiety

Combating dandruff can be stressful and embarrassing, leading to increased anxiety. Stress, which is also known to affect hair growth cycle, causes more hair follicles to enter into shedding phase. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, can lead to noticeable hair thinning and loss.

What are the Symptoms and Signs of Dandruff?

When dandruff emerges, most people notice that their scalps have become dry and itchy. As the condition gets worse, silver-white scales will begin to form on the scalp skin.

And that’s not it! One will also notice the following symptoms while suffering from this hair damaging condition:

White and grayish flakes
Persistent itchiness
Scalp redness
Oily scalp
Soreness & pain

Note: Visit a doctor immediately in case you notice any of the aforementioned signs or symptoms.

Now that we are familiar with conditions and symptoms that are associated with dandruff and contributes to hair loss, let’s explore the treatments to address dandruff:

Is Dandruff Related Hair Loss Permanent?

We know some of you might be thinking, “Okay, now I will avoid scratching my head. But:

Will it help you grow back your hair strands?
Is dandruff hair loss permanent?
Is there any chance of fast recovery?

Well, according to trichologists and dermatologists, hair loss caused due to dandruff is temporary if treated in a timely manner. However, one may not be able to grow back hair if the severe damage has been done.

Scratching the scalp skin to the point where it is bleeding or several sores on the head can also result in permanent hair loss.

What are Some Treatments to Stop Hair Fall Caused By Dandruff?

Stopping dandruff related hair loss involves addressing the underlying conditions that contribute to its formation. While the treatment approach to dandruff related hair loss may vary depending upon the specific condition causing it, here are some commonly used strategies to stop hair loss induced by dandruff:

Anti-dandruff shampoo

Using a anti-dandruff shampoo is one of the best ways to take care of hair loss caused by dandruff. Rich in azole antifungal ingredients like ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione, selenium sulfide, and salicylic acid, they can help treat itching and flaking caused by dandruff. A medicated shampoo will also lift and soften hair strands, and help get rid of scales on the scalp.

Corticosteroid cream

Men and women can also apply a corticosteroid cream to treat symptoms of hair loss related to dandruff. It will not only help in reducing inflammation but also in slowing the rapid production of skin cells on the head. We highly recommend taking a prescription from a dermatologist though because corticosteroid cream has its share of side effects.

Coconut oil

Coconut oil is considered to be one of the most popular home remedies for treating hair loss and inflammation caused by dandruff in men and women. It has a unique mixture of fatty acids that contributes to hair health and conditions them deeply. When rubbed on wet hair and scalp, the anti-inflammatory properties of coconut oil help ease pain caused due to frequent scratching.

Lifestyle changes

We understand that a healthy head of hair is critical for most men and women. Also, not everyone wants to go with the idea of trying medications and supplements to treat dandruff linked hair loss. Fortunately, there are some lifestyle tips that can help in preventing hair fall and encourage hair growth.

Consider these lifestyle changes and hacks to manage symptoms of dandruff linked hair loss:

Avoid scratching or picking scales
Keep fingernails trimmed
Gently comb the hair
Don’t use brush bristles forcibly
Avoid blow-drying hair - allow hair to air dry naturally
Wear a hat or cap when going outside
Avoid smoking, drinking, and stress-included activities

Please note that the above recommendations give the best results when combined with medical attention and guidance.

What If Dandruff Related Hair Loss Has Developed Big Bald Patches?

While above listed treatments are suitable to address the initial stage of hair loss caused due to dandruff and other related conditions, individuals who have reached the advanced stage of hair loss may not see any successive results by the above mentioned treatments.

So the question is, “which hair loss recovery option will work when you have developed big bald patches?”

The answer is hair systems.

Hair systems are hair replacement products that cover up the damaged region with real hair that’s attached to a skin-friendly base. Also known as toupees, wigs, toppers, and hairpieces, these products are trusted by millions for quick hair recovery. Want to look at some popular hair systems? Check out skin hair systems and lace hair systems.

Lordhair is committed to craft men's hair units that are truly premium, bring real human hair, and can be attached to the head for weeks without the need of removal. Since everyone's appearance, hair, and style preferences are unique, Lordhair offers a variety of customization options.

Recover From Hair Loss Caused By Dandruff

Hair loss stemming from dandruff is more common than we think. Identifying it at an early stage and starting targeted treatment provides the best chance of reviving hair growth and minimizing long-term damage. However, dandruff isn’t not the only reason behind hair loss.

If that’s the case with you, Lordhair can step in with its range of high-quality men’s wigs that feel and look great! Our friendly team is on hand to get you started with your hair recovery so don't hesitate to reach out!