Malassezia is the group, or family, of yeast bacteria which inhabit the scalp. One of the subtypes of Malassezia is P. ovale, which is directly responsible for excessive flaking of the skin of the scalp; what we commonly term dandruff.

Researchers found that people with a higher concentration of the Malassezia yeast present on their scalp were more likely to have hair shedding. Too much hair shedding can ultimately lead to patchiness and areas of hair loss.

This means that the presence of the Malassezia fungi may decrease the strength or health of the hair shaft, leading to faster turnover.

If you are troubled by dandruff, be sure to treat it as soon as possible with over the counter shampoos and, if serious, advice from your doctor. Although the results of this study do need to be repeated in a larger group, it doesn’t seem like much of a stretch to think that a clean scalp might decrease hair shedding.

Dandruff is most often caused by a fungus called Pityrosporum ovale (P. ovale) (also known as M. Ovalis or malassezia). P. ovale is a common and naturally occurring yeast-like organism found on the scalp and other parts of human skin.

When present in small numbers, this fungus has no harmful effects. However, in response to changes in climate, hormonal, or stress levels, the P. ovale tends to concentrate on the scalp- because it has the largest number of oil glands. P. ovale grow best in oil rich environments.

As the fungus grows, it increases the rate of cell turnover on the scalp- leading to the white flaking we know as dandruff.

How can you control dandruff?

• Use a medicated shampoo to combat the most obvious symptoms.
• Aim to reduce the stress in your life.
• Reduce the number of styling products you use, as mousse, hairspray, gels, and other products can make your scalp oilier- giving the P. ovale more place to breed.