Is There a Connection Between Dry Scalp and Hair Loss?
02 / 23 / 22

Is There a Connection Between Dry Scalp and Hair Loss?

Dandruff is a common condition that causes the skin on the scalp to become dry and flaky. When these skin flakes fall off, you'll often see white flakes in your hair and on your shoulders, a common sign of dandruff.

Symptoms of Dry Scalp

The most common sign of dry scalp is dandruff, the tell-tale white flakes on your clothes, bedding, and hairbrush. Redness and irritation usually accompany dry scalp, causing skin cells to die and flake off. A dry scalp is also a source of discomfort that leads to itching, which can cause further damage to the scalp tissue and hair follicles.

What Causes Dandruff?

Depending on the type of dandruff you have and the severity, eliminating your dandruff may include environmental and lifestyle changes or medical treatment. A dry scalp can be a symptom of many ongoing skin conditions, and there are different types of dandruff.

Psoriasis

Psoriasis is a prevalent skin condition believed to be an immune system problem. The condition causes skin cells to build up and form scaly, itchy, dry patches on your scalp. As the build-up falls off, it leaves noticeable dandruff. Psoriasis can cause redness, flaking, and scaling on your scalp and often requires prescription medication for control.

Seborrheic Dermatitis

Seborrheic dermatitis is a medical condition that causes too much oil to be produced on the scalp. The excess oil prevents the normal shedding of skin cells, and they form clumps that become visible along the hairline and on clothing. The condition can cause scaly patches, red skin, and stubborn dandruff.

How Can You Prevent Dry Scalp and Dandruff?

In addition to medical conditions, dry scalp and dandruff can result from various factors.

Your hair products and styling habits can contribute to a dry scalp. For example, the daily use of hair gels, creams, balms, pomades, and sprays can cause a build-up of products on the scalp, leading to itching and flaking. In addition, other hair products may contain ingredients that are irritants. Some of these harsh ingredients, even in small amounts, can cause a skin rash or allergic reaction.

Your shampoo may also contribute to your dry scalp. Shampoo is a detergent that removes essential oils needed to protect your scalp and hair. Shampooing too often or using harsh shampoos that strip your hair of natural oils can dry the scalp, leaving it feeling dry and itchy.

Various ordinary situations may also cause or worsen dry scalp. For instance, a diet lacking in essential vitamins, minerals, nutrients, or everyday stress can impact the skin and scalp's health.

Can Dandruff Cause Hair Loss?

While people with dandruff often develop hair loss eventually, it's typically not a direct result of dandruff. Instead, a dry scalp and dandruff can cause an itchy scalp. A dry, itchy scalp can not only be irritating and embarrassing but, scratching can injure your hair follicles, leading to thinning hair or hair loss. In addition, dandruff can increase hair loss in some cases of androgenic alopecia, also called male or female-pattern baldness.

Nearly everyone experiences issues with dry scalp at some point. Although dandruff and hair loss often occur independently, there is sometimes a link. Dry scalp can become a chronic problem that not only causes an itchy scalp and flakes but can also lead to thinning hair and hair loss.

Your Dandruff Experts

Determining the cause of a dry scalp and dandruff can be complicated. If you find yourself struggling to control your dandruff or trying to refrain from itching an irritated scalp, you should seek help before it leads to hair loss.

At New Image Hair Clinic, we are experts on dry scalp and all types of dandruff. Our team can help with determining the potential cause of your scalp issue and help you find a solution that works best for you such as laser hair therapy, or topical thickening and regrowth products. Contact us today and schedule your FREE initial consultation to learn more about dry scalp and dandruff and how our team can help you!