What Causes Dandruff: 4 Triggers That Might Surprise You

When it comes to dandruff, getting to the root of the problem is the most effective solution. Harvard Health defines dandruff as a condition wherein the scalp sheds dead skin cells in large quantities. When the dead skin cells accumulate on the scalp and mix with sebum or sweat, they clump together and become flakes. This flaking can be caused by different things. Finding out what causes dandruff for you — the specific habits and triggers that make your scalp break out in flakes — is your best defense. Here are some dandruff causes that might surprise you.

How does oil cause flakes? It seems counterintuitive, but a greasy scalp caused by an overproduction of sebum can trigger dandruff. The Malassezia yeast, a fungus that is naturally part of the skin’s microbiome, is commonly found in oily areas of the body, such as the scalp. It is drawn to excess oil and feeds on it. When the fungus takes over the scalp, it becomes irritated, and dead skin cells shed faster than usual. The cells attach to the oils and fall off as flakes.

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Based on a 2019 study titled “Air Pollution and Non-Communicable Diseases” published in the National Institutes of Health, biological parameters affecting skin quality — such as sebum production — are influenced by air pollution. The study found that air pollution is associated with a high frequency of skin diseases, including seborrhea of the scalp, also known as dandruff. Pollution can cause the scalp to become sensitive, itchy, and oily, leading to flakes and even hair fall.

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Does your scalp become even itchier when you’re feeling stressed? That’s because stress compromises your immune system and makes your scalp produce more sebum, causing the Malassezia yeast to thrive. If you’re already prone to skin conditions such as eczema, being in a stressful situation can trigger scalp flaking and itching. 

While heat styling itself doesn’t cause dandruff, frequent use of heating tools such as blow dryers, curling irons, and flat irons can damage the scalp and make it dry, resulting in flakes. Make sure your hair dryer is six to eight inches from your hair to avoid damage. On the other hand, if you find your scalp extremely flaky after days of using styling products such as hair oils, waxes, and creams, you could be experiencing scalp buildup. In this case, the flakes aren’t caused by inflammation but by a buildup of skin cells, products, sweat, and oil. 

If you’re suffering from flakes due to dry scalp, use a shampoo that addresses the dryness and nourishes hair.

To find out what causes dandruff, examine your habits and environment. With some lifestyle adjustments and the right products, you’ll have those pesky flakes under control.