Dandruff Shampoo For Hair Loss

Dandruff affects many men and women. There are many causes of dandruff and different degrees of severity. There also are several effective treatments for dandruff. It is important to treat dandruff, not only because it can be embarrassing, but also because a severe case of dandruff left untreated can lead to temporary hair loss.

Dandruff

Dandruff is white, oily flakes of dead skin. Dandruff can occur at any age and might happen more frequently during cold, dry weather. Shampooing too much can aggravate the scalp further, but not shampooing enough also can lead to a buildup of oil resulting in dandruff. Conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis, scalp psoriasis or malassezia also can cause dandruff.Over-the-counter shampoos are sufficient to treat most dandruff, but some cases of dandruff might need prescription shampoos.

Hair Loss

Hair has a three-phase growing cycle; hair loss occurs when this cycle is interrupted. The first phase, called anagen, is the active growing part of the cycle. Catagen, the second phase of the cycle, is when your hair becomes keratin, or hair protein. The last phase of the cycle, telogen, is when your hair falls out and the hair follicle re-enters the first phase. Should the hair follicle fail to re-enter the anagen phase, it gradually becomes inactive and hair loss occurs.

Significance

The causes of dandruff can lead to temporary hair loss. Seborrheic dermatitis is an inflammation of the skin and scalp. Severe cases can lead to temporary hair loss and scalp infection because of the excess buildup of oil. Scalp psoriasis is also an inflammatory skin condition that can lead to hair loss. Scalp psoriasis is an overproduction of skin cells that can lead to plaques that can suffocate the hair follicles, rendering them inactive. Malassezia is a fungus that resides naturally on the scalp. It feeds on the oils secreted by the hair follicles as well as the dead skin cells. It can lead to temporary hair loss because the overabundance of the fungus blocks the hair follicles, restricting the natural growth cycle.

Types

Dandruff shampoos that contain ketoconazole, selenium sulfide, coal tar or salicylic acid will help treat drandruff and the underlying causes of hair loss. Both selenium sulfide and ketoconazole are in over-the-counter dandruff shampoos. Shampoos that contain selenium sulfide help by fighting the infection that caused the dandruff. Coal tar and salicylic acid are treatments for scalp psoriasis. Salicylic acid peels away the outer layer of skin to restore a healthy scalp. Coal tar slows the production of skin cells while reducing inflammation.

Considerations

Certain illnesses, as well as the medications used to treat the illnesses, can trigger dandruff that can lead to hair loss. Poor nutrition and diets lacking in zinc, B vitamins or good fats can also lead to dandruff and hair loss. Organic and natural shampoos can also help with dandruff and prevent hair loss. Herbs such as rosemary, chamomile, thyme, lavender, aloe vera, jojoba, jasmine and pomegranate, which are found in organic shampoos, can be gentle, safe and effective.