Dandruff has emerged as the leading primary cause of hair loss among Indian men. Traya Health identified the trend through a study involving 166,460 Indian men. The study assessed men between June and August 2026. It mapped their primary hair loss causes across different Indian states.
According to Traya, dandruff accounted for 54 per cent of the cases assessed. Genetics followed with 21.2 per cent of cases. Nutrition ranked third and accounted for 10.1 per cent of cases. Together, these three factors accounted for more than 85 per cent of the cases recorded. The findings challenge the common belief that genetics drives most male hair loss.
Traya said many men treat hair loss without identifying its underlying cause. The company highlighted this gap through its latest study.
Humid regions report higher dandruff-related hair loss
The research also found significant regional differences in dandruff-related hair loss. Humid and coastal regions recorded higher rates than drier northern regions. Kerala recorded the highest proportion at 65.3 per cent among the states assessed. West Bengal followed with 59.7 per cent of cases linked primarily to dandruff.
Odisha recorded 59.5 per cent, while Assam recorded 58.5 per cent among the states included in the analysis. The proportion fell across several drier regions. Punjab recorded the lowest rate at 47.4%, followed by Rajasthan at 47.8 per cent. This created an almost 18-percentage-point difference between India’s highest and lowest recorded rates. Traya linked this variation to differences in climate and humidity.
Scalp health emerges as a key factor
The company noted that dandruff often remains unnoticed for extended periods. Many men also fail to connect persistent dandruff with hair loss. Traya’s findings suggest that scalp health deserves greater attention during hair loss assessment. The company also highlighted several internal factors affecting hair health. These factors include nutrition, sleep, digestion and metabolism. More than 23,000 men had hair loss associated with these factors, according to the study.
Nutrition also influences hair loss patterns
The findings also showed geographical differences in nutrition-related hair loss. Jammu and Kashmir recorded the highest share at 13 per cent. Kerala recorded the lowest nutrition-linked share at five per cent. Traya associated these differences with regional dietary and lifestyle patterns.
The study arrives during Hair Loss Awareness Month in August. It aims to encourage men to examine the factors behind hair loss. Traya said identifying the primary cause can shift attention from symptoms toward underlying scalp and health factors.
The company believes this approach can improve how men understand and manage hair loss. It also reinforces the importance of assessing scalp health before choosing treatment. The findings place dandruff at the centre of India’s male hair loss conversation. They also highlight the potential influence of climate, nutrition and lifestyle.
Traya’s analysis points to a broader message about hair loss. Men may need to look beyond genetics when investigating persistent hair fall. The company recommends understanding the underlying cause before pursuing a hair loss management approach.