Our Hair is one of our prized possessions and the minute we see hair fall more than usual, we start to panic! This makes men and women in India extensively research ‘how to reduce hair fall and increase hair growth’. The never ending search for steps to reduce hair fall ends with this article as we will talk about why your hair is falling and the best ways to reduce it.

Why Does Hair Fall?

Hair grows in three stages from the follicles, namely Anagen, Catagen, and Telogen. After a a few years, the hair eventually falls out and this is part of the normal hair cycle. However, there are certain factors that can cause your hair to fall beyond the normal quantities. These include –

• Hormonal imbalance
• Iron deficiency
• Androgenetic alopecia
• Traction alopecia
• Alopecia areata
• Stress
• Thyroid disease
• Biotin deficiency
• Trichotillomania
• Dandruff

These factors can be due to underlying genetic issues or a lack of essential nutrients in your diet. Sometimes, shock or trauma can also result in increased hair loss due to an increase in the stress hormones. Stress in the form of damage from pollutants, chemicals, and tight hairstyles can also make your hair fall.

Comparison Between Normal Vs. Excessive Hair Fall

Dermatologists and trichologists across the world stand by the fact that losing 50 to 100 hair in a day is considered a normal rate of hair fall. This amount indicates that enough hair is replacing the hair that is being shed.

Under different circumstances, like the many causes mentioned above, the hair cycle is disrupted leading to an increase in the amount of hair being shed and a decrease in the speed at which these hair strands are replaced. This can lead to excessive hair fall with more than 200 to 300 hair shafts being shed in a day. The consequences of this aggravated hair fall are noticeable with hair becoming thinner, hair partitions becoming wider, and bald patches developing.

Can Hair Grow After It Falls?

Yes, in most cases, hair can regrow after it has been shed. Adopting the right measures such as eating a healthy diet to reduce hair fall and following dermatologist-recommended tips to reduce hair fall go a long way in restoring the fallen hair. Many topical treatments and internal medicines are available in the market to either correct the underlying cause or to enhance hair growth by supplying the scalp with essential nutrients and growth factors.

How To Regrow Hair With Treatments?

Here are some dermatologist-approved methods to reduce hair fall and increase hair growth.

1. PRP To Boost Hair Regrowth – A safe, effective, and long lasting solution to regrow hair is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy. This treatment has proven to be successful in both men and women, and can show results irrespective of the cause of the hair loss. Even androgenetic alopecia (up to a certain stage) can be treated with PRP. PRP treatment is administered by drawing blood from the patient and separating the platelets from it. These platelets are activated and injected into the scalp. Various growth factors are delivered to the hair follicles and hair growth can be restored to normal amounts easily. In a few sessions, the thickness of the hair strands increase and scanty patches are covered.
2. Medication Options – The US FDA has approved two medications for excessive hair fall treatment. Minoxidil is one and is often sold under the name Rogaine. It is a topical medication that is meant to be applied on the scalp to reduce hair fall and increase hair growth. It is safe for use for both men and women. The other medication is called Finasteride, which is an oral medication that can only be used for treating hair fall in men. It is not safe for use in women, especially women who are planning to become pregnant or are pregnant.However, there are two major drawbacks of using only medication for reducing hair fall. One is that these medicines have side effects like rapid heart rate, scalp irritation, unwanted hair growth on the face, decreased libido, etc. The other drawback is that the medication, whether it is topical or oral, has to be used continuously to maintain results. Once you stop using the medication, your hair fall will revert to what is was prior to taking the medication.

Common Tips To Reduce Hair Fall

1. Drink plenty of water

Water is the solution to many problems in the body, including excessive hair fall. Drinking large amounts of water in a day, 10 to 12 glasses on an average, will keep your blood circulation optimal. Good blood circulation provides necessary nutrients to the hair shaft and helps in hair growth. Also, water is a key component for a healthy hair shaft and dehydration can easily make the hair brittle and cause it to fall prematurely.

2. Eat A Diet Rich In Vitamins & Minerals

When it comes to a diet to reduce hair fall, make sure what you are eating on a regular basis is full of vitamins and minerals. Vitamin B12, biotin, and vitamin A are essential for a healthy hair growth cycle. Dark green leafy vegetables, dairy and dairy products, papayas, nuts, almonds, cabbage etc. are great additions you can make to your diet to reduce hair fall.

3. Increase Your Protein Intake

In addition to vitamins and minerals, a key part of your diet to reduce hair fall is protein. The hair strand is essentially made up of protein and having sufficient amount of it in your diet will strengthen your hair and reduce hair thinning too. Food rich in protein includes milk, cottage cheese (paneer), lentils (or pulses), dried beans, chicken, and lean meat.
If you are still unsure about what to eat to reduce hair fall, consult a dermatologist or a nutritionist for the best advice to suit your specific case.

4. Oil Massage

A dry scalp results from lack of natural oils and can lead to hair fall. This can be easily combated with regular oil massages. Use an oil that suits your skin and apply it to the scalp and hair. Massage gently so that the oil penetrates the hair follicles and nourishes your scalp. The massaging action can also help stimulate capillary circulation in the scalp.

5. Shampoo & Condition Your Hair

It is important to keep your scalp clean and your hair hydrated by regularly shampooing and conditioning your hair. It is advised to wash your hair two to three times a week to remove all the excess oil build-up and dirt that accumlates. An unclean scalp can lead to dandruff and eventually hair fall. Pick a shampoo that is meant for your scalp and hair type.

6. Do Not Use Hot Water

A great tip to reduce hair fall is to avoid using hot water when you rinse your hair. Use water that is cool or lukewarm as this can help prevent the damage hot water can cause to your hair follicles. Damaged hair follicles result in increased hair fall.

7. Avoid Heat Treatments

Blow drying or curling your hair on a regular basis can damage your hair and make them brittle. Try to keep this to a minimum and avoid it as much as possible to maintain your the smoothness and shine in your hair. While men don’t often opt for heat treatments for their hair, they do tend to use styling products more than women. Like avoiding heat treatments for women is a wonderful method to reduce hair fall, using scalp-friendly styling products or keeping their usage to a minimum is how men can reduce hair fall.

8. Leave Wet Hair Alone

Some of us are accustomed to combing through our wet hair to remove tangles. Unfortunately, this can lead to increased hair fall. Make sure to never brush wet hair to avoid unnecessary hair breakage. Wait for your hair to dry completely and use an appropriate comb to disentangle it.

9. Destress Yourself

Stress is a major factor that can impact hair fall and cause it to increase by causing a hormonal imbalance. Engage in a fun activity or try meditation, going for a walk, reading a book or listening to some soothing music to relax.

10. Avoid Tight Hairstyles

The physical pressure created by tight hairstyles, like ponytails or buns, can make the hair shed easily and before it’s cycle ends. People who often maintain such hairstyles tend to develop scanty hair on the sides or near the temples. It is best to alternate such hairstyles with those that will not put pressure on your hair follicles. If possible, avoid such hairstyles altogether.

These are some general tips on how to reduce hair fall for males and females. Follow them as much as possible to keep excessive hair fall under control. However, please keep in mind that these tips will not provide you with drastic results immediately.

When Should You Visit A Doctor?

If you suffer from hair loss, visiting a doctor, specifically a dermatologist, is advised. No matter what levels of hair loss you are experiencing, a dermatologist can help you identify the cause and suggest appropriate treatment for it. The earlier you visit the better, as later stages of hair loss become difficult to treat.

Should You Try Home Remedies?

No, using home remedies is not advised by dermatologists. Many people swear by home remedies for reducing hair fall but there is no scientific evidence to support these solutions. Additionally, these ingredients pose the risk of causing an adverse reaction. Instead, it is best to opt for proven solutions for hair fall such as PRP that will give you the results you desire in just a short period of time.

FAQs

1. Is There An Age Group/Gender Worst Affected By Excessive Hair Fall?

Men above the age of 50 are the most affected by excessive hair fall. However, increased hair fall can be seen at any age group.

2. Should You Try Natural/Herbal Solutions To Regrow Hair?

No. Since the effectiveness and safety of herbal solutions holds no scientific proof, it is not recommended to try natural remedies to regrow hair.

3. Does Excessive Hair Fall Lead To Balding?

Yes, excessive hair fall can lead to bald patches forming on the head and even cause partial or complete baldness.

4. Will The Hair Regrow On Bald Spots?

When treated during the early stages of the condition, the hair can regrow in the bald spot areas.

Hair fall is rising concern among men and women. It is important to identify the cause and treat it accordingly to avoid irreversible hair loss. Consult a dermatologist today to discuss your hair fall concerns and get the best treatment possible.

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