”Does Conditioner Cause Dandruff? Learn the Facts”

Using conditioners can soften your hair strands, making them easy to manage. However, they contain fatty alcohols and oils that trap moisture in your hair, which can sometimes lead to issues.

I’ve seen many people globally struggle with dandruff, feeling embarrassed by the white flakes and yellow flakes of dead skin cells on their scalp, hair, clothes, and shoulders. This scalp condition often causes scalp irritation and itching.

The creamy texture of conditioners, combined with proteins for split ends and thickening compounds to add size, makes for easy application. While these benefits are clear, the relationship between conditioners and dandruff needs careful consideration to avoid exacerbating these scalp conditions.

Does Conditioner Cause Dandruff? THE ANSWER

 Conditioners protect, soften, moisturize, and detangle hair, but their effects on dandruff vary. Some conditioners can restore the scalp’s pH balance and reduce dandruff, while others clog pores and create buildup. Avoid applying conditioner to the scalp to prevent greasiness and clogged follicles; apply it only to the hair length. Use anti-dandruff conditioners with ingredients like ginger or neem to soothe the scalp. If your hair is dry and frizzy, conditioners can help by allowing scalp oil to flow to the tips. However, if your scalp is already oily, conditioners can worsen dandruff. 

What is Dandruff?

Dandruff is a pesky issue that many people around the world deal with. It’s caused by a fungus that feeds on the excess oil found on your scalp. 

This oil is produced by your sebaceous gland, which can sometimes go into overdrive due to stress, hormonal fluctuations, or poor hair care. This leads to sebum production which the fungus breaks down, causing itching and flaking on the scalp. Half of the people react to this by-product, resulting in the dreaded white flakes.

As a curly hair specialist, I’ve noticed that conditioners often play a significant role. They contain some form of oil and act as lubricating agents for your hair. 

And sometimes excess build-up of oil on your scalp might exacerbate dandruff. 

Types Of Dandruff

There are two main types of dandruff: common (dry) and oily dandruff.

• Dry dandruff, known as pityriasis simplex capitis or pityriasis sicca, appears as white-grayish thick scales on the scalp.

• Oily dandruff, or pityriasis steatoides, is associated with varying intensities of sebum production and is often seen in young men during puberty.

Understanding these nuances can help in managing dandruff effectively.

Effect of Conditioner on Hair Dandruff

• Conditioners are a key part of hair care routines, designed to protect, soften, moisturize, and detangle hair strands. These products contain various ingredients such as silicones, oils, fatty alcohols, humectants, and proteins that help locate moisture and coat the hair shafts.
• Using the right conditioner can significantly improve the texture and health of your Twisty. However, the effects of conditioners on dandruff can vary depending on their type and usage.
• Some conditioners can reduce dandruff by restoring the hair and scalp’s natural pH balance. 
• Still, they can also clog pores, create buildup, and wash away the active ingredient in antidandruff shampoo, potentially causing or aggravating dandruff. 
• Avoid applying conditioner to the scalp as it may lead to dandruff due to its heavy texture, making the roots greasy and flat, and further clogging hair follicles. 
• Instead, applying conditioner only to the hair length is the right way to avoid issues. 
• For those struggling with dandruff, using antidandruff leave-in conditioners or products containing glycosaminoglycan, ginger, or neem can soothe an itchy scalp and eliminate dandruff. 
• Always apply these products to your hair lengths if your hair is frizzy and dry, and avoid scalp application to prevent further problems.
• if your hair is dry and frizzy, it might be because scalp oil is trapped, blocking the normal flow to the tips of your hair. This blockage creates a heat trap, allowing sweat and dirt to mix with the oil, promoting the growth of dandruff causing fungus and leading to a breakout. 
• Using hair conditioners in this situation can help by opening your hair strands and allowing the scalp oil to flow freely down to the tips of your hair, restarting the natural ecosystem of your scalp and bringing it back to normal conditions.
• However, conditioner associated dandruff is also possible if your scalp is already oily. The conditioner oils can cause dandruff if used too often or in large quantities. This leads to scalp oil getting trapped again, increasing conditioner dandruff and giving your hair a greasy look. In such cases, the greasy texture of conditioners can make your dandruff worse.

How Conditioners Lead to Dandruff Issues?

Conditioner Can Induce Dandruff on Oily Scalp

If your scalp is already oily, using conditioner can indeed cause dandruff. Experts say that Malassezia, a type of yeast, feeds on the oil from the hair follicles and grows out of control, which is a primary reason for dandruff. 

The texture of conditioners is often greasy, and when used in large quantities frequently, it makes the scalp’s oiliness increase. This excess oil gets trapped on the scalp, causing dandruff and giving your hair a greasy look.

Rinsing Conditioner Improperly

Using conditioner can be a great way to keep your hair smooth and shiny, but if you don’t rinse it properly, it can lead to problems for your scalp. 

When conditioner is left on for too long or not rinsed out thoroughly, it can clog pores on your scalp. This blockage prevents your scalp from breathing and getting rid of dead skin cells.

An unhealthy scalp environment like this can encourage fungal growth and inflammation. In my own experience, I noticed that leaving conditioner on my hair for too long made my scalp itchy and uncomfortable. 

This itching is often a sign that the environment on the scalp is becoming unbalanced, leading to potential issues like dandruff. always to make sure I rinse the conditioner out completely, ensuring no residue is left behind. 

Conditioners Wash away the Active Ingredients of Anti Dandruff Shampoo

Using a conditioner can sometimes cause dandruff if it contains elements that wash away the active ingredients of your anti-dandruff shampoo. This makes the treatment ineffective for treating dandruff. 

Even your regular conditioners might have these washing-away elements, which can be irritating to your scalp, making it dry and flaky. It’s important to find a unique formulation that works with your antidandruff shampoo instead of against it.

Fragrance and Preservatives in Conditioners Can Lead to Dandruff

Using conditioners to moisturize hair has sometimes resulted in itchy rashes on the scalp. This is often because the scalp is sensitive or allergic to an ingredient in the conditioner. 

Common culprits include preservatives, dyes, and fragrances. These irritation-causing ingredients can induce contact dermatitis, an allergic reaction that causes scalp scaling, itchiness, and redness, ultimately leading to dandruff.

Allergic Reactions to certain Fragrances can Particularly Worsen Dandruff. 

To combat this, always opt for preservative-free and fragrance-free hair care products with natural scents of essential oils. Avoiding fragrance-containing conditioners has greatly reduced the risk of developing or worsening dandruff.

Read Also: ”Leave-in vs Rinse-out Conditioner”

How do Conditioners help Reduce Dandruff?

Conditioners Can Treat Dandruff in Dry and Frizzy Hair

When scalp oil is trapped and its flow to the hair tips is blocked, the hair can become curly and dry. This trap can mix dirt and sweat with the oil, allowing the exponential growth of dandruff-causing fungus, leading to breakouts.

You can notice this when your scalp is extremely oily but your hair is dry. Applying conditioners in such cases opens your strands and allows an easy flow of scalp oil to the hair tips. This helps to bring your scalp back to its normal condition by restarting its natural ecosystem.

Reduce Sebum Production

With the help of minimizing sebum production, in the hair scalp, conditioners aid in the prevention of hair loss and reduce scaling in the scalp.

Minimize Scalp Sensitivity

Various conditioners have specific ingredients like menthol which have anti-inflammatory properties, which help to reduce scalp sensitivity through deep moisturizing as well as prevent flakes formation and keep the scalp cool and calm.

Reduce Damage from Styling Tools

With a huge blast of moisturization, conditioner reduces hair damage as a consequence of heat styling tools.

Should you use conditioners?

When deciding if you should use conditioners, think about your hair type. For instance, if your hair is color-treated or heat-treated, it can become brittle and dull. Using a conditioner can help, but if you have an oily scalp, it might increase oil production and make things worse.

If you have curly, wavy, or coily hair texture then it is recommended to use conditioner because its unique structure prevents moisture from reaching the hair shaft.

 I noticed that my dry hair needed conditioner to maintain its health. But, my friend with oily hair found it better to avoid it to prevent further problems.

There are a lot of factors which should be considered while taking the decision.

Some Pro Tips

Here are some tips that will definitely work with dandruff hair

• After shampooing your hair, it’s essential to apply a small quantity of conditioner to your hair. Use your fingers or a comb to spread it throughout your hair. Leave it in for a few minutes and then wash your hair thoroughly. 
• There are leave-in conditioners that don’t need to be rinsed out and they act as a protectant against the external elements. You can apply them in small doses occasionally. 
• If you’re short on time, there are 2 in 1 shampoo and conditioners that combine the cleaning effects of a dandruff shampoo with the moisturizing properties of a conditioner. These are perfect for those who are rushed for time. 
• However, avoid applying conditioner to your scalp as most conditioners are not manufactured for it. 
• Some conditioners can increase scalp oil and lead to conditioner dandruff.
• There are anti-dandruff conditioners that consist of Argan oil and Aloe Vera, which soothe your itchy scalp and are a great answer on how to get rid of dandruff. 
• Always do a patch test to see that you do not react to the conditioners. You should thoroughly rinse out any conditioner from your hair, unless it’s a leave-in. 
• Leaving it in can trap oils and cause an increase in dandruff, making you wonder – is conditioner good for dandruff? 
• Also, keep the conditioner away from your face as it might cause acne. Though this is a rare occurrence and the connection is not proven, it’s wise to be aware of this potential problem.

Final Thought

When it comes to conditioners, they can either be your best friend or your enemy in the battle against dandruff. The key lies in the kinds of conditioners you use and how you apply them. Conditioners can restore your hair’s and scalp’s natural balance and enhance the effects of antidandruff shampoo.

However, some conditioners might cause oil buildup on the scalp and wash away the active ingredients in anti-dandruff shampoo, causing dandruff. Therefore, choose a conditioner that is best suited for your hair type and one that pairs well with your anti-dandruff shampoo.

By following these tips, you can reap the benefits of conditioners without worsening dandruff.

FAQs

Should I use conditioner if I have dandruff?

As someone who has struggled with dandruff, I found that using an anti-dandruff conditioner in my wash routine helps maintain a healthy scalp. While hair products won’t cause dandruff, they might make some conditions worse, so finding what works best is crucial. Try different products to see which ones fit your needs without worsening the conditions.

Is conditioner bad for your scalp?

Many people make the mistake of applying conditioner directly to the roots, which can make the scalp greasy and flat. The scalp already produces natural sebum to nourish the roots, so adding more conditioner can cause build-up. Also, silicones in some conditioners can further contribute to this build-up.

What products cause dandruff?

Using haircare products with sodium lauryl sulfate (SLS) and sodium laureth sulfate (SLES) can lead to a flaky scalp. These ingredients strip the natural oil from your hair and scalp, making it dry, brittle, and frizzy. As someone who has experienced this, I recommend avoiding these products to keep your scalp and hair healthy.

Why do I get dandruff after shampoo and conditioner?

After using shampoo and conditioner, residue from hair care products can trap dead skin cells and promote the growth of Malassezia. Some ingredients might cause allergic reactions, leading to dandruff if you’re prone to it. It’s essential to patch-test and choose products that are suitable for your scalp type.