How to treat Hair Fall – Different types of Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss is inevitable – that’s the bottom truth. All men and women experience hair loss at some point in their lifetime. The causes for hair fall can widely vary from genetics, hormonal disorders, pregnancy, reaction to certain medications, stress, menopause, old age and more. Hair loss can be reduced with proper and regular hair care routine that includes massage and hair conditioning. However, it cannot be completely avoided. It is common for people to lose about 100-200 strands of hair in a day. Losing more than 200 to 700 strands of hair in a day could be hair loss and requires treatment.

Hair loss remedies and treatments have been in place since the early 1600s in the form of wigs and massages. Since the 1940s hair transplant has been used as the permanent treatment for hair loss and balding. Late 1990s saw laser treatments and advanced form of hair transplant such as FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) that were more successful that earlier treatment options. Some of the best treatment for hair fall is easily available in India at affordable costs. India is one among the top countries in the world that offer quality hair transplant treatment.

Best treatment for hair loss

The right treatment for hair fall depends on each individual’s causes and extent of hair loss. Depending on many factors such as the density of the hair, genetic hair health, type of hair loss and more, a doctor would be able to device the right treatment plan. Some of the most common hair loss treatment includes

• Topical medications – Minoxidil is the most common medication that is applied in the scalp (as foam or liquid solution) to help hair growth. The results would take time and the product must be used regularly to maintain the results.
• Pills – Finasteride is a pill that helps with hair growth. Vitamin and mineral supplements can also help with hair growth if the reason for hair loss is nutritional deficiency.
• Microneedling -  This procedure is not only done to promote skin health but has proven results of helping with hair growth. Needles are pressed on the scalp to create small injuries and promote the cells in the hair follicles to promote hair growth. By creating these tiny punctures, the body’s own defense mechanism is bought to action. This prevents thinning of the hair. Microneedling every 3 weeks is required to make the treatment successful.
• Hair transplant – Hair transplant is the long lasting solution to hair loss. FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) treatment involves the extraction of individual hair follicles and placing them on the region of the scalp. FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) involves removing a strip of hair from the back of the scalp. This hair is then individually transplanted to the recipient site.
• Laser therapy – Low-level laser therapy emits light that can penetrate to the scalp. The flow of blood to the scalp is improved with this technique and new hair begins to grow.
• PRP therapy – a person’s own blood is derived and sent through a centrifuge to separate platelet-rich plasma. This is then injected in the region of the scalp that requires hair growth. This treatment has to be repeated in intervals to maintain the results.

Home based treatment for hair loss

Mild to moderate hair fall can be treated with regular home remedies and hair care routine. Hair fall treatment at home could include

• Regular oil massaging
• Regular washing with mild shampoo and conditioner
• Hair masks made of products that are rich in protein and antimicrobial properties (examples: egg, honey, banana, aloe vera and others)
• Dandruff and hair fall treatments – unattended dandruff can lead to extreme itching of the scalp and can lead to a condition called seborrheic dermatitis. Reducing dandruffs with proper hair care is very essential to avoid hair loss in the future.

For severe hair fall, clinical treatments offer better and long-lasting results. 

Female hair loss treatment

Hair loss treatment for women will require a thorough analysis on the causes for hair loss. There can be a variety of reasons for hair loss among women, some of the common ones are hormonal disorders, stress, pregnancy, childbirth and more.

Women begin to experience hormonal changes from the age of 30 which may lead to excessive production of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) causing hair loss. Birth control pills, stress and lifestyle disorders also affect women and the extent of hair loss. Chemical damage to the hair due to excessive use of heat based styling products, hair dye, sodium lauryl sulphate based hair products have a direct impact on the health. This in turn causes hair loss, thinning and premature greying among women.

Male hair loss treatment

Hair loss treatment for men are very common due to the prevalence of hair loss among men. Male pattern baldness, which is a hereditary hair loss condition is present among 50% of the male population above 50 years of age. Scalp infection, psoriasis, hormonal issues, alopecia and lupus are among the other causes for hair loss in men. Hair transplant is the most preferred solution for long-term results. Individuals are also advised to quit smoking, lead a stress-free and active lifestyle to reduce hair fall.

Chennai is home to some of the best hair transplant clinics that can give quality results. It is important to identify a board-certified doctor who specializes in FUE, FUT or PRP treatments for the best results. PRP hair loss treatments in Chennai cost INR 4800 to 13000 for each session. Hair transplant treatments could cost between INR 45000 to 1,50,000 in the city.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. How can I stop my hair fall?

Some tips to reduce hair fall are

• Scalp massage with oils such as coconut, olive and castor oils (this improves blood circulation and stimulates hair growth)
• Nutrient rich food
• Drink enough water to improve hydration
• Avoid stress
• Regular washing with mild shampoo and conditioner
• Avoid excessive use of heat based styling products

2. Can we stop hair fall permanently?

Hair fall cannot be reversed completely. The only permanent solution to hair fall is hair transplant. However, individuals can use topical products such as minoxidil can be used regularly under the advice of a doctor.

3. What is the best home remedy for hair fall?

Some of the best home remedies for hair fall include regular head massage with oils, hair masks made of natural ingredients such as aloe vera, coconut oil, onion juice, egg, fenugreek, green tea and avocado.

4. How can I stop my immediate hair fall?

Consulting a doctor who specializes in hair fall to identity root causes, taking higher amounts of protein, scalp massage and taking medications for hair loss can stop hair fall immediately.

5. Which oil is best for hair fall?

Extra virgin coconut oil, castor oil, sesame oil, olive oil, neem oil and tea tree oil are some of the best oils for hair growth. Oils in general does not reduce hair fall but increases the production of new hair. Individuals with excessive oil on the scalp must stay away from too much oiling as it can lead to more hair fall.

6. Which shampoo is best for hair fall?

Shampoos that are made of biotin (vitamin B), phyto-caffiene, Niacin (vitamin B-3), essential oils (thyme, tea tree, peppermint) and minoxidil are good to prevent and reduce hair fall. Thick and long hair can be obtained by choosing a gentle hair shampoo.

7. Is oiling good for hair fall?

It is important to understand the type of scalp – oily, dry or normal. Individuals who have oily scalp must avoid excessive use of oil since this could increase hair fall. On the other hand, regular oiling can be beneficial for people with dry and normal scalp. Oiling once a week can be good to stimulate hair growth since massaging can improve the blood circulation and strengthen hair follicles. With better healthy hair follicles, hair growth will be improved.

8. How can a woman stop hair loss fast?

To prevent hair loss, the root causes for it must be identified. Women who suffer from thyroid disorders, PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and similar conditions should take treatment for the diseases to prevent hair loss. To stop hair loss fast medications such as minoxidil could be applied topically, protein rich diet, regular scalp massage and gentle brushing and styling can reduce hair loss.

9. How can I thicken my hair?

Intake of vitamin and mineral supplements such as biotin, vitamin C, vitamin D, iron, zinc and protein can thicken the hair. Replacing cotton pillow cover with bamboo or satin covers could prevent breakage and thinning of the hair. Protein based hair masks (homemade or store-bought) can prevent damage and keep the hair thick.

10. Does coconut oil thicken hair?

Coconut oil has a lot of benefits when used on the hair. From soothing scalp infections and irritation to promoting scalp health and reversing heat damage, it helps in the overall improvement of ones hair. The Lauric acid in coconut oil is known or nourishment of the scalp which in turn promotes hair growth. It is a great moisturizer when used on a regular basis and can give relief from frizzy and untamed hair.

11. Can I leave coconut oil in my hair overnight?

Yes, coconut oil can be applied before bedtime and washed the next day. Heat the required amount of coconut oil to make it warm and gently massage it on the scalp. Tie the hair into a bun and cover it with a satin cloth. Leave it for it for a few hours or overnight and wash with a gentle shampoo.

12. Is Aloe Vera good for hair loss?

Aloe vera is rich in vitamin B12, A, E, amino acids, minerals such as zinc and fatty acids which help with treating damaged hair and promoting hair growth. The gel of the aloe vera leaf can be scooped and applied into the scalp and washed off with a mild shampoo.

13. What is the latest treatment for hair loss?

DHI (Direct Hair implantation) is a form of FUE treatment that is the latest best known treatment for hair loss. PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is another technique where the person’s own blood is used to promote hair growth in balding regions.

14. Can I stop balding?

It is nearly impossible to stop balding but the condition can be treated effectively with medications, hair transplant and other forms of hair loss treatment such as PRP. Hair transplant is the most long-lasting solution that promotes hair growth in the balding region and gives a natural and fuller look.

15. What causes your hair to fall out?

As discussed, the causes for hair loss can be hereditary, hormonal issues, pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, alopecia, scalp infections, telogen effluvium (temporary hair loss post traumatic or stressful events), anagen effluvium (hair loss as a result of certain medications) and more.