Can Dandruff Really Cause Hair Loss? Here’s What You Should Know

Table of Contents

Key Takeaways

Dandruff hair loss is usually caused by damaged follicles associated with excessive scratching.
Accumulation of oils and bacteria can clog and inflame follicles, inhibiting growth.
The hair loss is usually reversible by treating the underlying cause of the dandruff.

Does dandruff cause hair loss? Although dandruff itself doesn’t directly cause alopecia, it can trigger excessive scratching that eventually damages hair follicles, which can contribute to hair thinning or balding.1

Dandruff can also clog hair follicles and cause inflammation, which are both factors that can prevent hair growth. Furthermore, for people who have dandruff, hair loss may be a sign of an underlying scalp condition causing hair to shed.

Dandruff isn’t harmful or contagious,2 but it can cause mental health problems that can be compounded by the stress of losing hair. And, because stress can cause hair loss, the problem can turn into a self-feeding cycle that’s difficult to break.

The good news is there are ways to prevent, minimize, and reverse hair loss due to dandruff. In this guide, we’ll explain the reasons why dandruff is connected to shedding and provide science-backed solutions.

Let’s start with answers to common questions about dandruff and hair loss.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the root cause of dandruff?

It’s important to note that dandruff is a scalp problem, not a hair problem.3 Although dandruff affects the hair, its root cause is related to the scalp’s skin.

The most common causes of dandruff are:4

Not shampooing frequently enough
Hair products that cause contact dermatitis
Dry, oily, or irritated scalp
Malassezia yeast (a fungus that feeds on skin oil)

Will hair regrow after dandruff?

In most cases, hair loss related to dandruff can be reversed. Treating the underlying cause is the key to eliminating dandruff, which will naturally prevent whatever is causing the hair to fall out, such as excessive scratching, inflammation, or clogged or damaged follicles.

Does dandruff cause hair thinning?

For those who have dandruff, hair loss may start as thinning before eventually turning into shedding.

Is hairfall due to dandruff permanent?

Hair loss due to dandruff is usually temporary and reversible. In most cases, the hairfall is only permanent if the hair follicles have been severely damaged and significant scarring has occurred.

How Does Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

In order to treat dandruff effectively, you’ll first need to identify its root cause. Let’s take a brief look at the most common reasons why dandruff can cause hair to thin or shed.

1. Scalp Conditions

Although dandruff isn’t always a symptom of an underlying scalp issue, there are many conditions that can contribute to or directly cause dandruff.

For example, seborrheic dermatitis (one of the most common causes of dandruff hair loss) is characterized by excessive sebum production.5 This causes the scalp to become oily and scaly, leading to constant scratching. All of that scratching damages hair follicles, causing hair to shed.

Other common scalp conditions that can cause dandruff include:6

Psoriasis
Lichen planus
Cradle cap
Head lice
Ringworm
Folliculitis

2. Biological Factors

One research study7 suggests that there are three key biological factors that can increase a person’s likelihood of having dandruff:

Higher production of sebum (skin oil).
Higher quantities of a naturally occurring yeast called Malassezia.
Higher turnover rate of skin cells.

3. Damaged or Clogged Follicles

Dandruff hair loss is often directly linked to damaged or clogged follicles, which prevent hair from being able to grow properly. The follicles are typically damaged by excessive scratching to relieve itchiness. Additionally, the accumulation of dandruff can trap bacteria, causing infected or or clogged follicles.

Why does dandruff cause hair loss? In summary, the hair loss is most often caused by damaged follicles caused by scratching. Treating the dandruff’s root cause stops the scratching, which stops the hair loss. With that said, it’s important to get personalized guidance from a healthcare professional.

Explore Science-Backed Solutions

Now that you understand why dandruff hair loss occurs, let’s look at potential ways to treat dandruff and restore your natural hair.

1. Rosemary and Ketoconazole Lotions

If your dandruff is caused by seborrheic dermatitis, you may want to try rosemary and/or ketoconazole lotions. A double-blind randomized controlled trial held between 2021 and 2022 showed that both types of lotions were effective at treating the condition and the hair loss.8

2. Probiotic Supplements

A systemic review published in 2024 suggests that probiotics can help to manage dandruff and promote hair growth by modulating immune pathways and the gut-hair axis.9

3. Minoxidil

A 2023 study showed that minoxidil may be able to alter hormonal and enzymatic pathways,10 which may support hair restoration.

4. Piroctone Olamine (PO)

Dandruff hair loss may be reversed by using products that contain an antifungal compound called piroctone olamine (PO). A 2024 study showed that PO can support a healthier scalp microbiome and reduce oxidative stress.11

5. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

A 2025 study showed that Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) can be just as effective at stimulating hair growth as popular treatments like minoxidil and finasteride.12

Start Restoring Your Natural Hair

So, does dandruff cause hair loss? As we’ve shown, it’s not a straightforward yes or no answer! Hair loss due to dandruff can certainly occur, but it’s not the physical dandruff to blame. There are other factors at play.

We recommend using The Original LaserCap, our non-invasive, prescription-strength hair loss treatment. It’s a groundbreaking solution to dandruff hair loss that’s discreet, easy to use, and backed by experts worldwide. Start your journey towards happier, healthier hair today.

Sources:

GET STARTED