Dandruff is a pretty pesky condition, but can it actually lead to more significant problems, like hair loss?
What is Dandruff?
It is a skin condition that leads to white or yellow flakes forming on the scalp, which eventually falls onto the shoulders.
Does Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?
It is not directly responsible for causing hair loss, but the itching associated with dandruff impacts the hair follicles, which can cause some hairs to fall out. Normally, people with it can expect to lose about 50-100 hair strands every day. If you notice anything excessive, you should contact your doctor.
People who have male pattern or female pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) who also have dandruff may be at a higher risk of losing more hair than the normal range of 50-100 hairs per day.
How to Treat and Prevent Dandruff-Related Hair Loss
The key to treating and preventing dandruff-related hair loss is to eliminate the itchiness caused by dandruff.
You can do this by:
Medicated shampoos that contain Pyrithione Zinc, Salicylic Acid, Ketoconazole, Selenium Sulfide, or coal tar. If your scalp is allergic or extra sensitive to chemicals, you can use an herbal shampoo that contains: neem, aloe vera, reetha, turmeric, rosemary oil, mint, tulsi, tea tree oil, or lemon extract.
Moisturize your scalp: A dry scalp is a leading cause of dandruff. Some of the ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoos, like salicylic acid, can dry out your scalp. To avoid this, massage your scalp with coconut oil to improve blood circulation to your scalp. End with a moisturizing conditioner.
Home Remedies For Dandruff Hair Loss
Some people turn to home remedies for dandruff hair loss, including:
Tea Tree Oil
Mix a few drops of tea tree oil with coconut oil and apply it to the scalp to reap the anti-fungal and anti-inflammatory properties of tea tree oil.
Aloe Vera
Aloe vera has anti-inflammatory benefits and is extremely soothing for the scalp. Cut open an aloe vera leaf, extract the juice, apply it on your scalp, leave it on for 15 minutes, and rinse off.
Apple Cider Vinegar
ACV encourages the shedding of dead skin cells and fights fungus in addition to balancing the pH of the scalp. To use, combine apple cider vinegar with coconut oil, shampoo, or water, and rinse after shampooing.
Though you may think dandruff is causing you to lose your hair, it’s relatively normal and should not be falling out in clumps. Remember, if you are losing more than 50-100 hairs per day, contact a hair loss specialist. At Genesis II, our state-of-the-art facility is designed for today’s new and exciting techniques for hair replacement, hair loss treatment and hair restoration. To schedule a free consultation click here.
Photo Credit: Photo by Benigno Hoyuela on Unsplash
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