Unraveling the Mystery: Why Do I Still Have Dandruff After Washing My Hair?

The first thing to understand when talking about dandruff is that it’s not the result of poor hygiene. Dandruff doesn't mean you have dirty hair. Dandruff occurs when the microbiome of the scalp becomes imbalanced, manifesting as unsightly flakes. Yeasts live naturally on the scalp and usually don’t cause any problems. But an overgrowth of a certain species of yeast called Malassezia can lead to the acceleration of skin cell turnover, resulting in the accumulation of dead skin cells and sebum (the natural oil produced) on the scalp. If you already have dandruff, not washing your hair enough can make your dandruff look worse because dead skin cells build up. And if you are washing enough, It could be that you don't use enough shampoo, or that the shampoo you use isn't strong enough to break down the oil barrier that is contributing to your dandruff.

A few different skin conditions can create an environment conducive to Malassezia growth and persistent dandruff. The first is a dry scalp which causes tightness, itching, and small, white flakes. The second is an oily scalp, with excessive sebum production, greasiness, and larger, yellowish flakes. Then there’s psoriasis, an autoimmune disease where the immune system sends out faulty messages, and the body responds by growing skin cells too quickly. Next is contact dermatitis, which is an inflammation of the scalp or seborrheic dermatitis, an inflammation of the sebaceous, or oil glands in the scalp. And finally eczema, an inflammation that causes dry, itchy skin, rashes, scaly patches, blisters and skin infections. These common scalp conditions are multifaceted, with different factors contributing to their development. Understanding your scalp type and the specific conditions at play is essential for effectively treating your dandruff. We recommend seeing a dermatologist for severe cases of scalp conditions. 

The main cause of persistent dandruff is the overgrowth of a yeast population that naturally lives on the scalp called Malassezia. But in addition to the skin conditions we discussed above, a few other things can trigger a bout of dandruff. Over-the-counter styling products can leave product buildup on the scalp that contributes to persistent dandruff, as well as using certain product ingredients. This is especially true for individuals with sensitive skin. Allergic reactions to hair care products are also a potential cause of ongoing dandruff. And finally, certain healthcare practices, medications, or medical conditions like, hormonal changes, immune system disorders, or nutritional deficiencies can play a role in influencing dandruff too. Let's take a closer look at some of the most common causes of dandruff.