Yes, there is a link between hormones and dandruff, which explains why it most often appears during puberty.
One of the key factors in the process is sebum, a lipid film produced by the body on the scalp, face and chest. Hormones control its production.
It all starts when this sebum is broken down into several irritating substances, such as oleic acid, by a naturally occurring micro-organism, Malassezia Globosa.
If your scalp is sensitive to this oleic acid, it develops irritation followed by epidermal desquamation, the famous dandruff.
Learn more about the causes of dandruff
Hormones controlling your sebaceous glands therefore play an essential role in the appearance of dandruff, by causing the secretion of the main irritant of the scalp, oleic acid. This is why dandruff often appears at puberty.
But hormones are not the only cause. A sensitive scalp to oleic acid is also necessary. With almost 50% of the population being sensitive to it, you have a one in two chance of suffering from dandruff at some point in your life.
Find your ideal anti-dandruff shampoo