Dandruff — seborrhoeic dermatitis — is scalp inflammation, not a direct cause of permanent hair loss. But the inflammation and the scratching it triggers can increase everyday shedding, and a flaky, irritated scalp is a poor environment for growth. The good news: it's very treatable. An antifungal shampoo with ketoconazole 2% (used 2-3×/week) is the evidence-backed first step, alongside a gentle routine. If flaking comes with pustules, pain, or smooth bald patches — or if hair loss keeps worsening after the flaking settles — that points to something beyond dandruff and needs a dermatologist. The checker below helps you tell which is which.
Try the free self-check →Sources: AAD — shedding ↗
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Not medical advice. General education only; it does not replace diagnosis or treatment by a licensed professional. Consult a board-certified dermatologist before starting, stopping or changing any treatment.
⚠️ When to see a doctor — don’t self-treat
- Sudden patchy or circular bald spots
- Redness, scaling, pus, pain or itch (possible scarring alopecia — treat urgently)
- Broken hairs or rapid loss
- Loss with body-wide signs (weight loss, fatigue, cycle changes, acne, extra hair)
- Loss right after a new medication
- Any hair loss in a child