Dandruff and hair loss are not directly connected.

Controlling dandruff may help prevent hair loss.

Even so, there are other causes of hair loss that may occur whether you have dandruff or not.

A person concerned about dandruff looks in mirror

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Intense scratching can directly damage hair follicles, leading to the shedding of hair.

Malasezziacan also weaken hairs by causingoxidative stress.

Oxidative stress describes an imbalance between oxygen-bearingfree radicalsthat damage cells and the body’s natural ability to control them.

With oxidative stress, hair strands can become weaker and more vulnerable to breakage and loss.

The skin of the scalp can also be affected, damaging follicles and contributing to skin dryness and dandruff.

Ingredients commonly used in over-the-counter (OTC) medication shampoos include:

Use these shampoos as directed.

During treatment, make every effort to avoid scratching your scalp.

However, Rogaine is unlikely to be of any help if hair follicles are irreversibly damaged.

If you stop, hair loss may resume.

There are numerous other causes of hair lossalso known asalopeciasome of which are more treatable than others.

Examples include:

When to See a Healthcare Provider

Dandruff doesn’t usually require medical care.

Most cases can be effectively treated at home with medicated shampoos and improved hair care.

Summary

Dandruff is not a cause of hair loss.

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