How to Control Hair Fall: Causes, Tests and Treatments That Work

01Normal shedding vs hair loss

Hair grows in cycles; at any time about 10% is resting and shedding. Losing up to about 100 hairs a day, more on hair-wash days, is normal. Warning signs are visible thinning, a widening parting, a receding hairline, round bald patches or handfuls of hair falling for weeks.

02Common causes of hair fall

• Telogen effluvium: diffuse shedding two to three months after fever, illness (including dengue or COVID), surgery, childbirth, crash dieting or severe stress. Usually recovers in 6 months.
• Androgenetic alopecia: genetic pattern hair loss — receding hairline and crown thinning in men, widening parting in women.
• Thyroid disorders, iron deficiency, vitamin D or B12 deficiency.
• PCOS in women — see how to cure PCOD.
• Alopecia areata: round, smooth bald patches.
• Scalp conditions: dandruff, fungal infection, psoriasis.
• Tight hairstyles, heat styling and chemical treatments.
• Medicines and recent stopping of birth control pills.

03Tests worth doing

• Haemoglobin and ferritin (iron stores).
• Thyroid (TSH).
• Vitamin D and B12.
• Hormones (in women with irregular periods or acne).
• Blood sugar where relevant.

Avoid paying for large "hair panels" that don't change treatment.

04Hair fall in women: special causes

Women often notice hair fall after childbirth (postpartum shedding around 3–4 months after delivery), with PCOS, thyroid disorders, iron deficiency from heavy periods, crash dieting and around menopause. Female pattern hair loss causes a widening parting with preserved front hairline. Postpartum shedding usually recovers by the baby's first birthday. Iron, thyroid and hormone checks are especially useful in women, and treatment of the cause often brings back density over months.

05Hair fall in men: pattern hair loss

Male pattern hair loss is genetic and driven by the hormone DHT acting on sensitive follicles. It usually starts with a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the crown, sometimes from the early 20s. Early treatment preserves more hair. Options include minoxidil, prescription medicines discussed with a doctor, low-level procedures, and hair transplantation once the pattern has stabilised. A good doctor will explain realistic results and possible side effects before starting.

06Diet for healthier hair

• Protein at every meal — dal, eggs, paneer, curd, fish, chicken, soy.
• Iron-rich foods — green leafy vegetables, jaggery, legumes, meat — with vitamin C for absorption.
• Zinc and omega-3 — nuts, seeds, fish.
• Avoid very low-calorie diets, which trigger shedding.

Supplements help only if you are deficient; test first rather than taking several products at once.

07How long before results show

Hair grows about one centimetre a month, and follicles take time to restart after shedding. Most treatments need three to six months before improvement is visible, and up to a year for full results. Taking photos every month in the same light helps track progress more reliably than daily checking.

08Scalp problems that cause hair fall

Dandruff (seborrhoeic dermatitis), scalp psoriasis and fungal infections can cause itching, flaking and increased shedding. Treating the scalp with medicated shampoos or prescribed lotions reduces inflammation and allows healthy regrowth. Fungal scalp infection in children causes patches of hair loss and needs oral treatment.

09How to control hair fall: what works

1. Treat the cause: correct iron, thyroid or vitamin deficiencies.
2. Eat enough protein — dal, paneer, eggs, curd, fish — and avoid crash diets.
3. Minoxidil lotion or foam for pattern hair loss in men and women, used consistently; results take 3–6 months.
4. Prescription medicines for male pattern hair loss, chosen by a doctor after discussing side effects.
5. Anti-dandruff shampoos if the scalp is flaky or itchy.
6. Procedures such as platelet-rich plasma or hair transplant in selected cases.

10Hair care habits

• Wash with a mild shampoo two to three times a week; condition the lengths.
• Avoid tight ponytails, buns and frequent heat styling.
• Comb gently with a wide-toothed comb; don't comb wet hair roughly.
• Oiling can condition hair but does not stop hair loss caused by hormones or deficiency.
• Manage stress and sleep well.

11Myths about hair fall

• "Onion juice regrows hair." Evidence is weak; it can irritate the scalp.
• "Shaving makes hair grow back thicker." It does not.
• "Biotin fixes all hair loss." Only if you are deficient, which is uncommon.
• "Wearing a helmet causes baldness." Not when used normally.

12Choosing a hair doctor in Gurgaon or Delhi

Look for a doctor who examines your scalp, asks about health history, orders targeted tests and explains realistic results — rather than selling expensive packages on the first visit. Dr. Monga Medi Clinic offers hair fall treatment, alopecia areata treatment and premature greying care, with our DLF Phase 4 clinic for patients looking for a hair specialist in Gurgaon.

13Questions to ask a hair doctor

What is the likely cause of my hair fall? Which tests do I need? How long before I see results, and what results are realistic? What are the side effects of the treatment you suggest? Is a procedure necessary, or can medical treatment work first? A clear answer to each helps you avoid unnecessary costs and choose an effective plan.