Losing 50-100 strands daily is normal as part of the hair's natural cycle. Hair fall becomes a concern when you lose MORE than 100 strands daily, see visible thinning, bald patches, widening of hair parting, or receding hairline. If your hair isn't regrowing at the same rate it's falling, consult a doctor.

Common causes: 1) Hereditary factors (androgenetic alopecia) - most common, 2) Hormonal imbalances (DHT, thyroid, PCOS in women), 3) Nutritional deficiencies (iron, protein, B12, Vitamin D), 4) Stress (telogen effluvium), 5) Medical conditions (alopecia areata, scalp infections), 6) Medications (chemotherapy, blood thinners), 7) Poor hair care practices.

Hair grows in 4 phases: 1) Anagen (growth phase) - lasts 3-5 years, hair grows actively, 2) Catagen (transition phase) - 2-3 weeks, growth slows, follicle shrinks, 3) Telogen (resting phase) - 2-3 months, hair rests, 4) Exogen (shedding phase) - old hair falls, new hair begins. Disruption in any phase causes hair loss.

Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss in men, affecting up to 70% by age 70. It's caused by genetics and DHT hormone shrinking hair follicles. Pattern: Receding hairline forms 'M' shape, then crown thins, eventually leaving horseshoe-shaped hair. The earlier treatment starts, the better results.

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) affects 40% of women by age 50. Unlike men, women rarely go completely bald. Signs: Widening of center parting, overall thinning on top of scalp, hairline usually preserved. Causes include genetics, hormonal changes (menopause, PCOS), and aging. Homeopathy addresses hormonal root causes effectively.

PCOS (Polycystic Ovary Syndrome) causes hormonal imbalance with elevated androgens (male hormones). This leads to: 1) Hair thinning on scalp (similar to male pattern), 2) Excessive facial/body hair (hirsutism) - opposite effect!, 3) Irregular periods, acne, weight gain. Constitutional homeopathy treats PCOS holistically, addressing both hair loss and hirsutism.

Yes! Stress triggers 'Telogen Effluvium' - sudden shedding of large amounts of hair. High cortisol pushes hair follicles prematurely into resting phase. You may notice increased shedding 2-3 months after a stressful event (surgery, illness, emotional trauma, COVID). Good news: this type usually reverses once stress is managed.

Yes, genetics play a major role in pattern baldness. If your father, grandfather, or maternal uncles have pattern baldness, your risk is higher. The genes determine how sensitive your hair follicles are to DHT hormone. However, even genetic hair loss can be slowed or improved with early treatment.

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where your immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss. Features: Sudden round bald patches, can affect scalp, beard, eyebrows. Hair often regrows by itself, but may fall again. Constitutional homeopathy addresses the autoimmune tendency, reducing recurrence.

Hair fall can start at any age. Male pattern baldness: Can begin in teens, common by 30s-40s. Female pattern hair loss: Usually after menopause, but PCOS can cause it earlier. Early signs: Receding temples in men, widening parting in women. Early treatment gives best results. Don't wait until significant loss occurs.

Yes! Treatment success depends on the cause and timing. Treatable causes: Nutritional deficiencies, thyroid issues, stress-related shedding, PCOS, infections - often fully reversible. Genetic hair loss: Can be slowed, and regrowth possible with treatment. Key: Start early before follicles shrink permanently. Homeopathy addresses root causes for lasting results.

Homeopathy takes a constitutional approach: 1) Analyzes your complete case - physical, mental, hormonal, 2) Identifies ROOT CAUSE (hormonal imbalance, stress, deficiency), 3) Selects individualized medicine to restore balance, 4) Treats associated conditions (PCOS, thyroid, stress). Unlike topical treatments, homeopathy works from within on the 'living' follicle.

Timeline varies by cause: Telogen effluvium (stress): 3-6 months. Nutritional deficiency: 6-12 months with supplements. Hormonal (PCOS/thyroid): 6-12 months with treatment. Pattern baldness: 6-12 months to see improvement, ongoing treatment needed. Hair growth is slow - about 1cm per month. Patience and consistency are key!

Hair transplant moves healthy follicles from back of head to balding areas. Pros: Permanent results for transplanted hair. Cons: Expensive (₹50,000-₹2,00,000+), doesn't stop ongoing hair loss, may need multiple sessions. Best for: Stable pattern baldness after age 25. Must continue medical treatment to protect remaining hair.

Minoxidil: FDA-approved for pattern baldness. Generally safe but may cause scalp irritation, unwanted facial hair. Must use continuously. Finasteride: Prescription for men only. Effective but potential side effects include decreased libido (1-2% of users). Women of childbearing age should NOT use. Homeopathy offers side-effect-free alternative.

PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) involves injecting your own blood platelets into scalp to stimulate follicles. How: Blood drawn, processed to concentrate platelets, injected into scalp. Results: Mixed - some see improvement, needs multiple sessions. Cost: ₹5,000-₹15,000 per session. Not permanent - needs maintenance.

Hair oils can condition hair and improve scalp health, but they DON'T stop pattern baldness or hormonal hair loss. Helpful for: Dry scalp, brittle hair, external damage. Good oils: Coconut, almond, castor (for moisture). Truth: Oils work on the DEAD shaft of hair, not the living follicle underneath. Internal treatment is essential.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) devices are FDA-approved for pattern baldness. How: Red light stimulates cellular energy in follicles. Results: May improve hair density in some people. Limitations: Modest results, expensive devices, needs consistent use. Best as addition to other treatment, not standalone solution.

Hair vitamins help ONLY if you have a deficiency. Taking more vitamins when you're not deficient doesn't make hair grow faster. Important nutrients: Iron, Ferritin, Vitamin D, B12, Biotin, Zinc, Protein. Get tested first. Excess biotin can falsify lab tests. A balanced diet usually provides enough nutrients.

PCOS hair loss needs hormonal correction: 1) Lifestyle changes (weight loss helps reduce androgens), 2) Anti-androgen medications, 3) Birth control pills regulate hormones, 4) Metformin improves insulin resistance. Constitutional homeopathy: Treats PCOS holistically - regulates periods, reduces androgens, addresses both hair loss AND facial hair growth.

Hair-boosting foods: 1) Protein - eggs, fish, chicken, dal, paneer (hair is made of protein!), 2) Iron - spinach, beetroot, jaggery, organ meats, 3) Omega-3 - salmon, sardines, walnuts, flaxseeds, 4) Biotin - eggs, almonds, sweet potato, 5) Zinc - pumpkin seeds, chickpeas, 6) Vitamin C - amla, citrus (helps iron absorption).

Avoid or limit: 1) Excess sugar - causes inflammation, affects hormones, 2) Refined carbs - white bread, maida products, 3) High-mercury fish - affects hair growth, 4) Alcohol - dehydrates, affects nutrient absorption, 5) Crash diets - sudden weight loss causes telogen effluvium, 6) Too much vitamin A - excess can cause hair loss.

Absolutely! Hair is 95% made of keratin PROTEIN. Protein deficiency directly causes hair loss. Signs: Hair becomes dull, brittle, thin. Requirement: 0.8-1g protein per kg body weight daily. Sources: Eggs (most complete), fish, chicken, dairy, lentils, soy. Vegetarians need to combine proteins carefully to get all amino acids.

Yes! Iron deficiency is the #1 nutritional cause of hair fall, especially in women. Iron helps carry oxygen to hair follicles. Low ferritin (iron stores) causes hair thinning even before you become anemic. Get ferritin levels checked - ideally above 70 ng/mL for optimal hair. Take iron with vitamin C for better absorption.

Biotin (Vitamin B7) is essential for keratin production. Deficiency is rare but causes hair loss and brittle nails. Biotin supplements: Help ONLY if deficient. Most people get enough from diet. Warning: High-dose biotin can interfere with lab tests (thyroid, cardiac). Don't take before blood tests. 30mcg daily is usually sufficient.

Yes! Vitamin D receptors are present in hair follicles and are essential for healthy hair cycle. Deficiency is linked to alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. Get tested - ideal level is 40-60 ng/mL. Sources: Sunlight (15-20 min morning sun), fatty fish, fortified foods. Most Indians are deficient and need supplements.

Yes! Omega-3 fatty acids: 1) Nourish hair follicles and support growth, 2) Reduce scalp inflammation, 3) Add shine and elasticity. Sources: Fatty fish (salmon, mackerel, sardines), walnuts, flaxseeds, chia seeds. Vegetarians should include ground flaxseeds daily. If you don't eat fish regularly, consider algae-based omega-3 supplements.

Hydration is important but won't cure hair loss. Water helps: Transport nutrients to hair follicles, maintain scalp health, keep hair shaft hydrated. Dehydration can make hair dry and brittle. Aim for 8-10 glasses daily. However, no amount of water will fix hormonal or genetic hair loss - internal treatment is needed.

Only if deficient! Get these tested first: Iron/Ferritin, Vitamin D, B12, Thyroid function. Taking random supplements wastes money and can be harmful. Excess biotin affects lab tests, excess Vitamin A causes hair loss! A balanced diet is usually sufficient. If deficient, supplement under medical guidance for 3-6 months.

PCOS diet to reduce androgens: 1) Low glycemic index foods - whole grains, vegetables, 2) Anti-inflammatory foods - turmeric, green leafy vegetables, fish, 3) Avoid sugar, refined carbs (worsens insulin resistance), 4) Include spearmint tea (may reduce androgens), 5) Healthy fats - nuts, olive oil. Weight loss of even 5-10% significantly improves PCOS symptoms.

Depends on scalp type: Oily scalp: Every 2-3 days. Normal/Dry scalp: Every 3-4 days. Daily washing strips natural oils. Myth: Washing causes hair fall. Truth: You lose same hair whether you wash daily or weekly - it just collects more between washes. Use gentle, sulphate-free shampoo. Focus on scalp, condition on lengths.

Yes! Tight hairstyles cause 'Traction Alopecia' - hair loss from constant pulling. High-risk styles: Tight ponytails, braids, cornrows, buns, hair extensions. Signs: Hairline receding, baby hairs breaking. Prevention: Loose styles, vary hair position, avoid sleeping with tight ties. If caught early, damage is reversible.

Yes, excessive heat damages hair protein (keratin). Heat styling risks: Dryness, breakage, split ends, weakened hair. Safe practices: Use heat protectant spray, medium settings, limit frequency. Air dry when possible. Note: This causes hair breakage, not true hair fall from roots. However, damaged hair looks thinner.

Chemical treatments can damage hair and RARELY cause temporary shedding. Risks: Hair breakage from harsh chemicals, scalp irritation, allergic reactions. Safe practices: Patch test always, use ammonia-free colors, deep condition after, wait 6-8 weeks between treatments. If scalp burns/itches, stop immediately and see a doctor.

No! This is a myth that causes more harm than good. Excessive brushing: Causes breakage and friction damage, can pull out healthy hair, creates frizz. Reality: Brush only to detangle, use wide-toothed comb on wet hair, work from ends upward. Gentle handling prevents mechanical damage to hair.

Oiling benefits: Conditions hair shaft, reduces friction, moisturizes dry scalp. Best oils: Coconut (penetrates hair shaft), almond (vitamin E), mustard (traditional). How: Apply warm oil, leave 30min-overnight, wash out. Limitation: Oils work on dead hair shaft only - they don't grow new hair or stop hormonal hair loss.

Yes indirectly! Exercise benefits: 1) Improves blood circulation including to scalp, 2) Reduces stress (main hair fall trigger), 3) Balances hormones, 4) Reduces insulin resistance (helps PCOS). Best: Moderate cardio and yoga. Caution: Over-exercising and extreme diets cause telogen effluvium. Balance is key.

Sleep is crucial for hair health: 1) Most cell regeneration happens during sleep, 2) Poor sleep increases stress hormones (cortisol), 3) Affects hormone balance including growth hormone. Tips: 7-8 hours quality sleep, silk pillowcase (reduces friction), loose hair at night. Chronic sleep deprivation can trigger telogen effluvium.

Dandruff itself doesn't cause hair loss, but excessive scratching can damage follicles. Underlying conditions matter: Seborrheic dermatitis (oily dandruff) can worsen hair fall. Fungal infections can damage follicles. Treatment: Anti-dandruff shampoo (ketoconazole, zinc pyrithione), don't scratch, treat underlying cause.

Yes! Smoking damages hair in multiple ways: 1) Reduces blood flow to scalp (follicles starved of oxygen/nutrients), 2) Creates oxidative stress damaging follicles, 3) Affects hormone balance, 4) Accelerates aging including hair. Studies show smokers have more gray hair and hair loss. Quitting helps overall health including hair.

Post-COVID hair loss affects up to 25% of recovered patients. It's a form of telogen effluvium triggered by: 1) Physical stress of illness, 2) High fever, 3) Inflammatory response, 4) Emotional stress. Usually starts 2-3 months after infection, peaks at 3-6 months, then gradually improves. Most cases resolve within 3-6 months. Constitutional treatment speeds recovery.

During pregnancy: Hair often looks fuller due to hormones keeping hair in growth phase longer. After delivery: Many women experience significant shedding (postpartum telogen effluvium) around 3-6 months postpartum. This is temporary and usually resolves by baby's first birthday. If heavy loss continues beyond 12 months, get thyroid and iron checked.

Yes! Both hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism cause hair loss. Signs: Diffuse thinning (not patchy), dry/brittle hair, outer third of eyebrow thinning (hypothyroid sign), hair texture change. Other symptoms: Fatigue, weight changes, cold/heat intolerance. Get TSH checked. Once thyroid is controlled, hair usually regrows in 6-12 months.

This paradox is caused by androgens (male hormones) like DHT: On scalp follicles → causes hair miniaturization and loss. On face/body follicles → stimulates hair growth (hirsutism). Common in PCOS. Solution: Treat underlying hormonal imbalance. Constitutional homeopathy addresses both - reducing scalp loss AND unwanted facial hair.

Yes, decreased estrogen during menopause unmasks DHT effects, causing female pattern hair loss. Changes: Hair becomes thinner, drier, parting widens. Other factors: Low iron, vitamin D deficiency common at this age. Management: Hormone consideration with doctor, nutritional support, constitutional treatment for symptom relief.

Yes, diabetes impacts hair growth: 1) Poor circulation reduces nutrient delivery to follicles, 2) High blood sugar damages blood vessels, 3) Stress of disease triggers telogen effluvium, 4) Diabetics heal slower. Good blood sugar control is essential for healthy hair. Diabetes also increases risk of bacterial/fungal scalp infections.

Yes! Iron deficiency anemia is a major cause of hair fall in women. Red blood cells carry oxygen to hair follicles; without enough iron, follicles can't function properly. Symptoms: Fatigue, shortness of breath, pale skin, hair thinning. Get ferritin checked (not just hemoglobin). Ferritin should be above 70 for optimal hair.

Yes, emerging research links gut health to hair! The gut: Absorbs nutrients needed for hair, influences inflammation levels, affects hormone metabolism, connected to autoimmune conditions (alopecia areata). Gut-friendly practices: Probiotics, fiber-rich foods, avoid processed foods. Healthy gut = better nutrient absorption = healthier hair.

Sometimes hair loss signals underlying conditions: Red flags: Sudden patchy loss (alopecia areata), along with fatigue/weight changes (thyroid), with joint pain (lupus), with scalp pain/scarring (scarring alopecia). When to worry: Very rapid loss, scalp changes, systemic symptoms. Most hair loss is benign, but unexplained loss warrants medical evaluation.

Depends on cause and duration: Telogen effluvium (stress): Yes, usually within 6-12 months. Nutritional deficiency: Yes, once corrected. Pattern baldness: Possible with early treatment, but miniaturized follicles may not fully recover. Alopecia areata: Often regrows but may recur. Scarring alopecia: Permanent if follicles are destroyed. Early treatment is critical!