Causes of chronic dandruff in women and its treatment

27 September 2025

    Chronic dandruff is one of the common problems that many women suffer from, and it often causes annoying itching and embarrassment in the general appearance. Although it may seem like a simple problem at first, its persistence for long periods indicates the existence of deeper factors associated with the scalp.

    Or even general health. Some women notice that dandruff increases with changing seasons or with using certain hair products, while others suffer from it permanently regardless of these conditions. Chronic dandruff may also affect hair density and quality over time.

    Daily care is not always enough to solve the problem if the underlying cause is not identified. Therefore, it is important to understand the factors that lead to it in order to be able to control it effectively.

    Dry scalp in some women

    Causes that lead to dry scalp:

    • Not drinking enough water leads to loss of scalp moisture.
    • Using strong shampoos removes natural oils.
    • Exposure to cold weather increases dryness.
    • Excessive hair washing exacerbates the problem.

    Increased sebum secretion in the scalp

    Increased sebum secretion leads to dandruff occurrence:

    • Some women have overly active sebaceous glands.
    • These oils attract fungi and lead to the appearance of dandruff.
    • This condition is often associated with oily skin.
    • Psychological stress may increase sebum secretion.

    Fungal infections in the scalp

    Chronic dandruff may be a result of the growth of a type of fungus called Malassezia, which lives naturally on the scalp but multiplies excessively in some women.

    This leads to scalp irritation and the abundant appearance of white or yellow flakes. This condition sometimes needs medical anti-fungal shampoos to reduce its activity.

    Women choosing unsuitable hair products

    Hair care products may lead to dandruff:

    • Some shampoos or oils contain irritating substances.
    • Dyes and chemical substances cause skin inflammations.
    • Allergies may appear in the form of severe itching and dandruff.
    • Choosing gentle, sulfate-free products helps with prevention.

    Deficiency of some nutritional elements in women

    Deficiency of nutritional elements clearly affects hair:

    • Lack of zinc in the body may cause increased dandruff.
    • Deficiency of Vitamin B affects scalp health.
    • Not consuming enough protein weakens hair follicles.
    • An unbalanced diet increases the severity of the problem.

    The effect of hormones and stress in women on dandruff

    During periods like pregnancy or menstruation, the dandruff problem may increase due to hormonal changes. Also, psychological pressure and anxiety directly affect the scalp and make dandruff more apparent.

    These factors cannot always be controlled, but they explain why some women suffer from chronic dandruff frequently.

    Skin diseases associated with chronic dandruff

    In some cases, chronic dandruff is part of a skin disease like psoriasis or seborrheic eczema. These cases need an accurate diagnosis from a dermatologist and the development of a special treatment plan.

    Ignoring these causes may lead to the worsening of dandruff and the appearance of inflammations or hair loss over time.

    Methods for treating chronic dandruff in women

    Treating chronic dandruff in women depends on the underlying cause and includes several steps:

    • Using medical shampoos containing anti-fungal ingredients like ketoconazole or zinc pyrithione.
    • Moisturizing the scalp with light natural oils like coconut oil or tea tree oil.
    • Avoiding daily hair washing with strong shampoos, and being content with washing it two to three times a week.
    • Following a balanced diet rich in zinc and vitamins to support scalp health.
    • In severe cases or those associated with skin diseases, a dermatologist must be consulted to prescribe drug treatments like creams or topical injections.

    Article Summary

    Chronic dandruff in women is not just a simple cosmetic problem, but it may be a sign of deeper factors. Among its most prominent causes are dry scalp due to lack of hydration or excessive hair washing. Increased sebum secretion also plays a role in attracting fungi that cause dandruff.

    Fungi like Malassezia may provoke chronic inflammations that need a medical shampoo. Allergy to chemical hair products is another common cause. Deficiency of some nutritional elements like zinc and Vitamin B may increase the severity of dandruff. Hormonal changes and psychological stress clearly affect the scalp.