Loss of hair due to dandruff

I have heavy dandruff and also getting bald. I apply hair oil daily. How to get my hair back and avoid dandruff
(November 7, 2010)

Hair Loss Due To Dandruff

Dandruff can be described as a chronic skin condition, affecting the scalp, which is characterized by flaking and severe itchiness. It is a very common problem that affects thousands or maybe even millions of people across the globe. Dandruff can be seen in adults as well as children. Although dandruff is neither a serious problem, nor is it contagious, most people spend a lot of time and money in trying to get rid of it. This is probably because dandruff can be very unsightly, which makes it an embarrassment.


It can affect a person’s social life, since it generally leads to lack of confidence and lower self esteem.

Causes Of Dandruff

There are many factors that could cause a person to get dandruff. Some of the most common dandruff causes are:

• A condition known as seborrheic dermatitis, where the scalp turns very oily and is covered by yellow or white flaky scales.
• A skin disorder known as psoriasis, which leads to the accumulation of dead skin cells
• Dry skin, which is the result of the cold or an environment that is overheated
• Eczema on the scalp, which causes the skin there to get dry and peel off
• Hormonal imbalance or genetic problems
• Intake of excessive fats and products that contain sugar
• Lack of adequate hygienic measures, where the hair is not shampooed often
• Over exposure to sunlight or excessive perspiration on the scalp
• Use of hair care products that contain harsh chemicals and do not suit the skin on the scalp
• Yeast or fungal infections that affect the scalp
• Stress and an unhealthy diet

Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

Several people strongly believe that dandruff causes hair loss. However, this is not really true as, dandruff and hair loss are not directly related. What really happens is that when people get dandruff, they may itch their scalp a lot, which may weaken the root of the hair, leading to hair fall and thinning. Hence, even though dandruff and baldness are not directly connected, they are interrelated. People who suffer from thinning hair or hair loss problems should therefore take great care to avoid or treat dandruff problems as soon as possible, so that they do not lose more hair. Most hair care experts who deal with hair fall and baldness related problems also usually recommend that the first step in controlling hair loss is getting rid of dandruff. Fortunately, it is not difficult to treat dandruff. Hence, it is quite common for men as well as women to use commercial products as well as home remedies to avoid dandruff and hair loss problems.

Dandruff Treatment

The options for treating dandruff have become increasingly popular in the recent times, since nobody want to live with dandruff. In several people, dandruff causes hair loss problems. Therefore many people mainly treat dandruff to prevent hair loss. The use of natural dandruff remedies is more common, since they are very effective and do not lead to many side effects. Given below are some of the most common and effective dandruff remedies:

• Following strict hygienic measures is essential for everybody, not just those people who suffer from dandruff. Hair care experts recommend washing the hair with a mild shampoo at least twice or three times a week.
• Oil massages may be excellent for people in whom dandruff is the result of dry skin. Massaging the scalp with warm olive oil, coconut oil or almond oil is a great way of improving circulation to the area, thereby reducing several scalp condition. However, the oil should be washed off thoroughly, after about half an hour or so.
• Commercial hair styling products and devices can cause harm not just to the hair, but also the scalp. Therefore, the use of hairsprays, gels, hair wax, mousse, irons, hot curlers, and so on should be strictly controlled.
• Eating a healthy diet and getting adequate exercise can go a long way in improving several health conditions, including dandruff.

In case of severe dandruff and hair loss problems, it may be best to consult a registered dermatologist.

The reasons for dandruff can be due to external and internal factors. The dandruff caused due to internal factors maybe because of imbalance in the hormonal structure, lack of hygiene, food allergies, not enough rest, emotional strain and fatigue, high intake of sugar or fatty substances and starches, or heredity problems. Certain external habits such as, excessive use of cosmetic products for the hair, irregular shampooing or improper rinsing of the scalp can cause dandruff amongst other factors. To keep a check on matters of nourishment and diet, include food items that have vitamin B in them. Sometimes, lack of complex carbohydrates and the metabolization of fatty acids in the body can cause dandruff, and hence vitamin B can help in counteracting these imbalances. You can also try taking supplements of garlic and oil of Oregano as these are known to promote healthy hair. Another useful home remedy that works best for dandruff is the use of a fresh onion on the scalp. Slice of fresh onion in half and gently rub it on the scalp. Do not use head products that contain alcohol, as alcohol tends to dry out the scalp and increase incidence of dandruff.

With regards to baldness, it is best to consult a dermatologist to determine the severity of the baldness as well as treatment options. Certain medications can be helpful in arresting baldness at its initial stages; however a medical practitioner will be best in advising the type of medication to be taken depending upon a detailed examination of the scalp. Flaxseed oils contain essential omega-3 fatty acids that are vital for the growth of a healthy mane. Supplement your diet with flaxseed oil as it is known to control and stop dandruff. It can be taken in the form of a nutritional supplement as a capsule; cold pressed flaxseed oil also works best when sprinkled over salads and food items.

According to medical experts, the best way to treat dandruff is through a proper diet instead of external influences such as shampoo or medication. Research done on patients with dandruff had revealed that the skin oils in their scalp are usually thick and acidic. A diet high in saturated fats and animal fats bring about dandruff. Hence doctors recommend that saturated fats be substituted for good fats such as those found in nuts and seeds. In doing so it was observed that dandruff disappeared gradually. Hence, make a conscious effort in eliminating junk food from your diet and the plenty of fruits and vegetables along with nuts and seeds as snacks.