The Short Answer: Ordinary dry skin (dandruff) does not cause hair loss. However, severe dandruff is often a sign of Seborrheic Dermatitis, a fungal condition that causes inflammation. This inflammation can damage the hair follicle, and the physical trauma from constant itching and scratching can loosen hairs, leading to temporary shedding.
Why An Itchy Scalp is Dangerous
A healthy scalp is the soil for healthy hair. When yeast (Malassezia) overgrows, the scalp becomes red and inflamed.
- Inflammation: Swelling around the root constricts blood flow.
- Mechanical Damage: Scratching with fingernails can physically pull out fragile hairs and scar the skin.
Covering the Damage: If you have thinning spots due to past scratching, treat the scalp first (using a medicated shampoo like Nizoral). Once the scalp is dry and calm, you can use Toppik Hair Fibers to conceal the thin areas while they heal.
Common Scalp Health Questions
Does scratching cause permanent baldness?
It can. If you scratch aggressively enough to break the skin and cause a scab, the healing process can create scar tissue. Hair cannot grow through scar tissue (Cicatricial Alopecia).
Do hair fibers make dandruff worse?
No, provided you wash them out regularly. However, if you leave fibers, sweat, and oils on your scalp for days without washing, it creates a breeding ground for the yeast that causes dandruff.