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Frequently Asked Questions on Dandruff Causes | Know The Common Reasons & Expert Answers

Dr. Debatri Datta
Reviewed by Dr. Debatri Datta
MBBS, MD in Dermatology, Venereology & Leprosy
Written by : Dr. Debatri Datta
Updated on: November 7, 2025

Scratching your head on and off all through the day can be frustrating. Yes, we are talking about the white flakes on your head that come off even after you regularly shampoo your hair. Dandruff can be very annoying, and there are several factors that cause it. If you are someone suffering from dandruff and are uncertain about its causes, you are in the right place. In this article, we will answer some of the most frequently asked questions about the causes of dandruff. Continue reading to understand why you are experiencing an itchy scalp and those white flakes. Read More

  1.  Does shampoo cause dandruff?

No. Using a shampoo does not cause dandruff. However, overwashing your hair, shampooing too rarely or choosing the wrong ones (with harsh ingredients) might irritate your scalp and worsen flaking.

  1. Does oil cause dandruff?

    Excessively oiling your scalp can create an environment for yeast to grow on the scalp. This will further lead to irritation, inflammation and ultimately worsen dandruff.

  2. Does an oily scalp cause dandruff?

    Yes, excess oil on your scalp creates a perfect ground for the Malassezia yeast to thrive and feed on the sebum. This will irritate your scalp and lead to the formation of flakes.

  1. Does tea tree oil cause dandruff?

    No. Tea tree oil contains antifungal properties and is a remedy for dandruff.

  2. Can using a hair dryer cause dandruff?

    When you frequently use a hair dryer, the heat and chemicals can dry out your scalp, cause flaking and contribute to the development of dandruff.

  3. Is dandruff caused by the shedding of excess cells?

    Yes, dandruff occurs when your scalp skin cells shed at a faster rate than normal, often triggered by inflammation or yeast overgrowth.

  4. Does sleeping with wet hair cause dandruff?

    Not really. When you sleep with wet hair, it creates a damp environment on your scalp that promotes the growth of dandruff-causing fungus. This ultimately leads to dandruff.

  5. Does using conditioner cause dandruff?

    Using a conditioner doesn’t cause dandruff. However, applying conditioner to your scalp may lead to oil buildup, which can ultimately result in dandruff.

  6. Does washing hair every day cause dandruff?

    No. Using a gentle shampoo to wash your hair frequently helps reduce dandruff. However, over-washing with harsh shampoos can irritate your scalp, which may potentially cause dandruff.

  7. Does vitamin deficiency cause dandruff?

    Yes, lack of vitamins like B, D, and zinc can weaken your scalp health. This can make your scalp become dry, itchy or flaky, and ultimately result in dandruff.

  8. Which vitamin deficiencies cause dandruff?

    Deficiencies of vitamins B and D, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids can aggravate dandruff.

  9. Why does the winter season cause dandruff?

    The winter season does not cause dandruff. Instead, the cold weather, dry outside air, and indoor humid air can strip the moisture from your scalp, causing it to dry out. This will lead to flaking and dandruff.

  10. What type of bacteria causes dandruff?

    Dandruff majorly occurs due to fungal overgrowth, not bacterial infection.

  11. Which fungus causes dandruff?

    The fungus Malassezia globosa is the primary cause of dandruff. It feeds on the sebum of your scalp and triggers irritation.

  12. Does masturbation cause dandruff?

    No, masturbation does not cause dandruff. It is only a myth without any scientific backing.

  13. Does hard water cause dandruff?

    Yes, hard water can be a contributor to dandruff. It leaves mineral deposits on your scalp, which cause irritation, worsen dryness, and lead to dandruff.

  14. Does hairspray cause dandruff?

    No, hairspray does not directly cause dandruff. Its ingredients can clog pores, dry out your scalp, and irritate it, contributing to flakiness and dandruff.

  15. Does hair gel cause dandruff?

    No, hair gel does not directly cause dandruff, but it aggravates it. The hair gel can dry out your scalp and hair, irritate your scalp and lead to the formation of flakes.

  16. Does long hair cause dandruff?

    No. The length of your hair has nothing to do with dandruff. Improper scalp hygiene can make flakes more visible in long hair than in short hair.

  17. Does hot water cause dandruff?

    No, hot water does not cause dandruff. But frequent use of hot water to wash your hair can strip your scalp of its natural oils. This can cause your scalp to dry out, irritation and flaking.

  18. Does sweat cause dandruff?

    Not really. Excess sweat can mix with sebum and dead skin on your scalp to create a comfortable place for dandruff-causing fungi to grow.

  19. Does milk cause dandruff?

    No. However, in some individuals who are prone to dandruff or a dry scalp, it may worsen or trigger dandruff.

  20. Does henna cause dandruff?

    No. Henna doesn’t cause dandruff. In fact, the antifungal and antimicrobial properties present in henna can actually help control dandruff and combat other scalp issues. However, using poor-quality henna or one that contains chemicals can cause irritation to your scalp.

  21. Does diabetes cause dandruff?

    People with diabetes tend to have a weak immune system. This makes their scalp more vulnerable to dryness and fungal infections, resulting in the formation of dandruff.

  22. Does aloe vera cause dandruff?

    No. Aloe vera contains anti-inflammatory, antifungal and moisturising properties that actually soothe your scalp and help reduce dandruff.

  23. Does smoking cause dandruff?

    The toxic chemicals like nicotine and others in cigarettes can negatively affect your scalp by depleting its natural moisture. Constant smoking can decrease the blood flow to your scalp and increase oxidative stress. This eventually leads to scalp dryness, causing irritation and dandruff.

  24. Does smoothening cause dandruff?

    The chemicals and heat used for treatment can dry out your scalp by disrupting the balance of natural oils, which cause dryness and flaking. Moreover, the chemical residue can build up on your scalp, creating a favourable environment for the fungus to thrive. This ultimately leads to itching, flakiness and dandruff.

  25. Do hats cause dandruff?

    Wearing a hat does not cause dandruff. Instead, it can make your problem worse. When you wear tight hats for longer periods, heat, moisture, sweat, and oil on your scalp can get trapped, which creates a suitable environment for the dandruff-causing fungus to thrive.

  26. Is dandruff hereditary?

    No. Dandruff is not hereditary. However, you may inherit genes that can increase your vulnerability to dandruff and certain scalp conditions.

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