Dandruff and hair loss are related, but indirectly. Dandruff is a scalp issue that causes overproduction of Sebum (an oily substance that creates an environment for the growth of Malassezia yeast), leading to yellow, flaky skin and reddish spots on the scalp. Thus, persistent itching and inflammation lead to the weakening of hair roots, causing hair loss.
In this blog, let’s discover what are the reasons behind dandruff formation, how it leads to hair loss, and treatment or remedies you can try, and where you can get an expert’s help to treat your dandruff issues.
What Causes Dandruff Formation?
Dandruff is a dry scalp condition, which is a reaction of several reasons, including:
● Malassezia-
It is a skin-residing Lipophilic yeast present in the Microbiome of the Sebaceous glands, like the scalp, face, and upper chest. Malassezia is not harmful until it is found in excessive amounts. In this condition, it infects the hair follicles, leading to Seborrheic dermatitis or Eczema, a red and grayish, itchy scalp, also known as dandruff.
This excess of Malassezia also attacks the immune system and causes a fungal infection, resembling blisters or dry flakes on the scalp, a visible dandruff-like scalp condition.
● Psoriasis-
This is an autoimmune disorder that stimulates hair growth rapidly within a 3 to 4-day gap or a 28 to 30-day gap. This change forms dead cells quickly and appears as thick, silvery-white plaques, which easily flake off, resembling dandruff.
● Sensitivity to Hair Care Products-
Hair care products do not directly cause dandruff; however, they can worsen the existing dandruff symptoms. Certain components, mostly present in the shampoos, such as SLS (Sodium Lauryl Sulphate) and SLES (Sodium Lauretha Sulphate), cause dryness on the scalp, and an allergic reaction appears as the white, flaky dandruff.
● Lichen Planopilaris-
This condition is similar to dandruff situation, the inflammation around the hair follicles leads to redness, scaling, or itching. This scaling is mistakenly taken as dandruff, which is a result of follicular hyperkeratosis.
Dandruff And Hair Loss- What is The Relation?
Dandruff itself does not cause hair follicles to fall out from the roots. The inflammation and itching cause hair follicles to weaken over time, leading to gradual hair thinning or shading, and finally, hair loss occurs.
This dry, flaky scalp, or dandruff, along with excess oil buildup on the scalp, leads to a fungal infection or seborrheic dermatitis, which causes Malassezia, the main culprit for hair fall, blocking the scalp pores, affecting the normal hair growth process. This underlying condition promotes irritation, gradual hair thinning, and complete hair loss over time if it is untreated.
Best Dandruff Removal Treatments-
Let’s discuss proven natural remedies for dandruff control, and some advanced clinical treatments available in Odisha, India.
Home Remedies-
- Hydrate Your Scalp– Drink lots of water, and use light-weight shampoos or masks that keep your scalp hydrated to avoid dryness.
- Avoid Harsh Chemicals in Hair Care Products– Use some medicinal dandruff shampoos that do not contain SLS or SLES-like harsh ingredients. Check for shampoos that contain Ketoconazole, Zinc, and Salicylic acid, as these products keep your scalp moisturized. Also, check whether the shampoos have antifungal properties to beat the Malassezia fungus.
- Take A Balanced Diet- Eat zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, leafy vegetables, and vitamin B-rich foods to avoid the recurrence of dandruff.
Clinical Treatments-
- Mesotherapy- The treatment involves a derma roller over the scalp, which stimulates blood circulation and helps essential nutrients reach the scalp to promote natural hair growth. Although it does not treat dandruff directly, but surely acts as a tool for hair regrowth.
- Hair Transplant- When dandruff causes severe hair loss, a hair transplant is a safer, minimally invasive, and effective solution to restore the hairline.
- Anti-dandruff Therapy- Some advanced hair care for a flaky scalp includes laser therapy, scalp detoxification, and peel treatments to reduce inflammation, regulate oil secretion, and improve metabolism.
Conclusion-
Dandruff is an underlying scalp condition that can cause hair loss due to several reasons. Therefore, timely treatments, natural remedies, and expert care are required to control it. Don’t let dandruff be your enemy, affecting the hair’s health, personality, and inner confidence. Consult experienced hair experts like Dr. Vivek Bandari, leading hair transplant surgeon at Dalaapin Care– Odisha’s trusted hair restoration center, and get rid of your dandruff issues today!