1. What is Hair Fall and Hair Regrowth?
Hair fall (hair loss / alopecia): The excessive shedding of hair from the scalp or other parts of the body. It may be temporary or permanent.
Hair regrowth: The process where new hair strands grow back after loss, depending on the health of hair follicles, scalp condition, nutrition, and medical care.
Hair grows in cycles:
- Anagen (growth phase): The active phase where most hair grows.
- Catagen (transition phase): A short resting phase.
- Telogen (shedding phase): Old hair falls out while new hair begins forming.
When this cycle is disrupted due to stress, illness, hormones, or genetics, noticeable hair loss occurs.
2. Signs & Symptoms of Hair Fall
Early identification makes it easier to manage hair fall. Watch out for:
- Gradual thinning: A slow reduction in hair volume (common at the crown or hair part).
- Receding hairline: Especially noticeable in men along the temples.
- Patchy bald spots: Circular or irregular bald patches.
- Excess hair on pillow/brush: More strands than usual during combing or sleeping.
- Widening hair part: More visible scalp in women.
- Scalp visibility: Thinning density exposes more scalp.
- Itching/flakiness: Often due to scalp conditions like dandruff or psoriasis.
- Signs of regrowth: Fine baby hairs or thicker strands in thinning areas.
3. What Causes Hair Fall & Hair Regrowth?
Hair fall may be caused by internal or external factors. Some are reversible, while others may require medical intervention.
- Genetics: Androgenetic alopecia (hereditary baldness) is the most common cause in men & women.
- Hormonal changes: Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, PCOS, or thyroid issues.
- Nutritional deficiencies: Lack of iron, protein, vitamin D, zinc, or biotin.
- Stress: Physical or emotional stress triggers telogen effluvium (shedding phase).
- Medical conditions: Alopecia areata, scalp infections, autoimmune disorders.
- Medications: Drugs for cancer, arthritis, depression, or blood pressure.
- Hairstyling damage: Tight hairstyles, chemicals, heat styling → traction alopecia.
- Scalp conditions: Dandruff, fungal infections, psoriasis.
- Aging: Hair growth slows naturally with age.
4. How to Stimulate Hair Regrowth
With proper care and treatment, hair regrowth is possible in many cases:
Medical Treatments:
- Minoxidil (topical solution): Stimulates follicles.
- Finasteride (oral tablet, men only): Blocks DHT hormone.
- PRP Therapy (Platelet-Rich Plasma): Enhances follicle activity.
- GFC Therapy (Growth Factor Concentrate): Boosts regrowth naturally.
- Hair Transplant Surgery: Permanent restoration for advanced baldness.
Lifestyle & Home Care:
- Eat a protein and vitamin-rich diet.
- Manage stress with yoga, meditation, or exercise.
- Avoid harsh shampoos, heat, and chemical styling.
- Treat dandruff or scalp infections early.
5. When to See a Dermatologist
Seek professional help if you notice:
- Rapid or sudden hair loss.
- Patchy bald spots or complete bald patches.
- Excessive shedding after illness or medication.
- No improvement despite lifestyle changes.
A dermatologist can perform tests, identify the exact cause, and create a personalized treatment plan to restore hair health.
