A common issue that goes along with dandruff is hair loss. This can be a scary thought, especially if you’re concerned that it could be permanent. It’s also important to know what the connection is between dandruff and hair loss. Once you are able to access this, you will also be able to treat it and prevent it from happening in the future.
In this article, we will take a look at dandruff and how it can be associated with hair loss. Subsequently, we’ll get into whether hair loss caused by dandruff is temporary or permanent. If you suffer from dandruff and hair loss, there are some effective home remedies that you should try, which I will share with you in this article.
Does Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?
The answer is more complicated than a simple yes or no. In short, dandruff can cause hair loss, but it’s usually temporary and not serious.
Inflammation
When you have dandruff and leave it untreated, your scalp and hair become less healthy. This means that your scalp isn’t in the best shape, and it may not be able to grow healthy hair.
According to research, when your scalp is irritated and inflamed, it can cause hair damage. Moreover, hair that grows from a dandruff-affected area on your scalp tends to suffer from cuticle and protein damage [1]. This could cause the hair to fall out prematurely.
Folliculitis
Folliculitis is an infection of the hair follicle. Dandruff is mainly caused by an allergic reaction to oleic acid, which is caused by excess hair oils (sebum) reacting with a fungus called Malassezia. When dealing with dandruff, your sebaceous glands produce too much sebum. This can cause the hair follicles to clog and get infected [2].
In this case, dandruff is not the root cause of possible hair fall, but your underlying skin condition that is causing dandruff can be. Folliculitis can be caused by fungal, viral or yeast agents.
Scratching
Dandruff is often accompanied by a very sensitive scalp. Once it gets inflamed, it can become very itchy. Forcefully removing dandruff flakes that are attached to your scalp can cause your hair follicles to loosen or even fall off [3]. This happens because dandruff is attached to your scalp and scratching can dislodge your hair follicles. You may also accidentally rip them out directly by accident.
The dangerous part is that some people scratch their scalp subconsciously, without even noticing. In the long run, it can definitely lead to temporary hair loss.
Is Hair Loss Due to Dandruff Temporary Or Permanent?
Well, at least there is some good news! Hair loss that is due to dandruff is only temporary. You don’t have to worry about it being permanent. Of course, your scalp may take some time to heal after you have started to treat dandruff.
Having said that, if you are experiencing hair loss caused by dandruff, it’s best to start your dandruff treatment immediately. Allowing dandruff to take over your scalp for too long can worsen your hair and lead to temporary hair loss.
Every health condition and its symptoms can affect people differently. Your dandruff may cause hair loss that lasts a couple of weeks while somebody else may not experience any hair loss at all. So be patient and don’t panic! Dandruff is treatable and it can take a while for the effects to show.
If it seems like your hair loss is permanent, you should visit a doctor or a dermatologist to get an assessment. It’s possible that you have a condition that could be causing you to permanently lose hair (it’s rarely the case, but it can happen). Bear in mind that you may not notice this until you have dandruff, which is why some people incorrectly link permanent hair loss with dandruff.
So remember, if you were wondering if hair loss due to dandruff is temporary or permanent you now know that’s its only temporary!
What Treatment Options Are Available?
The best thing that you can do is to get your hair and scalp back to its original and healthy state. This will help you in growing back your hair while maintaining a healthy scalp.
In most cases, dandruff can be treated with dandruff shampoo. You should find a suitable shampoo and use it every couple of days. Be sure to follow the usage guidelines on the shampoo bottle. If you are unsure, you can always refer to my guide on how to properly use an anti-dandruff shampoo.
If over-the-counter dandruff shampoo doesn’t work for you, or if your symptoms persist, you should visit a doctor or a dermatologist. They are able to prescribe you a stronger shampoo or a topical medication.
It’s best to start your dandruff treatment immediately, once you notice dandruff on your scalp or in your hair. The longer it persists the more it can damage your hair and lead to temporary hair loss.
To prevent hair loss caused by dandruff, it’s a good idea to use shampoos and other treatments as early as possible. If your hair loss is caused by dandruff of other factors, there are effective anti-dandruff and anti-hair loss shampoos available on the market.
If you are suffering from dandruff and hair loss, I highly recommend the Maple Holistics – Anti-Dandruff & Hair Loss Shampoo
. It contains many natural oils that restore pH values, removes excess sebum, soothes the scalp, hydrates the follicles and has many other health benefits.
Home Remedies for Hair Loss Due to Dandruff
If you don’t want to use shampoos or are looking for alternative ways to compliment your treatments, you should try some home remedies. These options are considered safe, as they only contain natural ingredients.
This makes it a good option if you have a sensitive scalp or if you are treating kids or toddlers with dandruff. Home remedies have gained popularity over the past few years due to their effectiveness and affordability.
I currently use some of the natural remedies on a regular basis. Here are a few of the most popular home remedies for dandruff that work!
Coconut Oil
Coconut oil works well against dandruff, as it has anti-fungal properties. They can eliminate unwanted fungal growth on your scalp. Follow these steps:
- Step 1: Melt a tablespoon of coconut oil in the microwave
- Step 2: Apply the liquid coconut oil to your scalp
- Step 3: Massage oil into your scalp
- Step 4: Let it sit for around 20 minutes
- Step 5: Rinse with shampoo and conditioner
Tea Tree Oil
Tea tree oil is another great anti-dandruff ingredient, as it contains anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. It also unclogs hair follicles and provides nutrients to the roots, which promotes healthy hair growth.
Tea tree oil can also provide a soothing effect to your scalp and is therefore often found in anti-dandruff shampoos. Try the following:
- Step 1: Add your regular anti-dandruff shampoo onto your hand
- Step 2: Add a couple of tea tree oil drops
- Step 3: Mix both together
- Step 4: Apply to hair and massage scalp
- Step 5: Remove by rinsing hair with water thoroughly
Lemon Juice
The citric acid in lemon juice helps in restoring normal pH values to your scalp, which can inhibit the growth of dandruff.
Additionally, lemon juice has antibacterial properties, clearing your scalp of unwanted bacteria. Try the following:
- Step 1: Squeeze fresh lemon into a bowl
- Step 2: Use a dropper or your hands to collect the lemon juice
- Step 3: Apply the lemon juice on your scalp
- Step 4: Let it sit for around 15 – 20 minutes
- Step 5: Rinse out thoroughly with water
Jojoba Oil
Jojoba oil helps with dissolving the sebum on your scalp and helps to clear dirt from clogging your hair follicles [4].
This oil is commonly used as a natural remedy that is healthy for your hair and scalp. To reduce dandruff, try the following:
- Step 1: Apply a few drops of jojoba oil directly on your scalp
- Step 2: Use your fingers to equally spread the oil across your scalp
- Step 3: Feel free to mix jojoba oils with other oils.
- Step 4: Massage and let the oil sit for around 15 minutes
- Step 5: Rinse your hair thoroughly with water.