Dandruff is that one hair condition that can be embarrassing and no one wants that perfectly-planned outfit to be ruined by white flakes. That aside, there is an age-old question we need to clear up – can dandruff cause hair fall?
First things first. Dandruff is a common fungal condition that causes the skin on the scalp to flake and itch. Scratching your scalp to relieve the itchiness can damage your hair follicles, leading to hair fall. Even if you have immense willpower and do not scratch your head, it is likely that you may still face some hair loss with dandruff. This is because the dry flakes caused by dandruff accumulate on your scalp and do not let the follicles breathe. This weakens the hair follicles and leads to the breakage of hair.
This may all sound like a hair nightmare but there are simple daily changes you can make to your routine to treat dandruff and prevent unnecessary hair loss.
- Switch your shampoo
- Hydrate and moisturise your hair
- Prevent dandruff by washing your hair regularly
- Use white vinegar
- How to prevent hair fall indirectly caused by dandruff
- Symptoms linked to dandruff
- FAQs on hair fall caused by dandruff
Switch your shampoo

One of the easiest ways to treat dandruff is to simply switch your shampoo. Specially medicated shampoos contain anti-fungal components which help to rid your scalp of dandruff.
However, some anti-dandruff shampoos can leave your hair feeling dry and brittle, so it can often feel like tackling one issue to only face another. That’s not the case when it comes to the Dove Anti Dandruff Solutions Shampoo, which is formulated using a micro-moisture serum that hydrates your locks while soothing your itchy scalp. Regularly using this shampoo will 100% free your hair of dandruff and help to prevent hair fall.
Hydrate and moisturise your hair

Since greasy and oily hair can often lead to more dandruff, you want to nip the problem at the root (pun intended). But treating dandruff can also causes a dry scalp by stripping the natural oils from your scalp and leaving it vulnerable. Tricky, isn’t it? This is why you need to follow up your shampoo with a specially formulated anti-dandruff conditioner, which locks in moisture while treating dandruff flakes. Dove Anti Dandruff Solutions Conditioner features ZPTO, a clinically proven anti-dandruff ingredient, that works with the hair-loving ingredients to also help prevent frizz and leave you with soft and smooth locks. Plus, since it’s so gentle, you can use it every day!
Editor’s tip: Give your locks an extra moisture boost with a hydrating serum like Tresemme ProPure Damage Recovery Hair Serum. The fermented rice water enriches hair follicles with vitamins and nutrients, moisturising your brittle locks without leaving an oily residue.
Prevent dandruff by washing your hair regularly

One of the best ways to ensure you don’t get dandruff is to make sure that you regularly wash your hair with the correct products. Make sure that the shampoo you choose is free from sulphates and parabens, which can strip the hair of its natural oils—which can lead to dandruff. Our editors love the Tresemme Pro Protect Shampoo, which is infused with Moroccan argan oil to seal in moisture and keep your scalp healthy. What’s more, if you have coloured hair this shampoo will help maintain your hue’s vibrancy and give an enviable gloss. Win-win!
Use white vinegar

There are several home remedies that moms swear by. At the top of our list is white vinegar as it’s effective without any side effects. Dandruff can also be caused due to an imbalance of the pH level and this can be treated by white vinegar. It even soothes the itching caused by dandruff.
To treat dandruff with vinegar, all you need to do is mix one part vinegar with one part water and gently massage it into your scalp for a few minutes. Rinse your hair with a mild shampoo followed by a conditioner like the Tresemme Pro Protect Conditioner. This gentle conditioner is free of sulphates and is enriched with argan oil needed to treat damaged strands to reduce breakage, a very unfortunate symptom of dandruff.
Repeat this routine once a week.
How to prevent hair fall indirectly caused by dandruff

Stress buster
Can dandruff cause hair fall despite using all the right products? If you’re still struggling with hair fall despite correctly treating the dandruff on your scalp, it could be due to external factors like stress. Studies have shown that being stressed aggravates dandruff and subsequent hair fall. Practice stress-busting techniques like yoga, walking or even deep breathing.
Get your dose of sunlight
We now have another reason to love the sun. Controlled exposure to sunlight is good for your scalp. Dandruff, after all, is a type of fungus, so sunning your scalp for 10-15 minutes in the morning can help your scalp fight dandruff-causing fungus. However, make sure that you wear your trusted sunscreen!
Don’t scratch your scalp
You must be wondering if dandruff doesn’t have any serious causes then why is it almost always followed by hair fall? Excessive scratching of the scalp can lead to hair becoming brittle and damaged. If you feel like the itch is too much to bear, try putting aloe vera gel to soothe your scalp.
Steer clear of harsh chemicals
Have you ever been in a pressing situation and just used body soap to wash your hair? Some chemicals are just too harsh for your sensitive scalp which is why they should never touch your hair. You should also avoid bleach, formaldehyde and perfumes—they can irritate your scalp and cause dandruff.
Symptoms linked to dandruff

While dandruff itself is harmless, it could be a symptom of a chronic condition like alopecia, seborrheic dermatitis or scalp psoriasis. If you suspect that your dandruff is being caused by a vitamin deficiency or linked to a more serious skin condition, seek a diagnosis from a medical professional.
FAQs on hair fall caused by dandruff

1) Is the hair loss due to dandruff permanent?
Hair loss due to dandruff is reversible once your roots are dandruff-free and can breathe. Moisturising your hair will help strengthen hair follicles and eventually lead to regrowth.
2) What causes dandruff?
Dandruff can be caused by dry skin or excess oil and grease, medical conditions like psoriasis or eczema. Poor diet and vitamin deficiency can also be a cause.
Written by Lopa K on 31st May 2022