Hair Fall in Men and Women: Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatments

1. What Is Considered Normal Hair Fall?
2. Common Causes of Hair Fall in Men and Women
3. How Is Hair Fall Properly Diagnosed?
4. Hair Fall Treatments Available at Lavanayam Clinic
5. How to Prevent Hair Fall From Getting Worse

1 What Is Considered Normal Hair Fall?

The average person sheds between 50 and 100 hairs per day as part of the natural hair growth cycle — a process in which individual hairs move through growth (anagen), transition (catagen), and resting (telogen) phases before falling and being replaced. This level of shedding is entirely normal and nothing to be concerned about. Concern arises when shedding consistently exceeds this range, when hair grows back noticeably thinner than before, when a widening parting or receding hairline becomes visible, or when distinct bald patches appear. If you are filling your hairbrush, finding hair on your pillow, or noticing your scalp through your hair, it is time to consult a dermatologist rather than wait.

2 Common Causes of Hair Fall in Men and Women

Hair fall rarely has a single cause. Understanding the underlying trigger is the most important step toward effective treatment. Androgenetic Alopecia (Genetic Pattern Hair Loss) is the most common cause in both men and women. In men, it follows a predictable pattern of a receding hairline and crown thinning. In women, it typically causes diffuse thinning over the crown and a widening central parting, while the hairline usually remains intact. It is driven by the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone) acting on genetically susceptible follicles. Telogen Effluvium is sudden, diffuse shedding triggered by a physiological shock to the system — such as major stress, a prolonged illness, surgery, rapid weight loss, or the hormonal shift after delivery (postpartum hair fall). Hair typically sheds 2–3 months after the trigger event, which is why patients often cannot identify the cause without a thorough history. Nutritional Deficiencies — particularly low iron (ferritin), Vitamin D, Vitamin B12, zinc, and inadequate dietary protein — are among the most overlooked causes of hair fall in India. These are identified through a simple blood panel and are highly treatable once identified. Thyroid Disorders — both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism — disrupt the hair growth cycle and cause diffuse shedding. Thyroid-related hair fall does not respond to hair treatments until the underlying thyroid condition is managed medically. PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) causes elevated androgens in women, leading to hair thinning on the scalp (similar to male pattern loss) alongside other hormonal symptoms. This is increasingly common among women in their 20s and 30s. Scalp Conditions such as chronic dandruff, seborrhoeic dermatitis, or scalp psoriasis create an inflamed follicular environment that accelerates shedding and can impair hair regrowth if left untreated. Alopecia Areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, producing smooth, well-defined circular bald patches on the scalp or elsewhere on the body. It requires specialist dermatological management. Certain Medications — including some used for blood pressure, depression, thyroid conditions, and acne — list hair fall as a known side effect. A dermatologist can help identify whether your medication is a contributing factor.

3 How Is Hair Fall Properly Diagnosed?

Starting a hair treatment without an accurate diagnosis is one of the most common reasons people spend money and time without seeing results. Different causes of hair fall require entirely different treatments — what works for androgenetic alopecia will not address a nutritional deficiency, and treating telogen effluvium like pattern hair loss leads to frustration on both sides. At Lavanayam Skin, Hair and Laser Clinic, Gaur City 2, Greater Noida West, the diagnostic process includes a detailed patient history covering the duration and pattern of shedding, a physical scalp examination, a pull test to assess active shedding, and trichoscopy — a dermoscopic evaluation of the scalp and individual follicles that can identify miniaturisation, follicular damage, scalp inflammation, and other changes invisible to the naked eye. Blood investigations are ordered where clinically indicated to rule out or confirm nutritional deficiencies, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal imbalance (including androgens and PCOS markers in women), and anaemia. This complete picture guides a treatment plan that addresses the actual cause — not just the symptom.

4 Hair Fall Treatments Available at Lavanayam Clinic

Treatment is always tailored to the diagnosis. The following are the evidence-based options available at Lavanayam, Gaur City 2, Greater Noida West. Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) Therapy is currently one of the most effective non-surgical hair treatments available. A small sample of the patient's own blood is processed to isolate and concentrate a high dose of growth factors, which are then injected directly into the scalp. GFC stimulates dormant follicles, improves hair density, and slows the progression of pattern hair loss. It has largely superseded standard PRP in clinical practice due to its higher growth factor concentration and more consistent results. Most patients require 4–6 monthly sessions followed by quarterly maintenance. Mesotherapy involves the microinjection of a customised blend of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and scalp-nourishing agents directly into the scalp. It addresses nutritional deficiencies at the follicular level — where oral supplements sometimes do not reach in adequate concentrations — and creates an environment that supports healthy hair regrowth. Prescription Topical and Oral Medications — including minoxidil (topical and oral), finasteride (for men), and spironolactone or anti-androgens (for women with PCOS-related hair loss) — are used under dermatologist supervision to address the hormonal and genetic drivers of pattern hair loss. These are often combined with GFC or mesotherapy for faster and more complete results. Hair Transplant (FUE — Follicular Unit Extraction) is the definitive, permanent solution for patients with significant baldness or areas where follicles have permanently miniaturised and will not respond to medical management. In FUE, individual follicular units are extracted from a donor area (typically the back of the scalp) and transplanted into the recipient area. Results are permanent because transplanted follicles are genetically resistant to DHT. Hair transplant is recommended only after medical management has been tried and when there is sufficient donor hair available.

5 How to Prevent Hair Fall From Getting Worse

While not all hair fall is preventable — particularly genetic pattern loss — several steps can slow progression significantly and protect the hair you have. Address nutritional deficiencies promptly. Low ferritin is the single most common and most under-diagnosed nutritional cause of hair fall in Indian women. A simple blood test can identify this. Manage chronic stress through regular physical activity, adequate sleep (7–8 hours), and where necessary, professional support. Cortisol — the stress hormone — directly disrupts the hair growth cycle. Avoid prolonged or repeated chemical treatments (bleaching, perming, straightening) and excessive heat styling, both of which damage the hair shaft and weaken follicles over time. Use a mild, sulphate-free shampoo suited to your scalp type. Harsh shampoos strip the scalp of its natural lipid barrier, worsening conditions like seborrhoeic dermatitis that contribute to hair fall. Avoid tight hairstyles — high ponytails, tight braids, and extensions — that create traction on follicles. Traction alopecia along the hairline is increasingly common and, if chronic, can cause permanent follicular damage. Most importantly, seek a dermatologist's advice early. Hair follicles that have been dormant for an extended period eventually become permanently inactive. Early intervention — even in genetic hair loss — can preserve density and slow miniaturisation far more effectively than late treatment.