Left unchecked, dandruff can become more than a flaky annoyance. (Getty Images)
For many, dandruff is uncomfortable and embarrassing — no one likes to see powdery skin flakes dropping from a human head like snow. But experts say it can have more serious consequences too: "The importance of scalp health cannot be underestimated," says Dr. Patrick Davis, a Beverly Hills facial plastic surgeon and hair restoration expert. "I often say scalp health is an indication of overall bodily health."
Davis explains that inflammatory scalp conditions like dandruff can indicate the presence of other health issues and impact hair growth, even leading to hair loss. "Dandruff signifies a disruption of the scalp ecosystem and health, leading to flaking and dryness," he says. "Some studies show that a scalp with dandruff can push the hairs to go into a shedding phase, which is called 'telogen effluvium.' This is likely because there is too much inflammation in the scalp and 'oxidative' stress. So, yes, dandruff can affect hair loss."
Davis is among a growing group of hair transplant surgeons around the country who surgically treat male and female pattern baldness — that is, "the type of hair loss that isn't recovering despite using supplements and lifestyle changes," he says. By the time patients come to him, "many feel like hair loss is a lost cause — which, more times than not, it isn't."
To avoid the need for serious interventions like surgery, Davis says, "It's crucial to pay attention to your scalp when you shower and after." Equally important: treating minor scalp issues as they arise. "I also recommend supplements such as Nutrafol for scalp health. Additionally, simple things like exercise, a low-stress life and getting a lot of sleep will go a long way," he explains.
Related: The best products for thinning hair, according to experts
Davis says dandruff and most minor inflammatory scalp conditions can be treated at home with some combination of the following treatments. However, if your flakes are chronic and/or don't clear up within a few weeks of active treatment, head (no pun!) to the dermatologist. In serious cases, a physician can prescribe more potent treatments, including topical steroids.
"Your first line of treatment is anti-fungal shampoos," Davis explains. Nizoral is clinically proven and dermatologist-recommended.
Yes, it's all the stuff you already know — exercise often, lead a low-stress life and get a lot of sleep. "These simple things will go a long way toward maintaining a healthy scalp," Davis says.
"Natural remedies such as [applying] aloe vera, thyme and tea tree oil can help," Davis says. "And scalp massage may help to bring more blood flow to the area."
It may seem counterintuitive to hold back on washing when your scalp feels cruddy, but, according to Davis: "Oftentimes, we over-clean our scalp, which in and of itself strips our natural oils. Holding off shampooing your hair for a few days can allow the scalp to reset and provide its own oils."
Related: The best shampoos for thinning hair
Nothing will add insult (and, potentially, serious harm) to injury like a sunburned scalp. If you're going to be out in the sun — especially if you have thinning hair — apply a high-quality scalp sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
File this silicone brush under "things you don't think you need until you try them." Regular scalp massages are one of the best and first steps you can take if you want to stimulate hair growth.
This brush, nearly 40% off, makes it easy — just apply your shampoo or hair oil and go to town in circular motions for a minute or two. Not only will you unclog pores on your scalp and improve circulation, but the whole process feels amazing.
Over 70,000 Amazon shoppers swear by this shampoo for cutting down on flakes; it's even Amazon's No. 1 selling shampoo. It's not the most glamorous beauty product money can buy, but it works, fans say.
"I don’t even know where to start with this review, because all I know is that this stuff is literally a miracle worker for my dry scalp," wrote one reviewer. "I have literally tried so many different products to control my flaky scalp and this one has become my holy grail!"
If you want to try a gentle remedy to unclog pores and clear your scalp, this chemical-free shampoo is made with a natural anti-fungal, tea tree oil, along with scalp- and hair-nourishing ingredients like biotin and vitamin E.
The worst thing a scalp sunscreen can do is exacerbate your dandruff or further irritate your skin, which is why we like this lightweight, nongreasy spray. It's made specifically for thinning hair and contains gentle fortifying agents like aloe, jojoba and copper peptides to nourish and maintain your strands while protecting your scalp.
If you have Amazon Prime, you'll get free shipping, of course. Not yet a member? No problem. You can sign up for your free 30-day trial here. (And by the way, those without Prime still get free shipping on orders of $35 or more.)
