Does Wearing a Hat Cause Dandruff?

We see it happen all too often in our chairs here at Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon. The client comes in, touches their hair, looks embarrassed as a few white flecks flake off into the cape. And then comes the question, often accompanied by a pointing finger at their favorite baseball cap or beanie. Does wearing a hat cause dandruff?

It’s a legitimate question. We sport hats to impress, to keep warm, or to simply disguise a bad hair day. But could it be that the item we rely on to cover our craniums is working against us? There’s a lot of misinformation floating around regarding scalp care, and as gentlemen who are committed to maintaining their best-possible appearance, we are here to give you the facts and help determine whether or not that beloved hat of yours is a friend or a foe! 

Understanding What Dandruff Actually Is

Before pointing the finger at the hat. Let's examine the problem a bit further. Dandruff is basically a problem that comes about because the skin cells on your scalp flake off at a faster rate than usual. While dandruff is not simply a case of dry skin (although dry skin can be a contributing factor), the real cause is a fungus that resembles yeast, known as Malassezia.

Malassezia is a fungus that grows on everyone's scalp without causing a problem. But for some guys, the skin on the scalp becomes irritated by the presence of Malassezia. Causing it to flake off at a faster rate than usual. These skin cells die off and flake off in a way that combines with the oil on your scalp to create the flaky white patches that give dandruff its signature appearance.

Other reasons also come into play. Seborrheic dermatitis, which refers to oily and irritated skin, is a key reason. Sensitivity to hair products or infrequent shampooing of your hair can also cause it to build up. It is a biological process in your body and is a result of your genes and your body chemistry.

How Hats Can Contribute to the Problem

Now, let’s discuss how your hat is related to the big picture. Your hat may not grow the fungus itself, but it can certainly give it the right environment to grow. Consider what is going on under your hat, especially if you wear it for long periods or while exercising. It gets warm, and it gets moist.

This warm, moist, dark environment is exactly what fungi want. If you are someone with dandruff issues, holding heat and sweat against your scalp is only going to make it worse. Your sweat can also make the irritation on your scalp worse. This causes itchiness. Your itchy scalp can be scratched, damaging your skin and exacerbating the flaking issue. Furthermore, if you do not wash your hat often, it is going to collect dirt and grime that gets transferred right back to your head with each use.

Busting the Myth: Do Hats Cause Dandruff?

So, does wearing hats cause dandruff? The answer is a straightforward no. This is because a hat cannot cause the condition on a scalp that is not prone to it. So, if you don’t have the condition of being sensitive to Malassezia or other scalp conditions, wearing a fedora or a snapback won’t make you get dandruff.

Nevertheless, a hat can exacerbate existing dandruff problems. A hat is a breeding ground. When one is already fighting off the flakes, having one’s scalp hidden all day is not going to allow air to circulate and dry out the area.

Some also wonder, does wearing a hat with wet hair cause dandruff? It’s true that putting on a hat over wet hair can trap moisture and create an ideal environment for dandruff-related fungi, so it's best to dry your hair thoroughly before wearing any headgear.

Taking Care of Your Scalp

We think that your fashion choices shouldn’t have to conflict with your scalp care. If you’re that into your hats, just remember how you wear them. Give your scalp a chance to breathe every day. Clean your hats often to wash away sweat and oils. Most importantly, use proper grooming products. A good anti-dandruff shampoo or a scalp reliever will keep the fungus under control, no matter your choice of headgear.

But if you find yourself dealing with flakes that won’t quit, we’d love for you to come on down for  advice and a haircut near Denver, Colorado. We can put together a scalp regimen at Frank’s that will cleanse you deeply while keeping you moisturized. This will allow you to remove your hat when you want with confidence. Even after busting these myths, it doesn’t hurt to remember that regularly wearing hats exacerbates dandruff concerns for many, but good scalp care can prevent problems! 

Lisa Franz

Lisa Franz is the founder and owner of Frank’s Gentlemen’s Salon, a premier men’s salon and barbershop in Denver. With a background in theatre and a deep passion for community-building, she created Frank’s to merge high-end grooming services with a warm, inclusive space.