Certain hair care products can irritate the scalp and may cause dandruff. If a person finds that a product is causing irritation, they should try switching to a gentle, non-medicated shampoo. Some people say not shampooing enough can cause a buildup of oil and dead skin cells, leading to dandruff.

Can shampoo build up cause dandruff?

Scalp buildup can often cause a flaky scalp. It's an easily treatable condition. It shares many of the same symptoms as dandruff.

Does shampoo worsen dandruff?

Dandruff poses the opposite problem. “Not shampooing enough will only make your dandruff worse — it causes more oil and dead skin cells to accumulate on your scalp, which the yeast and fungi just continue to feed on,” warns Beverly Hills dermatologist Stuart H.