Can any product really put an end to hair fall?

While noticing meagre reduction in hair fall can be a possibility, it’s tough to claim if any product can entirely put an end to hair loss, or even galvanise new hair growth

Hair loss—or hair fall—is one of the most common concerns faced by both men and women alike. Approximately 35 million men and 21 million women around the world struggle with hair loss, discloses a report by The Hair Society. So it doesn’t come as a surprise that the global market for treating hair loss is poised to expand from US$1.9 billion in 2023 to US$2.8 billion by 2028, at a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of about 8.08 per cent. From one’s genetics to stress and health issues to nutritional deficiencies, no matter what the trigger is, there is a standardised solution provided by hair care brands globally that come available in a slew of product categories such as shampoos, hair masks, hair tonics, scalp serums, hair oils and even pre-wash scalp treatments and post-wash leave-on products. 

If topical application wasn’t enough, newly-surfaced health, wellness and nutrition-first brands have come up with a variety of gummies championing the likes of biotin and amino acids to boost hair growth and improve hair health in general, making ingestible potent ingredients available as deliciously flavoured over-the-counter products. Despite the fast-paced movement in the hair-loss (or anti-hair fall) market, you will agree that nothing revolutionary has come out of it to date, pertaining to a product. While noticing meagre reduction in hair fall can be a possibility, it’s tough to claim that any product can entirely put an end to hair loss, or even galvanise new hair growth for that matter. We reach out to the experts to decipher the science behind hair fall and whether you can ever pull the plug on it.

What causes hair fall?

“All hair shedding is hair fall, but there are different kinds of hair fall and it differs across age groups and gender,” says New Delhi-based dermatologist and author of Skin Sense, Dr Kiran Sethi. There are various conditions  that contribute to accelerated hair loss; Mumbai-based celebrity dermatologist Dr Jaishree Sharad mentions telogen effluvium, androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and scalp infections. “When a large number of hair follicles prematurely enter the resting phase also called telogen, it causes excessive shedding, which is called telogen effluvium and it can be triggered by physical or emotional stress, hormonal changes, illness, nutritional deficiencies or certain medications too; androgenetic alopecia, on the other hand, is also known as male or female pattern baldness. It is a hereditary condition characterised by gradual hair thinning and is typically caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors.” 

According to Sharad, fungal or bacterial infections that leave the scalp inflamed, and thereby the hair follicles weakened, can also result in episodes of hair fall. “Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss,” she adds. Dr Batul Patel, dermatologist and founder of The Bombay Skin Clinic, summarises that medical conditions, genetic history, hormonal fluctuations and any radiation therapy given to the head and ingestion of particular medications are common factors that lead to alarming hair fall. “In case of anagen hair fall, that happens due to certain medications, and is likely to stop once the medication is discontinued,” adds Sethi. 

Is hair fall always worrisome?

It’s common to worry the moment you spot a couple of hair strands on your brush, pillowcase or hair tie. However, it’s key to note that not every kind of hair shedding amounts to hair fall/hair loss. According to Patel, it is normal for anywhere between 50-100 hair strands to shed in a day. “The hair cycle ensures constant growth of hair but there is also shedding of hair that is normal. Usually, as the hair sheds, new hair takes its place but if the number of strands shed is more than 100 [per day], it can be considered worrisome,” opines the doctor, who still suggests that not all kinds of hair shedding equate to hair fall. “The physiological shedding that normally occurs is not hair fall.”

However, if you observe extreme hair loss patterns—think a significant increase in hair fall or a noticeable decrease in hair density—Sharad advises consulting a healthcare professional or a dermatologist. “They can evaluate your specific situation, identify the underlying cause, and provide appropriate guidance or treatment options.”

Can products dismiss hair fall?

‘Anti-hair fall’ or ‘anti-hair loss’ or ‘anti-breakage’ are terms we’ve spotted on several bottles of shampoo, conditioner and hair oil. Today, with multifarious innovations, scalp and hair serums, tonics and potent solutions sharing the aforementioned claim—and often priced very heavily—have also paved their way to the hair care aisles of premium beauty stores. But, can they really prove to be fully efficient in the curtailment of hair fall?

While some of these products can help improve the overall health and appearance of the hair, Sharad believes that it is important to approach their claims with a degree of scepticism and consider their efficacy. “The effectiveness of these products can vary, depending on the underlying cause of hair fall, individual factors and the specific ingredients used,” she says. 

“Shampoos and other products that claim to curtail or stop hair fall have ingredients such as keratin and biotin and other good-for-hair agents. Still, they alone cannot stop hair fall,” says Patel. “They can be used along with other therapies, though. Hair solutions like sprays and creams containing active ingredients like capixyl, procapil, caffeine and minoxidil are helpful to arrest hair fall and allow regrowth,” believes the doctor.

Speaking of gummies and supplements that claim to combat hair fall, they could be—as the name suggests—’supplementary’ to a good hair maintenance regime. However, expecting them to be miraculous isn’t wise. “Hair growth gummies and supplements typically contain a combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants and other nutrients that are believed to support hair health. Some common ingredients include biotin, vitamins A, C and E, zinc, iron and various botanical extracts. While they can play a role in supporting hair growth, it’s key to understand their limitations and consider them as part of a comprehensive approach to hair care,” affirms Sharad. “These supplements can potentially provide the nutrients necessary for healthy hair growth, but they may not completely stop hair fall or shedding on their own as they help address certain nutrient deficiencies that contribute to hair loss, but may not be sufficient to tackle the root causes.”

So, is there a right way to tackle hair fall?

Managing excessive hair loss/hair fall requires a holistic approach, from your diet to your hair care routine. “Ensure you have a balanced diet that includes essential nutrients for hair health, such as vitamins (particularly vitamins A, C and E), minerals (iron and zinc) and proteins. Incorporate foods like leafy greens, fruits, nuts, lean meats and legumes into your diet,” suggests Sharad. Speaking of the healthy tweaks to make in your hair care routine, she says: “Use a mild shampoo to cleanse your scalp regularly, removing dirt, excess oil and product buildup. However, avoid excessive washing, as it can strip the hair of natural oils, leading to dryness.”

Batul also settles the debate on two popular ingredients known to reduce hair fall—redensyl and rosemary oil. “Rosemary oil has anti-inflammatory properties and helps improve circulation making it a natural choice for treating hair loss. Redensyl can promote hair growth in the hair follicles and strengthen and thicken hair; the major components in it activate hair regeneration and decrease hair loss in the telogen phase.” Sharad also spotlights two other potent ingredients, commonly prescribed by trichologists. “Minoxidil is an FDA-approved topical medication available over-the-counter that is commonly used for androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). Finasteride, on the other hand, is a prescription medication commonly used for male pattern baldness—it works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone associated with hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals.”

Sharad also advises one and all to minimise heat and chemical damage caused by styling tools like dryers, straighteners and curling irons as excessive heat can weaken the hair and lead to breakage. “Avoid hairstyles that put excessive tension on the hair, such as tight ponytails, buns, braids, or extensions. These can cause traction on the hair follicles and lead to hair breakage or traction alopecia,” says the doctor. “If you are experiencing significant or persistent hair fall, consult a dermatologist. They can identify any underlying causes of hair loss and provide appropriate treatment options or lifestyle modifications,” she concludes.

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