Tue 20 Feb 2007
Can dandruff cause hair loss?
Category: Causes of Hair Loss , Common Questions , Shampoos , TopicalsIs it true that dandruff can cause hair loss?
There is speculation by hair restoration physicians that scalp inflamation can aggravate and inhibit healthy hair growth and thus contribute to hair loss and thinning. Some physicians recommend using Nizoral shampoo two or three times a week to minimize any scalp inflamation. Of course, male pattern baldness is primarily determined by genetics. That is why for most balding men we loose hair on top and still keep our hair on the sides regardless of having dandruff, scalp inflamation or what ever shampoo we use. But reducing scalp inflamation may help reduce the severity of our hair loss or thinning.
Pat – Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Coalition Hair Loss Learning Center, and the Hair Loss Q & A Blog. To share ideas with other hair loss sufferers visit our Hair Restoration Discussion Forum.
Technorati Tags: hair restoration, scalp inflamation, hair growth, hair loss, Nizoral, male pattern baldness
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July 15th, 2007 at 1:36 am
Is it possible that the increase in scalp oil production which results in dandruff is also closing follicle blockage? Perhaps that also reduces/prevents proper hair growth or loss of existing hair.
August 5th, 2007 at 4:41 pm
Dandruf Solutions,
Anything that clogs the pores could potentially inhibit healthy hair growth. This is why it is recommended to minimize the use of products such as hair gel for those people losing their hair.
These products on their own, however would rarely (unless of some possible medical continue) would be the cause of hair loss.
This is why using a product like Nizoral could be a nice addition to other medications such as Propecia (finasteride) and Rogaine (minoxodil), the only two FDA approved drug treatments for hair loss.
Bill
Associate Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network and the Hair Loss Learning Center.
View my Hair Loss Weblog
March 28th, 2010 at 11:50 pm
Nizoral is good but it had harmful sulfates and
is a commerical shampoo. I use a boutique
shampoo that has the same active ingredient
as Nizoral called Ketoconazole. The big difference
is that regenepure has many other ingredents
in addition to ketoconazole that I great for the hair
and scalp. You can go on the regenepure site
and see all of the hair loss and dandruff
benefits along with all of their other ingredients
with the benefits of each. Their products are expensive
but “you get what you pay for” really holds true with
them!!
May 31st, 2010 at 5:58 pm
I am currently using Nu Hair system. (step 1-3). I am suffering from both hair loss and always had terrible dandruff. Do you think I am doing something wrong here?
June 1st, 2010 at 9:52 am
Marc,
If you are suffering from dandruff and/or it’s causing hair loss, I recommend consulting a dermatologist who can recommend appropriate and potentially stronger treatments to get your dandruff under control.
If your hair loss is genetic, only finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine) are FDA approved and proven to slow down, stop, and even reverse pattern baldness. You may want to speak to your dermatologist about these treatments also.
Best wishes,
Bill Seemiller
Managing Publisher of this Community
November 27th, 2010 at 2:41 pm
my hair has been shedding since september 2009. at first i didn’t worry much, it was only coming out in the back, but soon “whatever” that is on my scalp quickly covered my entire scalp. i started seeing a dermatologist a few months later since my hair started getting a bit thin. i was told my hair fall was falling out because of my dandruff problem that created a “rash” on my scalp. the dermatologist gave me ketaconazole shampoo and lotion to apply to my scalp twice a week. after using the products for five months i noticed i my dandruff was completely gone but my hair was still getting thinner and thinnner just about daily. around mid august i became pretty frustrated with my problem and accidently used too much ketaconazole shampoo on my hair which resulted in having a bad allergic reaction. i started getting a red rash on the back of my neck and black dots covering the edges of my entire scalp, a few days later i was able to see my dermatologist and while i was there i was told my condition had gotten “better”. from september 2010 up untill now i have been on anti-fungal pills (that havent worked) and dermasmoothe (which seemed to make more hair fall out to this day). i’ve tried using tea- tree oil shampoo’s on my scalp but all that scrubbing only makes even more of my hair fall out, so i’ve discontinued washing it. i’ve also tried pouring apple cider vinegar mixed with some essential oils on my scalp but it didn’t help me one bit. nowadays im not using or taking anything for my scalp, i don’t brush or comb it anymore and leave it up in bobby pins that has tangled it….ALOT.i haven’t given up on restoring health back to my scalp….its just that im not sure what to do at this point. i’ve noticed that “baby hair” would grow back around the edges of my scalp, but soon fall out. when my dermatologist saw this
two weeks ago he said it had gotten “better” again, but i disagree. i’ve recently discontinued seeing that dermatologist because i simply felt like a guinea pig. everytime i had gone in there he told me something different in regards to my scalp. (alopecia, scalp psoriasis,etc) and that
just left me confused and even more worried. none of my questions were ever directly answered
and even though the “patches” on my scalp were expanding, he still had claimed it
had gotten “better”, which frustrated me greatly. on the fourteenth of december i’ll be seeing a new dermatologist, hopefully he’ll examine my scalp more and run more tests unlike the last one did. i really don’t have much patience left, i don’t really want to cut the rest of my hair off or go bald. my hair is still a bit thick, but i don’t know how long it will be like this. I’m still convinced its a rash thats not being treated properly…..any opinions. ?
*sorry for any typo’s, im pretty distressed about this.
November 29th, 2010 at 8:16 pm
Brittany,
I’m sorry to hear about your situation. Hair loss is frustrating enough in and of itself, but adding unanswered medical questions and differing diagnoses to the equation must make it even more stressful. I think seeing a different dermatologist is a good idea. By the way you describe the hair loss and different treatments prescribed by the dermatologist, it does sound like something other than genetic balding is causing your hair loss.
Hopefully, the new dermatologist will be able to hone in on the problem and figure out a solution. If there is still some remaining hair loss after the problem is diagnosed and treated, I highly recommend utilizing proven hair restoration products (Rogaine/minoxidil and Propecia/finasteride) and possibly consulting with a hair transplant surgeon (if you think surgical restoration is something you’d be interested in). I truly hope this helps! Let me know if you have any further questions.
Rogaine/Propecia: https://www.hairrestorationnetwork.com/cgi-bin/commerce.cgi?display=home
Reviewed, recommended hair transplant surgeons: http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Forum Co-Moderator and Editorial Assistant
April 2nd, 2011 at 3:02 pm
OMG~im really worried right now,im a 14 year old girl and my hair is really really pretty,like it’s so straight,so smooth and it’s light brown.but i seem to notice that i’ve been dandruffy~ it only started last year 2010..but now,i think it’s gotten worst.like,even though i take a bath,the next day it becomes dandruffy~ already.>_< i don't know what im doing wrong..is it my shampoo?or whatever…i do not use anything on my hair and i never have gotten treatment yet like perming or rebonding…and as for my shampoo,i had never had problems with any shampoo before.i do sleep late always..like i sleep at 3 in the morning and wake up 10 in the morning…also i don't think i get stressed cause it's my vacation here now so no worries^^ sometimes,i do skip taking a bath though..like 1-2 days…^^" pls.help!i do not want my pretty hair to be bye-bye..Thank you to who ever will help..
April 5th, 2011 at 1:46 am
Georgina,
Although this is probably an issue you should discuss with your dermatologist, my guess would be that you’re experiencing some dryness on your scalp. This could be from a variety of things – running the heater a lot in the house, switching to a new shampoo, weather changes outside, et cetera.
Personally, I would discuss this issue with your dermatologist or primary care physician and look into a good anti-dandruff shampoo that will help moisturize your scalp and prevent future dandruff issues.
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Forum Co-Moderator
June 3rd, 2011 at 2:01 pm
Well I have dandruff and notice that I have these bumps on my head not a lot but some my husband say they just look red and wondering wats causing them. I was also wondering if a shampoo called main ‘n tail shampoo and conditioner would help keep my scalp moisturized and help thicken my hair or just make it worse
June 17th, 2011 at 5:34 pm
Racquel,
If the red bumps on your scalp bother you, I highly recommend scheduling an appointment with a dermatologist or hair restoration expert (http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp) for an evaluation of your scalp.
A trained professional should be able to identify the bumps, figure out the cause, and tell you whether or not a specific type of shampoo/conditioner will help the problem.
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
July 14th, 2011 at 4:09 pm
i have a lot of dandruff does lemon help
help!!
July 19th, 2011 at 2:38 am
Michelle,
If you are suffering from severe dandruff, I highly recommend that you consult with a dermatologist for a proper diagnosis. What some people think is dandruff is simply dry scalp.
Lemon is a popular home remedy for dandruff but it may not be as effective as leading dandruff shampoos like Nizoral.
David (TakingThePlunge)
September 12th, 2011 at 6:20 am
i am 22 year old from past two months i have started experincing hair fall …at the start it was less but now it has increased a lot i feel dandruff may be one reason ….but then there is medical background of mine that too worry’s me i am taking medicines on ulcerative proctitis could that be a reason for hair fall? i m really worried pls help….i dnt think there is a good dermatologist here near my area so i havent visited one untill now…
September 13th, 2011 at 10:36 pm
Aditya,
Although you said you don’t live near a good dermatologist, I do believe a physician needs to evaluate your scalp, review your medications, and determine what is causing the hair loss (genetic baldness, inflammation, a medication issue, etc).
If it would help, you could review our recommended hair restoration physicians and see if any are near enough for a consultation: http://www.hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp
I hope this helps!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
September 26th, 2011 at 12:18 am
i am 24 years old and i have hair lose since this two years and my scalp have so much dandruff please kindly advice me how can i control my hair and i really don’t want to lose my hair now it become so week just want to strong my hair.
Need Quick response.
September 27th, 2011 at 12:19 am
SScratch,
While dandruff can, in some extreme cases, exacerbate hair loss it is very rarely the primary cause. Thinning hair is most often caused by androgenic alopecia (genetic balding).
Your first step should be to consult with a dermatologist in order to help determine why you are losing your hair. You doctor may recommend Rogaine (minoxidil) and/or Propecia (finasteride). When used in combination, these drugs offer the best medical hair loss treatment currently available.
You should also treat your dandruff with a quality, medicated shampoo like Nizoral. The active ingredient in Nizoral, ketoconazole, may also help treat genetic hair loss due to its effects as a mild DHT blocker.
David (TakingThePlunge)
October 7th, 2011 at 2:26 am
Hi, I’m 16 Years Old, Male and I started experiencing dandruff about 8-12 Months Ago, When the Dandruff first occured there was only small amounts of it and that didn’t leave me very worried at all.
However after the time went by MORE and MORE Dandruff came along which also caused me to have an itchy scalp and go and purchase Anti Dandruff Shampoo.
Currently I’m not having such a problem with the Dandruff however my concern is with Hair loss which I’m experiancing around the center or ‘split’ of my hair.
I believe this could have been caused from me plucking it out from this section of my hair when it got REALLY itchy.
The few questions I would like to ask are:
Can wearing a hat can effect my hair in ANY negative way?
Will my hair grow back without any treatment and how long might that take?
October 11th, 2011 at 4:24 am
Brandon,
If you have not yet done so, ask your parents to take you to a dermatologist. Normal dandruff does not typically lead to hair loss. However, the frequent irritation, inflammation and itching in the scalp resulting from this condition can cause a temporary shedding known as telogen effluvium until the condition is adequately treated. Thus, treating your dandruff early with a quality, medicated shampoo such as Nizoral may indirectly prevent increased hair loss.
It is perfectly fine to wear a hat during this time. Hats do not cause nor increase the risk of balding.
You hair should grow back but it’s impossible to say for certain. Once your dandruff is under control it may take 4 to 6 months before you see your hair regrowing.
David (TakingThePlunge)
November 6th, 2011 at 2:48 pm
Okay, so, I’m 13, and last year I was on vacation and I woke up one day and went into the bathroom and ran my fingers through my hair, and so lot of hair came off. I was really worried, because I hadnt experienced anything like it before that. After that day, hair kept falling out every single day until now. I know that hair falls around 50 – 100 hairs a day, but it was very sudden and probably much more than a hundred. Around six months later, I decided to get a hairfall treatment. It worked quite well for a couple of weeks but gradually hair starting falling again. Last month, when I went to the saloon, they told me that I had a lot of dandruff. I’m not sure if that’s why my hair is falling out. I don’t see any flakes or anything on my hair or my clothes, but my scalp is itchy and I notice some of it in my fingernails. (gross, but yeah) I use Head & Shoulders shampoo but I couldn’t see much of a difference to be honest. My hair is so thin now and I’m really distressed about this. I’m thinking about going to get the hairfall treatment again, although its not a permanent solution to it.
Can I please get some help? Any advice, or anything, would be much appreciated.
November 8th, 2011 at 1:32 am
orlaith,
I’m very sorry to hear that you have had to face hair loss at such a young age. However, it’s highly unlikely that your balding is due to dandruff.
While not impossible, it’s also quite rare for a 13 year old to suffer the effects of androgenic alopecia (genetic balding). Thus, your thinning hair may be due to one of many non-genetic causes.
I don’t know what “hairfall treatment” you received but there are only two clinically proven medical hair loss treatments. One is Rogaine (minoxidil) and the other is Propecia (finasteride). Propecia is not recommended for males under the age of 18 but your doctor may recommend Rogaine. I suggest asking your parents to take you to a dermatologist in order to determine the cause of your hair loss and prescribe an appropriate treatment regimen.
If you are also suffering from dandruff, you may find a medicated shampoo like Nizoral more effective.
Best of luck!
David (TakingThePlunge)
November 11th, 2011 at 5:51 pm
I’m davonta, I’m 22yrs old well first off by saying I’ve been noticing my hair thinning back in 2009. It started coming out little by little at first. So I startedgetting my hair cut less often. Then over the time it seem to me that it was getting worse, so started to let my hair grow out for about 4months. It seem ok I jus noticed a small bald spot in the back of my head. So then one day I deciding to get my hair cut again still seem cool and the spot in the back went away but I started to notice my hairline receding & more hair started to come out in the frontal of my head. I will say I have a really dry scalp & dandruff can you explain stop for me stop the problem
November 15th, 2011 at 2:54 am
Davonta,
It’s highly unlikely that your hair loss is due to dandruff. Contrary to popular belief, normal dandruff does not lead to hair loss. However, the frequent irritation, inflammation and itching in the scalp resulting from this condition can cause a temporary shedding known as telogen effluvium until the condition is adequately treated. I suggest a quality dandruff shampoo like Nizoral.
Based on your description, it sounds to me as if you are suffering from androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). I highly recommend that you consult with a dermatologist in order to determine the nature of your balding and discuss appropriate treatment options.
For more information I also recommend you visit our Hair Restoration Forum and social network.
David (TakingThePlunge)
December 22nd, 2011 at 9:00 pm
im 18y.o and my hairfall started occuring last 2010, im really frustrated cause everytime i woke up, i see some of my hair shed in my bed, and when my head becomes itchy i will be starting scratching my head, until my hair falls, im frustrated of course, i dont want my hair get thin,(T_T) what can i do? does nizoral really helps? and if my hair falls, is there, still a growing hair???
comments will be highly appreciated .
December 27th, 2011 at 4:53 am
Hi Mark,
At your age, I think the first step should be an evaluation with a trusted dermatologist or hair restoration physician (http://hairtransplantnetwork.com/Consult-a-Physician/hair-loss-doctors.asp).
If you are experiencing genetic hair loss, preventive medications like finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine)will help cease and reverse the progressive hair loss.
Furthermore, if the excessive itching is caused by some sort of ongoing scalp inflammation or infection, a product like Nizoral/ketoconazole (an antifungal) may help reverse the condition and treat the secondary hair loss. However, this is something that would need to be evaluated and truly recommended during a physician appointment.
Good luck!
Blake (Future_HT_Doc)
Editorial Assistant
December 28th, 2011 at 12:56 pm
I am 21 years old. Because of dandruff, I have lost a lot of hair, especially at the sides. my question is,once the problem is treated, will the fallen hair regrow in those areas again?
NOTE: None in my family including my extended family members have a bald head.
January 17th, 2012 at 5:20 pm
Hi I am 19 years old.last 6 month i have suffering from access hair loss.there is small white pebbles come out with fallen hair.this pebble attached with fallen hair root side.but what is that and what problem i suffer ??
thank you..
January 19th, 2012 at 11:05 pm
Prashanth,
Contrary to popular belief, dandruff does not typically result in hair loss. Even severe seborrheic dermatitis will not cause balding unless you are aggressively scratching your head for prolonged periods. Extreme scratching can result in a condition known as traction alopecia.
If your hair loss is due to traction alopecia, there are no guarantees that it will grow back. If it does, it may take more than a year before your hair fully returns.
In most cases, hair loss is due to androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). Although you have no history of balding in your family you may still be a victim of male pattern baldness. I suggest that you get evaluated by a dermatologist specializing in hair loss.
Best of luck!
David
January 19th, 2012 at 11:28 pm
Tanvi,
The small “pebble” you are seeing attached to the root of the hair is a normal part of the hair follicle and is not unusual in fallen hairs. However, if you are experiencing excessive hair loss, you may be seeing the early effects of androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss).
Though you have not stated so, I am assuming from your name that you are female. I recommend that you consult with a dermatologist as there are several other conditions that may result in female hair loss.
If your balding is genetic, you may benefit from Rogaine (minoxidil). Rogaine is currently the only clinically proven and FDA approved medical hair loss treatment for females. Male patients should also add Propecia (finasteride) to their hair loss regimen.
Best of luck!
David
March 10th, 2012 at 6:51 am
I have been suffering with hair loss since i was in primary school I remember running my hands through my hair and loads of falling out on the table. I am now 22 years old, still have a full set of hair but hairline reseeding ever so slightly. I find it really weird because ive been suffering from dandruff since I can remember I’ve just took noticed my hairs getting thinner, I’ve only because I’ve grown my hair longer then i normally do. Every since i can remember i see loads of hairs falling out in the bath tub aswell… I don’t want to visit no dermatologist because they don’t know Shi* ive been there done that lol. Can you pleaseee recommend something that works and tell me what’s the cause of my dry scalp or dandruf whatever you call it.. what do i do? thanks in advanced…
March 10th, 2012 at 6:53 am
sorry for the poor grammar it’s my iphone lol…
March 11th, 2012 at 11:21 pm
hakan,
We are not doctors but even a doctor could not make a diagnosis without examining a patient in person. If you’ve been to a dermatologist with unsatisfactory results, I highly recommend seeking a second opinion.
I can tell you, however, that you should investigate the medical hair loss treatments Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). These two drugs are the only clinically proven and FDA approved treatments for male pattern balding (androgenic alopecia) currently available.While Rogaine is available over the counter, Propecia requires a prescription.
A quality medicated shampoo like Nizoral should help to control the flaking and itching caused by dandruff. Nizoral contains the active ingredient ketoconazole which may also act as a mild DHT inhibitor.
Best of luck,
David
April 17th, 2012 at 5:59 am
Hy I’m 22..I been suffering from dandruf at the age of 16..it’s like danderf come and go,again come again go..bt now I started to loose my hair in right pattern of my scalp..i use the shampoo salisia,it was so good..but when I stoped dandruff again started..but this time im loosing my hair from front right scalp to…what should I do
April 19th, 2012 at 1:59 am
Sonu,
If you have not yet done so, you should seek the advice of a dermatologist specializing in hair loss. Dandruff does not typically result in balding on its own but rather may cause a condition known as traction alopecia from repeated scratching of the head. However, in the vast majority of cases, hair loss is genetic.
David
April 24th, 2012 at 7:50 pm
I am 25 years old, and my hair started falling out in 2009 when my child wasin the hospital, all those months totally stressed me out. The hair loss I related it to the stress, all of hair in the front of my head over ears and on top of forehead seemed to have fallen out and I had to wear my hair down and it looked like a wig, it was disgusting, it continued and after some “good news” started to return, now 2012 it seemed to have returned in full affect and with dandruff, itchy and again the wads of hair,in the shower and then again when I brush, I hardly use any hair products due me wanting to avoid this, but I do not know what to do now, I use Neutrogena Exxtra strength drandruff shampoo,, think it contains coal tar? or something like that, it says to just use it 2 times a week and for that day it works but If don’t use it the next washing it returns, idk what to do. its depressing me so much and makin me feel ugly I just want my hair back! Can women use rogaine? And what else is recomended?
April 24th, 2012 at 7:51 pm
hospital with my chronically ill child****
April 25th, 2012 at 1:55 am
In Tears,
You have said that you related your hair loss to stress. Can we assume that you have not sought the advice of a dermatologist? I not, I highly recommend that you seek a medical diagnosis.
Yes, women can use Rogaine (minoxidil). There is a 2% women’s formula but many hair loss experts recommend the 5% men’s formula even for their female patients. In addition, you may wish to try Nizoral shampoo for your dandruff.
David