Understanding Hair Fall: Causes, Symptoms & What You Can Do

Hair fall is something many of us face at some point. A few strands in your brush or shower drain might seem normal, but when it becomes frequent or visible, it raises concern. Hair fall isn’t just cosmetic — it can signal deeper issues like nutrition deficiencies, hormonal imbalance, stress, or scalp problems. In this article, you’ll learn what triggers hair fall, how to spot warning signs, and realistic steps you can take to slow or reverse it.

Common Causes of Hair Fall

Here are some of the most frequent contributors to hair fall:
1. Genetics / Androgenetic Alopecia
  If early hair loss runs in your family, you may be genetically predisposed to thinning or baldness over time.
2. Hormonal Imbalances
  Thyroid disorders, menopause, pregnancy, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can disrupt hormone levels and trigger hair shedding.
3. Poor Diet & Nutrition Deficiencies
  Lack of protein, iron, zinc, vitamin D, and biotin undermines hair’s building blocks.
4. Stress & Lifestyle Factors
  High stress, poor sleep, and unhealthy habits push more follicles into the “resting” phase, leading to shedding.
5. Scalp Conditions & Infections
  Dandruff, fungal infections, psoriasis, and scalp dermatitis irritate roots and can cause hair loss.
6. Physical or Chemical Trauma
  Overuse of heat tools, tight hairstyles (traction), harsh chemicals, bleaching, or repeated coloring weakens strands.
7. Medical or Drug-Related Causes
  Certain medicines, autoimmune diseases, or major surgery can cause temporary or permanent hair loss.
8. Environmental / External Factors
  Pollution, UV damage, water impurities (for instance, reports of contaminated water causing hair fall in some areas) can stress hair.

What Is Normal vs Excessive Hair Fall?

It’s normal to lose about 50-100 hairs per day as part of the hair growth cycle.
You should worry if you notice clumps of hair, visible thinning (especially at your crown, part line, or temples), or sudden hair loss in patches.
Also watch for scalp changes — redness, scaling, itching, or receding hairline — which suggest underlying problems.

How Hair Fall Progresses: Stages & Signs

Stage / Sign	What Happens	What to Look For
Early / Mild	Thinning begins in small patches	Wider part line, more hair in comb
Moderate	Noticeable scalp in certain areas	Reduced hair density, lighter scalp showing
Advanced	Extensive hair loss or baldness	Large bald patches, receded hairline
Spot / Patch Loss	Sudden, localized hair loss	Bald spots, sometimes circular

Real-Life Example: Unexpected Hair Loss in India

In early 2025, in Maharashtra’s Buldhana district, many people experienced sudden, dramatic hair loss. Investigations suggested high selenium levels in wheat (consumed regularly) as a possible culprit. www.ndtv.com+2India Today+2 This case shows hair fall isn’t always about genetics — diet and environment can play a critical role.

What You Can Do: Prevention & Treatment

1. Get a Thorough Diagnosis

See a dermatologist or trichologist. Blood tests (iron, thyroid, hormones) and scalp checks help pinpoint causes.

2. Improve Nutrition

Add more protein (eggs, legumes, lean meat), leafy greens, nuts, seeds, and foods rich in iron, zinc, and vitamins.

3. Manage Stress & Sleep Well

Meditation, exercise, and ensuring 6–8 hours of quality sleep help your body recover and reduce hair fall.

4. Use Gentle Hair Care

Avoid tight hairstyles, reduce heat styling, choose mild shampoos, and treat your hair gently.

5. Medical / Clinical Options

Minoxidil / Finasteride (as per doctor)
PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy to stimulate follicles
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Hair transplant (FUE / FUT / hybrid methods) — when other measures aren’t enough

6. Lifestyle Adjustments

Stay hydrated, avoid smoking, limit alcohol, minimize environmental exposure (pollution, harsh water), and regularly massage the scalp to improve blood flow.

When to Seek Help

Hair shedding continues beyond 3–4 months
You see patchy bald areas
Scalp is painful, inflamed, or scaly
You suspect an underlying medical condition (thyroid, anemia, hormonal issues)
Rapid hair loss over days
Early intervention usually leads to better outcomes.

Conclusion

Hair fall is a complex issue, with many possible triggers—genetics, health, diet, environment, stress. The good news is that with the right diagnosis and consistent care, many people can slow or reverse hair fall.

At Supermax Hair Transplant Clinic, we help you understand why your hair is falling, and guide you through tailored treatments — whether clinical therapies or surgical solutions.