Dry scalp can cause hair loss, but it is not a direct cause. According to Dr. Zachary Okhah, founder and chief surgeon with PH-1 Miami, "A dry scalp can be an itchy scalp. This might cause you to scratch your scalp frequently, which can damage hair follicles, leading to some hair loss, though not complete baldness". Additionally, dandruff, which is a common condition that causes flaky skin on the scalp, can lead to hair loss if it worsens into seborrheic dermatitis. Dandruff itself does not cause hair loss, but the itchiness it causes can lead to scratching, which can injure hair follicles.
Furthermore, a study published in PMC suggests that the condition of the scalp affects the natural growth and retention of hair. Preemergent hair can be negatively impacted by the oxidative stress that occurs with an unhealthy scalp, possibly due to the metabolic activity of resident microbes. Therefore, hair care products with active agents that reduce the population of respective microbes and restore a healthy scalp while reducing the associated oxidative stress may have an impact on hair health.
It is important to note that some hair care products may contain ingredients that can irritate the scalp and cause hair loss. For example, products containing diethanolamine (DEA) and triethanolamine (TEA) can destroy hairs keratin and cause scalp irritation, leading to hair loss. Additionally, some hair products contain sulfates, which are extremely drying to the hair and scalp and can strip away natural oils, leading to hair loss.
In summary, dry scalp can indirectly cause hair loss by leading to frequent scratching, which can damage hair follicles. Dandruff can also lead to hair loss if it worsens into seborrheic dermatitis. It is important to use hair care products with active agents that reduce the population of respective microbes and restore a healthy scalp while reducing the associated oxidative stress. Additionally, it is important to avoid hair care products that contain ingredients that can irritate the scalp and cause hair loss, such as DEA, TEA, and sulfates.
