What is a common cause of dandruff?

Dandruff is commonly caused by a combination of factors, with both dry scalp and fungal infections being significant contributors. A dry scalp can lead to flaking and irritation, which is often experienced as dandruff. On the other hand, a fungal infection, particularly one caused by Malassezia yeast, can disrupt the balance of the scalp's natural oils, leading to increased cell turnover. This results in flakes that appear as dandruff.

While other factors like an oily scalp, excessive use of hair products, and allergic reactions to hair dye can also impact the health of the scalp and hair, they are not the primary causes of dandruff itself. An oily scalp might contribute to dandruff due to increased flaking from excess oil, but it is not as direct a cause as a dry scalp or an active fungal infection. Excessive hair products could build up on the scalp, potentially leading to irritation, but again, this is more of a secondary effect rather than a primary cause. Allergic reactions to hair dye can cause irritation and flaking, but these symptoms would stem from an allergic response rather than the typical presentation of dandruff.

Thus, the combination of a dry scalp and fungal infection addresses the fundamental issues leading to the formation of dandruff