Much time has been spent trying to establish whether a link exists between dandruff and hair loss. Losing your hair, either in part or completely, is not usually a welcome occurrence.
There are many causes of hair loss, and we are going to explore some of them in more detail, and look at what can be done to alleviate the problem. Dandruff and hair fall are sometimes linked, but can dandruff cause hair loss? Let’s take a look at the issue in a bit more detail.
What is dandruff?
Dandruff is a collection white and grey flakes of skin that appear on the scalp and hair. These are caused by skin cells that grow and then die off too fast. It can also be attributed to a fungus that most adults have. Some people overreact to this fungus, and that exacerbates the issue. An oily scalp can also make the issue worse. Other contributing factors to dandruff include stress, illness and even the weather. A condition called seborrheic dermatitis is also a known, common cause.
Who is affected by dandruff?
A common condition, dandruff affects around 50% of the population worldwide. More men than women are affected, and it tends to begin in young adulthood and continue through middle age. A larger number of people experience some level of hair loss, however, but whether there is a link between dandruff and hair loss is still a little ambiguous.
What are the symptoms of dandruff?
You’ve probably seen the commercials depicting the white flakes, highly visible, on the shoulders of a dark jacket. These flakes are apparent on clothing as well as in the hair, and this can cause embarrassment for those affected. The scalp can become very itchy, which leads to scratching, and causes the skin to flake and loosen. If you’re blessed with darker hair, the flakes will likely be more noticeable.
What are the effects of dandruff?
The most noticeable effect of dandruff tends to be the irritating, itchy scalp. This itchiness can lead to the sufferer over-scratching their scalp so much that it is injured. This, in turn, can lead to the hair follicles becoming damaged. If this happens, growth from these follicles can slow down, or stop completely. In some cases this can bring about temporary hair loss in the affected area, but not complete baldness. This has led some to suggest a link between dandruff and hair loss.
What causes hair loss?
The most common cause of hairloss is in your genes. It’s hereditary, sadly. Male or female pattern baldness affects a large number of men mostly, but women too. Your age, hormonal imbalances and the condition known as alopecia are also factors. Even the way you style and maintain your hair can have an effect on its continued growth. Over brushing and pulling hair into tight hairstyles can weaken it, leading to some additional hair fall.
Dealing with dandruff and hair loss
It’s important to remember that although dandruff can affect your hair, it isn’t usually permanent, and there are things you can do to address the issue. A few adjustments, here and there, can make dealing with dandruff and hair loss less of a worry. Aside from treating the condition with a medicated shampoo two to three times a week, there are also some home remedies you could try. These include coconut oil, apple cider vinegar, aloe vera, lemon juice and olive oil to name but a few. Applying these products regularly has shown to bring about some relief from the itching, and in turn, reduces the amount of flakes produced on the scalp.
It might be that you are suffering from a skin condition that is causing dandruff. If the skin condition is dealt with effectively then the dandruff can be minimised or eliminated altogether. Some of the most common skin conditions that contribute to the production of dandruff are eczema, dermatitis, ringworm and psoriasis. A doctor will be able to determine if you have any of these conditions and they will be able to prescribe the best treatment.
Other hair loss treatments
For those dealing with more severe hair loss there are several options available. If you’re not quite ready to go down the route of surgical treatments, there are some effective, non-surgical options to consider. Some specialist medications can help to prevent, and in some cases reverse, hair loss. They work by blocking the action of the enzyme that causes hair loss. There are specific treatments for men and women, with different levels of strength, depending on the severity of the condition. There is also the option to choose medication that doesn’t contain hormones, if that is your preference. If you have noticed thinning hair that has accompanied dandruff, and you have tried all of the methods mentioned above, it might be time to consider something a bit more advanced.
If you take the decision to go down the surgical route, there are some great options available. The treatments offered by us here at Enhance Hair restoration, can restore your hair to its previous condition. Hair transplants, using a range of methods, are growing in popularity, and the stigma that was once attached to this has all but disappeared. Men and women alike are embracing the new opportunities available to them, and the results can be incredible, providing you choose a reputable clinic, such as Enhance Hair Restoration.
Don’t be alarmed if you have started to suffer from dandruff. Dandruff and hair loss do not go hand in hand. Even if you do start to experience some hair loss, with or without dandruff, you can rest assured that there are effective medications and treatments out there that can restore your luscious locks to their former glory. If you do have any questions, and you’d like to get some trustworthy advice from a registered professional, you can’t go far wrong by calling us at Enhance Hair Restoration. They will be more than happy to answer your questions and advise you on the best course of action.
