If I have dandruff, can I oil my hair?

Dandruff is basically a fungal infection of your scalp. When dandruff occurs, a lot of free fatty acids are released which cannot be digested by the fungus, leading on to hair fall. Using oil is okay; it cannot really help you with hair fall control but can prevent breakage. It is recommended to use a serum-based product that can actually prevent or control hair fall, breakage and also reduce dandruff.

What is dandruff a sign of?

Dandruff is one of the most common hair problems faced by both men and women. The causes vary from person to person, but it is usually a result of improper handling of hair and scalp. According to experts, the cause of dandruff is rapid maturing and shedding of scalp cells precipitated by excessive oil secretion.There are other factors like fungal infections, improper diet and use of harsh chemicals.

Should I wash my hair everyday if I have dandruff?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology (AAD), it is wise to wash your hair daily with over-the-counter anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week. However, washing your hair on a daily basis can further aggravate your condition.

Can dandruff cause hair loss?

In most cases, dandruff doesn't directly cause hair loss. However, the itchiness it causes can lead to scratching. This can injure your hair follicles, leading to some hair loss, though not complete baldness.

How do I know if it's dandruff or dry scalp?

Both dandruff and dryness can get your scalp itchy and irritated. It is important to differentiate between the two as dandruff may require a treatment while dry scalp usually improves with less frequent shampooing. You are more likely to have dandruff if your scalp feels oily, you experience intense itching even when the scalp does not feel dry or your hair looks greasy at most times.

Dandruff

Written By Dr. Sakshi JainMS, BDS

Reviewed By Dr. Rajeev Sharma

MBA, MBBS

Last updated on: 24 Feb 2026 | 12:23 PM (IST)

Overview

Dandruff is a common hair problem that needs no introduction. It affects around 50% of people worldwide at some point in their life, irrespective of their gender and ethnicity.

Dandruff is a scalp disorder which causes the scalp to flake and/or itch. The dead cells on the scalp tend to stick to each other due to surface debris and oil on the scalp. This in turn leads to flakes with itchy scalp and also causes the hair to shed at a faster than normal rate.

Dandruff is seen to mostly occur between puberty to middle-age as this is the phase when the sebaceous glands are most active. The severity of dandruff may fluctuate with the season but it usually worsens during winter.

If left untreated, it can cause fungal infections of the skin & may also lead to severe hair fall. The common treatment options for dandruff include use of home remedies and medicated shampoos.

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Overview

Key Facts

Symptoms

Causes

Risk factors

Diagnosis

Prevention

Specialist to visit

Treatment

Home-care

Complications

Alternatives therapies

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