Can Having Dandruff Cause Hair Loss: Facts and Information
Dandruff is one of the most common hair problems that many suffer from. Here white flakes appear on the scalp and these flakes make a layer on the scalp, causing itching of the scalp. These are made of dead cells and clog the pores of the scalp. As a result of scratching the scalp every now and then, hair loss takes place. So dandruff is one of the causes for hair loss. Dandruff does not directly cause hair fall but constant scratching of the scalp leads to weak hair roots and ultimately loss of hair.
Does Bad Dandruff cause Hair Loss or Baldness? Facts and Information:
Most women suffer from hair fall due to intense itching and scratching of the scalp. The scalp is made very dry with the formation of dandruff and this makes you scratch the scalp, which in turn leads to hair fall.
- There is another reason for hair fall due to dandruff and this is dermatitis. Dermatitis causes both dandruff and hair fall. Most of the people who suffer from hair fall are believed to suffer from some type of dermatitis also.
- The hair fall pattern that you find in adults is not connected directly with dandruff formation. However, dandruff is indirectly responsible for hair loss due to scratching of the scalp and fungal secretions.
Hair loss or Dandruff – What appears first?
- This is a question that is difficult to answer correctly. As you know, dandruff cause loss of hair indirectly. But some shampoos and solutions that you use for preventing hair fall may contain certain chemicals that are responsible for the appearance of dandruff
- The chemical minoxidil, which is found in most of the shampoos that you use for preventing hair damage, is the main cause for this problem.
- Shampoos containing this chemical lead to flaking and the appearance of dandruff. Next time you find flakes appearing after you use a hair nourishing shampoo, check the contents and make sure that it does not contain this chemical.
So you can conclude that dandruff cause hair fall indirectly by inducing scratching of the scalp and weakening the hair roots. So, you have to get rid of dandruff first to treat hair fall due to dandruff.
Causes and Cures for Dandruff Hair Loss:
Dandruff is formed due to a number of reasons like dry skin, eczema, psoriasis, fungal infection, unhealthy eating habits, lack of hygiene, some illness and also due to the use of wrong shampoo. So, first you have to find out the root cause for the appearance of dandruff on your scalp and then treat accordingly. There are natural and synthetic remedies for treating dandruff. Some of the effective remedies are:
Change your shampoo:
The first step you have to take when you see dandruff on your scalp is to change the shampoo that you have been using regularly. Instead, buy a mild shampoo that is known for getting relief from dandruff. Shampoos that are used for getting rid of dandruff contain chemicals like zinc pyrithione, coal tar, ketoconazole, selenium sulphide and so on. These can fight against the organisms that cause dandruff and keep your scalp and hair free from dandruff problems. This reduces the urge to scratch and therefore prevents los of hair.
Natural Remedies for Dandruff and Hair loss:
There are many natural remedies for getting rid of dandruff and loss of hair.
Apple cider vinegar:
This is very beneficial for maintaining the pH of balance of the scalp and helps in reducing infections due to algae. As dandruff is often caused due to algal infection, apple cider vinegar is a good remedy for dandruff.
Aloe Vera:
Aloe vera has great healing and soothing properties and therefore provides you relief from itchiness and dryness. It also has anti bacterial and antifungal properties and therefore protects the scalp from getting infected by fungi and bacteria. So, aloe vera is also a good remedy for dandruff. Apply the gel of aloe vera on the scalp and massage well. Let it stay for 15 minutes and then wash off with water and mild shampoo. This gets you relief from dandruff and other scalp problems.
Coconut oil with lemon juice:
Here the antibacterial properties of lemon juice and the antifungal properties of coconut oil combine together to help you get rid of dandruff. Applying this mixture on your scalp prevents itching of the scalp and reduces hair loss due to itching. Take four tablespoon of coconut oil and mix it with the juice of half a lemon. Mix them well and massage your scalp with this mixture. Let it stay on your hair for an hour and then wash off with water and mild shampoo. Repeat this every week.
Olive oil:
If dryness of the scalp is the reason for dandruff then olive oil is the best remedy. Massage you hair and the scalp with warn olive oil and then cover your head with a hot and wet towel. This help in better absorption of oil by the skin. Leave for an hour and then clean your hair with a mild shampoo. Do this every week and you will see the dandruff getting reduced. Olive oil increases blood circulation and keeps your scalp well nourished and moisturized.
Tea tree oil:
The antiseptic properties of tea tree oil make it greatly beneficial for treating various problems of the skin and hair, including dandruff. To treat dandruff with tea tree oil, add a small amount of it to your regular shampoo and apply it on your scalp and the hair. Cleanse as usual. Using this regularly for a few weeks will give you positive result.
White vinegar:
White vinegar is also excellent for treating dandruff in a natural way. It is sour in taste and its acidic nature makes it unsuitable for the growth of fungi and bacteria on the scalp. As a result, it helps in preventing scalp infections, including dandruff. Apply white vinegar on the scalp and let it stay for an hour. You can also leave it overnight for better results. Another method is to mix white vinegar with three parts of water and then use it as the last rinse.