A dermatologist answers the question: “Can stress cause dandruff?

“and explains why your flakes might be flaring up in pandemic times.

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Stress can influence hormone levels, which in some people can affect sebum production on the scalp.

Higher amounts of sebum production create a more conducive environment for malassezia to grow and flourish.

And like a Pac-Man munching on oils, malassezia feeds off of every last drop.

An unrecognizable male hairdresser combs the dried hair of middle aged blond woman sitting sideways

First and foremost, avoid the itch.

This is often easier said than done, but attempt to avoid scratching your scalp when it becomes itchy.

If you want to go the natural route, you could also mixessential oils for dandruffinto any fragrance-free shampoo.

Various scattered hairdresser’s tool on blue, including user-friendly hair tools

This allows enough time for the ingredients to take effect.

Also be sure to rotate between two or three anti-dandruff shampoos.

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BEVERLY HILLS, CALIFORNIA - MARCH 02: Shay Mitchell attends the 2025 Vanity Fair Oscar Party Hosted By Radhika Jones at Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts on March 02, 2025 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Daniele Venturelli/Getty Images)

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