Hair loss can have a lot of possible causes. So, you cannot blame dandruff for this condition. In fact, dandruff cannot directly cause hair loss. It causes mild itching on the scalp.
When a person scratches the area, it weakens or damages hair strands, resulting in temporary hair loss.
If there is an excessive loss or bald patches on the scalp, it could be due to another scalp or hair condition.
Dandruff
It is a moderate condition that results in a flaky and oily scalp. Dandruff is not harmful and does not lead to further complications. Individuals from any age group can get it on their scalp. The condition is severe in children.
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The symptoms include:
- Oiliness
- Flakes on the scalp
- Greasy patches
- Mild inflammation
- Itching
There is no exact cause of this condition, but certain factors are considered to be more responsible.
Malassezia is a yeast that is said to be responsible for oily and flaky scalp. A harsh environment can also lead to this condition. It could also appear as a side effect of certain hair care products.
Can it spread?
Is dandruff contagious? This is the most frequently asked question. This scalp condition is not contagious, which means it cannot spread from one person to another through touching used items or by physical contact. Still, the symptoms can spread to the affected person’s face, neck, behind ears, and beard.
Tips to manage dandruff and hair loss
When combined, the tips below can help reduce symptoms of these scalp conditions. If nothing works for you or the symptoms worsen, consult a doctor for better treatment and recommendations.
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1. Shampoo enough
Shampooing inappropriately can have various negative consequences on scalp and hair health. Some individuals need fewer baths and shampooing, while some need more to reduce oil. To solve this issue, we suggest using medicated dandruff shampoo in the bath.
This can significantly reduce dandruff symptoms and strengthen hair strands. Hair loss due to dandruff is usually temporary, so you do not need extra hair care treatments.
2. Style and comb with care
Styling and combing can affect both conditions. A comb or soft brush will help remove flakes if used gently. Tight hairstyles and ponytails should be avoided.
These styles weaken hair follicles, leading to breakage and even headaches. You must follow these instructions:
- Also, avoiding all kinds of styling and hair beauty products is better.
- For drying hair, do not use dryers.
- Pat dry after bath and let them dry with air.
- Heat damages hair, so avoid using heat-styling products.
3. Reduce stress
It is one of the biggest triggers for dandruff flare-ups. Stress weakens the skin and hair follicles, leading to damaged hair and loss. The damage done by stress is usually reversible.
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You just need the right ways to cope with the stress. You can try the following things to cope with this issue:
- Connect with more people
- Do not live alone
- Perform regular exercise
- Do yoga and meditation
- Try breathing exercises
- Be humble
- Do something good for others or society
Do not underestimate the power of these practices. They can highly reduce stress and improve your mood.
4. Use natural oils
Natural oils give us a lot of reasons to use them for scalp and hair-related issues. Oils help strengthen hair follicles, leading to strong, smooth, and shiny hair.
The texture may differ from one hair type to another, but they are generally safe and healthy to use on the scalp. Some recommendations are:
- Tea Tree oil
- Olive oil
- Mustard oil
- Lavender oil
- Peppermint oil
Get any of them and apply them on the scalp. Massage for at least 20 minutes to let the oil absorb by hair follicles.
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5. Avoid triggers
Some factors can lead to dandruff flare-ups. There is no exact cause of dandruff, so technically, there are no precautions. However, there are some common triggers that can increase or worsen dandruff and hair loss.
- Do not scratch the scalp
- Do not use oily products if the scalp is extremely oily (natural oils are exceptions).
- For dry scalp, we recommend using oily products and moisturizers.
- Take shorter baths rather than longer. Avoid hot showers. Use tepid water.
- Do not use beauty and hair styling products.
- 50 to 100 hairs are normally shed in a day. So, do not panic. Take it easy, and do not take treatment. Go for treatment in extreme hair loss cases.
Conclusions
Dandruff and hair loss are different conditions and need different approaches for treatment. Dandruff can indirectly lead to hair loss, which will be temporary.
But for persistent loss or bald patches on the scalp, we recommend getting a proper diagnosis to find what scalp issue is leading to this scenario.
By following the described tips, you can help ease dandruff symptoms and prevent further hair loss.