Does dandruff cause hair loss?

The dandruff and hair loss are among the most common hair concerns, and it is not unusual for both to occur simultaneously. While the presence of dandruff often indicates a scalp imbalance due to an overgrowth of the fungus Malassezia or excessive sebum production, hair loss involves complex mechanisms including genetics, hormones, stress and certain medical conditions. Many fear that dandruff directly causes hair loss, but the reality is more nuanced.

Nevertheless, there is evidence of a link between dandruff and hair loss.

In fact, the link between dandruff and hair loss hinges on a complex interplay of biological mechanisms involving the proliferation of the fungus Malassezia, the activity of the sebaceous glands, the immune response, the integrity of the skin barrier, but also genetic and environmental factors. In individuals prone to dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis, one typically observes an increased presence of Malassezia, which thrives in sebum-rich areas. The metabolites released by this fungus stimulate keratinocytes to produce pro-inflammatory cytokines, maintaining a chronic inflammatory state of the scalp. Furthermore, some people seem to exhibit a particular susceptibility to this yeast, with an exacerbated immune response, notably characterised by an increase in NK and CD16+ cells.

This chronic inflammation can have direct repercussions on the hair. The enzymes produced by Malassezia transform the triglycerides in sebum into free fatty acids, such as oleic acid and arachidonic acid. These irritate the scalp and trigger an inflammatory reaction that disrupts the hair cycle. Consequently, some follicles enter the telogen phase prematurely, leading to increased hair shedding. Furthermore, the repeated scratching associated with itching worsens the issue: by weakening the hair shaft and damaging the area around the follicle, it can impede hair regrowth.

Another key factor is oxidative stress. The metabolites produced by certain species of Malassezia promote the generation of reactive oxygen species. These free radicals induce cellular damage, including within the hair follicles, compromising their normal function. Moreover, several research studies have demonstrated a link between elevated oxidative stress on the scalp and increased hair loss.

Finally, the role of androgens must not be overlooked. These hormones stimulate sebum production, creating an environment favourable to the growth of Malassezia. At the same time, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the active form of testosterone that stimulates sebaceous gland activity, acts on the androgen receptors of the follicles, promoting their miniaturisation. This dual mechanism explains why dandruff and hair loss are often observed simultaneously.

A study conducted by ALEXANBER and his team examined the link between dandruff and hair loss. 145 individuals with dandruff were recruited, of whom 41 (28%) also exhibited hair loss. These preliminary findings indicate that the association between dandruff and hair loss is not systematic, yet it involves a notable proportion of subjects. Clinically, several patients attributed the onset of hair loss to the appearance of dandruff, sometimes preceded by an increase in the greasiness of the scalp. Among the 22 patients who tracked their daily hair loss, 14 reported a reduction in shedding following improvement of dandruff, although the average loss remained around 150 hairs per day.

The study also demonstrated a significant involvement of yeasts of the genus Pityrosporum. Among 86 patients tested, 155 cultures were carried out: the organisms P. ovale and P. orbiculare were the most frequently isolated, sometimes concurrently. Serological tests revealed that patients presenting dandruff and diffuse alopecia exhibited significantly higher antibody titres against these yeasts, sometimes reaching 1/256, a level markedly higher than that of healthy controls (approximately 1/4). The highest titres were observed in subjects with both abundant dandruff and severe hair loss.

In conclusion, this study demonstrates that there is indeed an association between dandruff, hair loss and a heightened immune response to scalp yeasts. However, high antibody titres and severe dandruff were also observed in patients without hair loss, emphasising that other factors – hormonal, inflammatory or individual – are involved.

Dandruff can therefore exacerbate hair loss, but does not, on its own, explain it.

If you're prone to dandruff, rest assured that solutions are available. The first step is to incorporate an anti-dandruff shampoo into your care routine. At Typology, we offer you a anti-dandruff shampoo formulated with 1% piroctone olamine, a potent anti-dandruff agent with antifungal properties and the ability to maintain the scalp’s microbiome balance. This treatment also contains clary sage essential oil, which helps regulate sebum secretion, and jujube extract, which reduces scalp flaking and curbs the formation of dandruff.

• ALEXANBER S. & al. Loss of hair and dandruff. British Journal of Dermatology (1967).

• JEGOU-PENOUIL. Les pellicules. Société Française de Dermatologie (2019).

• ROHANINASAB M. & al. The relationship between seborrheic dermatitis and androgenetic alopecia in patients referred to a skin clinic in Tehran, Iran: A retrospective study. Journal of Health Reports and Technology (2024).

• MALIK A. S. & al. Prevalence of hair loss, dandruff, and its knowledge and prevention among the Pakistani population: A cross-sectional study: Hair loss and dandruff in Pakistan. Journal of Health and Rehabilitation Research (2024).

• TALUKDER M. & al. Role of topical ketoconazole in therapeutic hair care beyond seborrhoeic dermatitis and dandruff. Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology (2025).

• OWEN K. Statistiques sur la perte de cheveux. Medihair (2025).