Does having dandruff mean certain baldness in the future? Although current medical reports have not given a definite answer to this question, dermatologists point out that the two are very closely related. Because of this, it is best to treat dandruff as soon as it appears, ensuring no long-term problems will persist.
What causes dandruff?
Around 28 days, the skin goes through a new cycle. Under normal circumstances, the top layer of the skin, the epidermis, is shed naturally through cell regeneration. These dead skin cells are not visible to the naked eye, but when skin cells on the scalp regenerate too quickly, the dead skin cells shed as bigger visible flakes.
Dandruff and hair loss
Doctors have pointed out that the presence of excessive dandruff indicates problems in the scalp’s cell regeneration. Impurities left behind on the scalp affect hair growth, especially the amount of sebum produced. Excessive amounts of sebum production clog hair follicles on the scalp, harboring bacteria that often causes dermatitis. Itchiness, redness, and severe hair loss are all signs of dermatitis on the scalp, and if left untreated, this can lead to hair thinning and eventually baldness.
Types of baldness
1. Androgenetic alopecia
The main cause of this type of hair loss is related to genetics and hormones, specifically, a type of hormone called dihydrotestosterone. This type of hormone changes the structure of hair follicles, causing hair to be shorter and finer. Over time, the hair follicles shrink, until hair eventually stops growing.
2. Telogen effluvium
This is a type of temporary hair loss caused by stress, shock, or trauma. Signs of this are increased hair loss and hair thinning due to a disruption in the hair cycle. Childbirth, stress, severe injuries, and excessive dieting can all cause this type of hair loss.
3. Postpartum baldness
Severe hair loss is a common problem that women face during and after pregnancy due to hormonal changes. However, this type of baldness is usually cured naturally as the body regulates its hormone levels again.
Ways to treat baldness
1. Proper hair washing
When it comes to washing hair, many often pour shampoo and conditioner directly onto their hair. This can cause irritate the scalp; instead, lather the product in your hands before applying it onto the hair. Water temperature also matters, using water that is too hot and washing hair too often will strip the scalp of natural oils, leading to dryness.
2. Choosing the right hair care products
Many hair care products on the market are highly moisturizing, and these products can cause scalp problems by clogging hair follicles. The best way to moisturize the hair and scalp is using natural ingredients to ensure that products will not cause any damage or harm. Some products are formulated to be used on both the scalp and the hair, like Lavacqua Final Rinse, which is lightweight and filled with beneficial ingredients to protect and improve hair texture.
3. Having a balanced diet
Oftentimes, hair loss is caused by a lack of nutrients in the body. Eating nutrient-rich foods such as eggs, fish, spinach nuts, and milk can be the solution to fixing hair loss problems. Greasy and spicy foods can trigger inflammation in the body, so it is best to consume these in moderation.
4. Medical or surgical treatment
With severe hair loss, people can consult doctors for advice, or undergo surgery or laser treatment to combat hair loss. For men specifically, they can take oral medicine to prevent dihydrotestosterone from being created, the type of hormone that causes androgenetic alopecia
Hair loss is not something that can be solved overnight, but it is also not an incurable problem. During the process of fighting hair loss, it is important to keep a positive attitude and to remember that stress is also a major cause of hair loss.
