Frequently asked questions/ queries on hair fall

What causes hair fall?

To understand it better, it is important to know what is normal hair shedding! It is absolutely normal to shed 50-100 hair strands in a day. But if a person loses more than 100 hair strands per day i.e. losing hairs in bunches while combing &/or shampooing, clogging of drains while hair wash or noticing multiple hair strands on the pillows after getting up from sleep, then it is considered as significant hair fall/shedding or Telogen Effluvium.

Common causes of hair fall include:

Stress (physical or emotional)

Hormonal changes (such as thyroid disorders, pregnancy, postpartum, or menopause)

Nutritional deficiencies

Metabolic disorders e.g. diabetes, obesity etc

Illness or infections

Certain medications

Rapid weight loss or dietary changes

Major surgery or trauma

Do I have hair fall or hair loss?

Hair fall can be physiological i.e. occurring as a part of normal hair cycling (<100 strands per day) or significant (>100 hair strands per day). Hair loss indicates noticeable thinning or balding wherein the scalp skin is visible through the hairs. Hair loss can be patchy (involving few areas of scalp) or diffuse (involving the entire scalp). To further elucidate the cause of hair loss, a detailed medical history and thorough trichoscopic examination are indispensible. A trichoscope is a handheld magnifying device that provides a magnified view of the scalp, hair follicles, and individual hair strands and allows the specialist to see the structures that are not visible to the naked eye.

Does my diet affect hair fall?

Diet plays a crucial role in hair health. A balanced diet rich in vitamins, minerals and protein is vital for healthy hair growth and preventing hair fall. Nutritional deficiencies can impact both the hair growth and structure. Low protein diet, crash diet/sudden weight loss, certain vitamins and mineral (especially iron) deficiencies are common causes of hair shedding.

Do anti-hair fall shampoos help prevent hair fall?

Shampoos are meant to cleanse your scalp and hair, helping to remove dirt, sweat, and accumulated oils. It is recommended to use a gentle shampoo followed by a conditioner to maintain hair texture and prevent brittleness or breakage. However, frequently changing shampoos to stop or reduce hair shedding is ineffective.

Which oil should I use for hair fall?

Hair oils are primarily used for their moisturizing properties, forming a layer over the cuticle (the outermost layer of the hair strand) to help retain moisture and prevent excessive dryness. Only a few oils, such as coconut oil and sesame oil, can penetrate the hair shaft. Oils can be applied 30 minutes to an hour before shampooing, but it is important to avoid tying hair too tightly after oiling to prevent unnecessary traction on the strands. Those with oily or greasy scalps, or persistent scalp infections, should seek advice from a dermatologist before applying oils.

What are the treatment options for hair fall?

For the treatment of hair fall, the first and the foremost thing is evaluating the underlying cause. It is done through a detailed medial history and trichosopic examination followed by specific blood tests. Certain lifestyle changes like high protein diet, balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals and maintaining an active lifestyle do help. Various treatment options in hair fall include correction of nutritional deficiencies, medications in the form of serums, lotions or tablets, regenerative therapies like platelet rich plasma (PRP) or growth factor concentrate (GFC) in some cases etc.

Can I use minoxidil for my hair fall?

Minoxidil is a FDA approved medication for hair loss or thinning. It can be used topically (in the form of lotion, foam, spray or gel) or orally in the form of tablets. Minoxidil is not recommended in case of active hair shedding or hair fall as it can aggravate hair fall. Even in case of hair thinning, refrain from using minoxidil without medical supervision. It is important to consult a dermatologist, have your scalp examined, and follow the doctor’s advice on the appropriate form, dosage, and concentration of minoxidil to use.

For hair fall related queries, consult the one of the best dermatologist in Ludhiana, Dr Khayati Singla at Neeyati gastro and skin clinic. Click here to book an appointment.