What Causes Dandruff?

Sensitivity To Hair Products

Dandruff and flaking can often be caused by sensitivity to hair products. These products damage the scalp and cause an immune reaction that can lead to burning, itching, or stinging. If individuals notice their scalp and hair have significant dandruff after switching hair products, it's a telltale sign of sensitivity. Research indicates styling products and heat don't tend to cause dandruff by themselves, though they can lead to scalp damage that aggravates an already-existing dandruff condition. If the scalp becomes damaged due to burns, chemical irritation, or an allergic reaction, there may be the same dry flakes caused by dry skin. These flakes will typically go away after individuals stop using the product that triggered the reaction and allow their scalp to heal. The dry flakes are technically not considered dandruff from a medical standpoint, but most patients don't know enough about them to differentiate. According to dermatologists, actual dandruff is only the oily and large flakes caused by fungus.

Not Shampooing Enough

Some researchers believe not shampooing enough can cause dandruff and flaking, or that it can at least contribute to issues that already exist. At the same time, shampooing too much is likely to increase an individual's chances of developing dandruff. Many individuals shampoo their hair every day when they shower. Unfortunately, daily shampooing isn't good for the hair or scalp. Experts recommend shampooing every two to three days, though individuals with curly hair textures may not need to shampoo or condition their hair for even longer. When individuals shampoo too frequently, they strip their hair of its natural oils, which causes the scalp to create more oil in response. It also causes general scalp irritation, which can lead to itchiness and flaking. This is especially true if an individual's shampoo contains harsh chemical irritants. If individuals shampoo every day, they should try switching to every other day instead and see if there's any improvement. Their hair might be a little greasier at first, but it should stabilize once their glands stop overproducing oil.