Dandruff Myths Debunked

Many myths have been created and spread regarding dandruff. However, as we will see, these dandruff myths are just that -- myths. They have no scientific evidence to back them. Before debunking these dandruff myths, let's examine what is known about dandruff.

In the Textbook of Dermatology, it is mentioned that dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis (a more severe form of dandruff) are two of the most common hair and scalp disorders, with a 50 percent rate of occurrence in the world's population. Dandruff is characterized by the formation of small white or gray flakes. Seborrheic dermatitis often produces yellowish, oily flakes. These flakes are dead skin cells. Skin flaking is a normal process of the scalp. However, when skin flaking substantially increases, dandruff occurs.

According to a study published in 2005, dandruff is caused by the concurrence of three factors: the presence of specific fungi (the Malassezia fungi, previously known as Pityrosporum), the presence of specific sebaceous secretions, and the individual's sensitivity. Recent studies have shed some light on the mechanism of dandruff formation. The Malassezia fungi have the ability to degrade the oils present in the sebaceous secretions, producing free fatty acids. These free fatty acids are able to disrupt the normal skin barrier of the scalp, generating all the symptoms of dandruff or seborrheic dermatitis.

Dandruff Myths Debunked

Lets examine some of the myths that have been created about the dandruff condition:

Dandruff Myth: Poor hygiene is the main cause of dandruff

Cleaning your hair frequently will remove the dandruff flakes. Nothing more. Poor hygiene has nothing to do with dandruff formation. As mentioned before, there are three main factors responsible for dandruff. Washing your hair with a regular shampoo will not control the development of the Malassezia fungi responsible for dandruff. It will only remove dandruff flakes. Great hair hygiene (although recommended) will not guarantee dandruff elimination.

Dandruff Myth: Greasy hair causes dandruff

It is not that greasy hair is more prone to having dandruff; it is a specific type of fat produced by your skin (not your hair) that induces dandruff. Sebaceous secretions (skin oil) is one of the three factors needed for dandruff formation. You may have sebaceous secretions without having greasy hair.

Dandruff Myth: Hair sprays and styling gels cause dandruff

Hair sprays and styling gels do not cause dandruff. Some of these products may cause a build-up in your hair (especially if you do not wash it frequently) that may look like dandruff flakes. By increasing your hair-washing frequency with shampoos that contain zinc pyrithione (ZPT), you can get rid of the flakes generated by the build-up of hair sprays and styling gels.

Dandruff Myth: Stress causes dandruff

This is a common myth based on anecdotal evidence. There is no conclusive evidence that stress actually is the direct cause of dandruff. Stress may cause an imbalance of your immune system and this could lead to the production of more sebum (sebaceous secretions). Stress could also increase your individual sensitivity to allergens that may cause scalp inflammation. But, again, no real scientific evidence points to stress as a main cause of dandruff. Stress can, however, be a cause of thinning hair, according to Dr. Marta Rendon, founder and medical director of the Dermatology & Aesthetic Center in Boca Raton, Fla., and Head & Shoulders Global Celebrity Dermatologist.

Sources:

Dandruff: a condition characterized by decreased levels of intercellular lipids in scalp stratum corneum and impaired barrier function

Modern management of dandruff