If, as a result of increased shedding, you have also developed dandruff, the main concern in your mind must be how to stop flakes and thicken your hair again. Hair loss caused by dandruff, however, is one of the good news situations where it is almost always temporary and reversible.
The secret to figuring out how to reverse hair loss caused by dandruff is very straightforward: in order for hair to regenerate, you have to treat and get rid of the inflammation of the scalp that is the source. In fact, Dandruff does not damage the follicle but the inflammation that accompanies it as well as the scratching that is induced attacking the hair root which is already stressed and thus it sheds more than usual.
The very first thing that you have to do is to control the Malassezia yeast overgrowth that causes the dandruff and, consequently, the inflammation. This is what effectively puts an end to the cause of the excess shedding.
A medicated shampoo should be used 2-3 times a week and at least five minutes should be allowed before rinsing it off so it can work on the scalp.
|
Treatment Ingredient |
Action |
Best for... |
|
Ketoconazole |
Strong anti-fungal agent that kills the yeast. |
Severe, persistent dandruff/Seborrheic Dermatitis. |
|
Zinc Pyrithione |
Anti-fungal and antibacterial properties. |
Mild to moderate flaking and itching. |
|
Salicylic Acid |
Helps exfoliate and loosen the dead skin cells (flakes). |
Scalp buildup and scaling. |
In case you are still scratching the area, you may want to know that it is a vicious circle whereby you are constantly traumatizing the already sensitive scalp and at the same time, pulling out those hairs that are most vulnerable to shedding.
Use Cool Water: Cool or lukewarm water should be used to rinse hair as hot water is known to not only increase inflammation but also dryness of the area.
Gently Massage: When shampooing, loosen the scales with gentle circular movements of your fingertips, not the nails, and do not exert too much pressure to avoid trauma.
Soothe the Scalp: The presence of itching and redness to the scalp could be helped by the use of aloe vera or tea tree oil (diluted) that in turn, reduce the desire to scratch.
After the inflammation is eliminated, the hair follicles will be able to return to their standard growth cycle. This step requires lots of patience and inner strength.
Nutrient Rich Diet: A well-balanced diet rich in hair-building nutrients such as Iron, Biotin, Zinc, and Vitamins D and C should not be lacking in your daily menu.
Stress Management: Given that high levels of stress can solo be the main reason of hair loss (Telogen Effluvium), therefore controlling stress through workout or meditation will not only prevent hair loss but also speed up recovery.
Patience: Due to the fact that the hair growth cycle is a slow one, it normally takes from 3 to 6 months since dandruff has been successfully dealt with for the newly restored hair cycle to bring about visible regrowth.
Hair loss caused by dandruff will only last for a while! By placing most of your energy into controlling flakes and taking care of the inflamed scalp (Steps 1 and 2), you enable the hair that is lost due to dandruff to fully grow back under the most ideal conditions.