Overview
Hair fall is a natural process, but when it becomes excessive, it may indicate an underlying issue. Each strand of hair goes through a life cycle of growth, rest, and shedding. Disruptions in this cycle, due to stress, hormonal imbalance, medical conditions, or lifestyle factors, can lead to significant hair loss. A condition called telogen effluvium is one such common cause, where more hairs than usual enter the resting phase and shed. If you’re experiencing patchy hair loss or large clumps falling out, consult a dermatologist.
Hair loss symptoms
Hair fall presents in various ways depending on the cause:
- Gradual thinning on the crown (common with age)
- Receding hairline, especially in men
- Circular or patchy bald spots on the scalp, beard, or eyebrows
- Sudden hair loosening due to physical or emotional stress
- Full-body hair loss due to medical treatments like chemotherapy
- Scalp scaling, redness, or infection (e.g., ringworm)
Hair loss causes
- Genetics (Hereditary Hair Loss): The most common reason, known as androgenic alopecia, affects both men and women with age.
- Ageing: Hair growth slows over time and follicles may stop producing hair.
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss anywhere on the body.
- Cancer Treatment: Chemotherapy or radiation therapy often leads to temporary hair loss.
- Stress, Illness, or Surgery: Emotional or physical trauma can trigger excessive hair shedding.
- Tight Hairstyles: Constant pulling from tight ponytails or braids causes traction alopecia.
- Hormonal Imbalance: PCOS and other endocrine disorders can thin scalp hair in women.
- Scalp Infections: Fungal infections like ringworm can inflame the scalp and cause hair fall.
- Hair-Pulling Disorder: Trichotillomania involves repetitive hair pulling, often triggered by stress.
- Thyroid Conditions: Both hyperthyroidism and hypothyroidism can cause diffuse hair thinning.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Lack of biotin, zinc, iron, or protein can weaken hair and increase shedding.
Also read: Causes of Sudden Hair Fall
How to prevent hair loss?
- Avoid heat styling and chemical treatments.
- Use gentle, sulphate-free shampoos suited to your hair type.
- Do not comb wet hair—wait until it dries.
- Maintain a balanced diet rich in protein, vitamins, and minerals.
- Massage your scalp regularly to improve blood circulation.
- Use wide-tooth combs and natural fibre brushes.
Hair Fall Treatment
There are effective treatments for hair loss in some cases. You might be able to stop hair fall. Medications and surgery are two options for treating hair loss, which may help prevent hair loss immediately.
The most common treatment to stop hair fall is:
- Minoxidil is a nonprescription (over-the-counter) hair growth product that comes in liquid, foam, and shampoo forms.
- Finasteride is a prescription medication for men, recommended by a doctor. You may take it every day as a pill. Numerous men taking finasteride experience a slowing of balding, and some might show new hair growth.
How To Control Hair Fall
- Apply vitamin capsules to reduce hair fall.
- Enrich your diet with protein
- Scalp massage with essential oils
- Avoid brushing wet hair
- Apply Garlic juice, onion juice or ginger juice on your hair to stop hair fall.
- Reduce Alcoholic Beverages
- Reduce Alcoholic Beverages
Conclusion
Hair fall can result from various physical, emotional, and environmental factors. While some hair loss is normal, persistent or severe shedding shouldn’t be ignored. Fortunately, with timely diagnosis and care, hair loss can be managed effectively through proper hair hygiene, lifestyle changes, and natural remedies. Whether you opt for home solutions or medical treatments, staying consistent and patient is key to seeing results. Your hair health reflects your overall well-being, nurture it naturally and consult a specialist when needed.
Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Please consult a healthcare provider before beginning any new wellness practice, especially if you have an existing medical condition or are on medication.
References
- Phillips, T. G., Slomiany, W. P., & Allison, R. (2017). Hair Loss: Common Causes and Treatment. American Family Physician, 96(6), 371–378. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28925637/
- Bin Rubaian, N., Alzamami, H., & Amir, B. (2024). An Overview of Commonly Used Natural Alternatives for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia, with Special Emphasis on Rosemary Oil. Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology, Volume 17, 2495–2503. https://doi.org/10.2147/ccid.s470989
- Al Aboud, A. M., & Zito, P. M. (2020). Alopecia. PubMed; StatPearls Publishing. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK538178/
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