Does Dandruff Cause Hair Fall? (Here's What Science Actually Says)

The Short Answer: Yes  But Not Directly

Dandruff itself doesn't yank hair from your scalp.However, the itching, redness and scratching can definitely contribute to hair loss. Now imagine that dandruff is the bad boy that sets in a chain of events  flaky scalp, weak hair roots.

The science: Malassezia globosa yeast is the main problem with dandruff. It feeds on scalp oils and produces an irritant (oleic acid) which causes inflammation. This inflammation makes the hair follicles fragile and forces hairs to enter into the "shedding" phase (a condition called "telogen effluvium").

How Dandruff is a cause for hair fall and the vicious circle.

Most people do not understand that they're in a vicious circle:

Step 1  Malassezia overgrowth: Overeating of yeast throws off the natural micro-biome of the scalp and leads to flaking and ongoing irritation.

Step 2  Inflammation or redness of the scalp: Oleic acid that is released by the yeast causes inflammation or redness around the hair follicles.

Step 3  Scratching the scalp: When itching persists, the scalp is physically damaged. Scratching damages roots and leads to mechanical damage.

Step 4  Follicle miniaturisation: If the inflammation is left untreated for long, over time the hair growth cycle gets shorter, and the regrowth becomes thinner and weaker.

The good news? This cycle can be reversed  with treatment at the root.

If your hair fall is actually due to dandruff, what are you waiting for?

There are a number of causes of hair fall – stress, diet, hormones, genes. Common symptoms of losing hair due to dandruff include:

Hair falls more heavily after a scratching episode

• You notice thinning alongside visible flaking

• Your scalp feels greasy, itchy, or tender at the roots

• Hair fall reduces when you treat dandruff consistently

If these sound familiar, dandruff is likely a contributing factor to your hair fall  and the fix starts at your scalp.

The essential ingredients to search for:

Unfortunately, not all anti dandruff shampoos are the same. These are the key actives in a formula that combats flakes and fall, according to science:

Selenium Disulfide Slows down the excessive flaking caused by rapid cell turnover. Strategically attacks Malassezia overgrowth at the source.

A keratolytic agent that gently exfoliates away dead skin cells, opens up hair follicles and prepares the best possible environment for effective treatment.

Rare Antioxidant and Natural Humectants rich Red Algae Extract. Relieves inflammation of the scalp, prevents scalp pores from getting clogged.

Balanced pH Formula maintains the scalp's natural acid mantle, which helps hold yeast in check without compromising or drying the hair shaft.

Maintain an eye out for an anti hair fall shampoo that does more than just hair fall, but envelopes these exercises. You have to tackle the scalp environment first in order to have hair fall as a result of dandruff improves.

Frequently Asked Questions

A: There is no permanent hair loss due to no dandruff.

Usually dandruff hair loss isn't permanent. After you clear up the dandruff and decrease inflammation of the scalp, the hair follicles will heal and hair will begin to regrow. However, if it is not treated for several years, the follicles can become inflamed at times and become permanent. It's the time that counts most.

A: An anti dandruff shampoo should be used once a week.

Anti dandruff shampooing is suggested to be used 2-3 times a week when flaking is taking place and once a week for maintenance most dermatologists say. Typically, it's not required daily, and can dry the scalp. Always use a light conditioner which will not weigh down the hair.

Q: Is dandruff contagious?

No. Dandruff is not caused by an infection of the scalp yeast Malassezia, which is naturally found on the scalp of everybody. The issue is that if there are other factors like oily skin, stress and skin barrier disorders that allow it to multiply easily, then the problem starts to arise. Dandruff cannot be transmitted from person to person.

Q: May I use an anti dandruff shampoo, as my daily shampoo?

It depends upon the formula. Medicated shampoos containing a high amount of zinc pyrithione or coal tar should not be used every day as they can remove the natural oils. Less severe formulas (which include red algae extract and salicylic acid in a healthy balance) can be used fairly regularly. Always follow the directions on the product!

A: Yes, an anti hair fall shampoo can also cure dandruff.

Not necessarily. An anti hair fall shampoo is designed to strengthen the hair, and is often supplemented with biotin, keratin or ginger extract, but it may not be effective at combating Malassezia yeast and flaking of the scalp. In the event that you are losing hair owing to dandruff, you should be in possession of a formula that can treat dandruff and also help replenish your hair follicles and reduce hair fall.

 When using the anti dandruff shampoo, I will see results after about a week.

Within 2-4 weeks, most people will notice itching and flaking have decreased when they use it regularly. This takes up longer for the improvement in hair fall 6-12 weeks because of their slow hair growth cycle. Be patient, use regularly and combine with a scalp massage mask for the fastest and deepest results.

Yes, there is a connection between diet and hair loss and dandruff.

Yes. Diet of refined sugars and unhealthy fats worsens Malassezia overgrowth, as the yeast feeds on the sugar. Other vitamins and mineral deficiencies are also known to affect the hair health and cause hair fall, along with zinc, Vitamin B7 (biotin) and Vitamin D. Ensure a supply of water and a diet rich in foods that provide omega-3s, leafy greens and protein to nourish the scalp from the inside.

Our Solution: Cincinnus Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Mask Combo

This combo is for you who have experienced hair fall, flakes and itching at the same time!

Cincinnus Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Mask Combo features red algae extract, selenium disulfide and salicylic acid to calm the scalp and remove flakes, while not stripping away hair moisture. No strong medicinal odor. The first wash is all about a clean, calm and balanced scalp.

This formula features the essential ingredients to nourish and balance the scalp: Red Algae Extract, Selenium Disulfide, Salicylic Acid & Scalp-Balancing pH formula.

What it does:

The first use controls flaking and itching.

Milds the inflammation of the scalp at the root

Dietary supplements that contain omega-3 fatty acids can help maintain a healthy balance of oil production and hair loss.

Diminishes scalp dandruff and hair fall gradually

Soft enough for everyday wear, it's great for both men and women.

👉 Shop Now: Cincinnus Anti-Dandruff Shampoo & Mask Combo