Kentucky Cosmetology State Practice Exam 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The main cause of dandruff is the Malassezia fungus, which is a type of yeast that occurs naturally on the scalp. This fungus can grow excessively and lead to an overproduction of skin cells. As these skin cells die and shed, they can accumulate and form the distinctive flakes associated with dandruff. Furthermore, the presence of Malassezia can also trigger inflammation in some individuals, which exacerbates flaking and may result in itching or irritation of the scalp.

Understanding this process highlights the importance of targeting treatments that address fungal growth rather than solely relying on methods to treat the symptoms, such as managing dry scalp or improving hygiene. While factors like dry scalp, allergies, and poor hygiene can influence the severity of dandruff or contribute to scalp sensitivity, Malassezia remains the primary biological culprit in the formation of dandruff.