Dandruff and Hair Loss

Dandruff is a condition in which white flakes and scales of dead skin are shed off from the scalp. Approximately 40% of human population suffers from the problem of dandruff at any point of time. Though, the problem is not life-threatening at all, yet it causes emotional distress. Most of the suffers avoid wearing dark clothes as the presence of white flakes often becomes a cause of embarrassment in public. The other problems due to dandruff are frequent irritation, inflammation and itching in the scalp. Many people complain hair loss with dandruff. Therefore, "Can dandruff cause hair loss" was a topic of research for several years. Scientists have come up with a clear explanation and have ruled out the myth of dandruff causing hair loss.

Dandruff and Hair Loss: Here is an answer to most sort after question "Does dandruff produce hair loss?." Dandruff produces irritation and itching in the scalp. The sufferers often tend to scratch the area to relieve itching. Scratching the scalp frequently weakens the roots of the hair. This eventually leads to hair fall. This is the reason behind hair loss due to dandruff. Thus, dandruff and hair loss are related to each other.

Causes of Dandruff: A person can develop dandruff due to several reasons. Some of them are mentioned below.

• Dandruff is mainly caused by a fungus called Mallazesia globosa. This fungus is found floating in the atmosphere and can infect anyone.
• Another reason for dandruff is the excessive use of hair care products, humidity and hormonal imbalance.
• Some dermatologists even correlate stress and a powdery kind of dandruff.
• Over intake of sugar and fats
• Excessive exposure to sunlight
• Perspiration
• Genetic problems
• Irregular shampooing and improper washing of scalp

Treatment for Dandruff: If the presence of dandruff is not due to genetic reasons, it can be treated effectively. Consult a dermatologist for necessary assistance. The most effective over-the-counter treatment available are the anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners. These particular hair care products contain chemicals such as zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide. Even after washing with water, this chemical is left behind on the scalp. It prevents the regrowth of the fungus on the scalp, and hence the hair is protected from dandruff.

You can also use anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners, available over-the-counter, as a precautionary measure for dandruff. The misconception that anti-dandruff hair care products are strong and medicinal, is ruled out by hair and skin specialists. These anti-dandruff shampoos and conditioners contain a formulation of mild cleansers and chemicals to treat dandruff, and thus are absolutely safe for regular use (provided the person is not allergic to any of the chemicals present).

Home Remedies for Dandruff: The best hair loss solution might also go in vain if dandruff is the reason behind your hair loss. Therefore, try your best to remove dandruff first. There are various natural hair loss remedies that can be performed at home. These curatives, if not treat dandruff completely, can at least prevent it from worsening. Following is a list of some remedies that you can try out at home.

• Rinse your hair thoroughly with plenty of water after shampooing. For fast results, add peppermint oil to your shampoo and conditioner. It is known for its anti-dandruff properties and excellent aroma.
• Avoid excessive and frequent use of hair care products, especially the harsh shampoos. Protect your scalp from harmful sun rays by covering the head with a scarf or a hat.
• Do not scratch your scalp. It would worsen the dandruff and can even result in inflammation and infection by other pathogens. Use a soft and wide-toothed brush to comb your hair. This would prevent flaky and scaly fall of scalp.
• Massage your scalp with a little warm coconut oil every alternate day. You can do it daily in case your hair is dry. It would be excellent if you massage during night before sleep. To enhance the effect, you can also add a few drops of lemon juice. Massaging stimulates blood circulation and promotes follicle growth.
• Keep your scalp and hair moisturized and well-conditioned. Drink plenty of water. Follow a balanced diet rich in essential fatty acids, especially omega-3. Use a good quality conditioner on your hair after every time you shampoo. It softens the hair shaft and nourishes the scalp thus producing the ideal environment for hair growth. Egg white is an excellent hair conditioner. Apply it on your hair at least one hour before shampooing.
• Frequent scratching of the scalp sometimes results in partial baldness and significant hair loss. If this is a case with you, use essential oils. Essential oils such as lavender, rosemary and cedar wood are known to be highly effective for treating bald patches. To make use of any of the above-mentioned essential oils, add 5-6 drops of it to 2 tablespoons of olive oil and massage the affected areas.

Dandruff is not a disease in itself. It is only a symptom of some other disorder your body is suffering from. The best way to get rid of dandruff would be to cure the actual ailment first. This is the only way of hair loss prevention. Take all the precautionary measures mentioned in the article to prevent both dandruff and hair loss.