Powder Room
Celebrity hairstylist Aanchal Morwani on tackling greasy hair
Read Now
Picture this—you’re in the shower, lathering up your favourite minty shampoo when you glance down—and there it is. A clump of hair in the sink. Suddenly, every hairbrush feels like the enemy, you’re checking your pillow every morning to see what abstract design your strands have formed and your hairline looks a little…wider than usual? Yep, welcome to the not-so-quiet panic of hair loss.
Whether it’s stress, hormonal changes or the sinking feeling that your ponytail’s lost its volume, hair loss is one of those beauty curveballs that feels both personal and confusing. The internet is flooded with quick fixes—magic oils, scalp massagers, miracle gummies—but what actually works?
We decided to cut through the noise and go straight to a pro. We tapped on of our Expert Panelist, Dr Jaishree Sharad, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist, to separate fact from fluff. Can hair loss really be reversed? What causes it in the first place? And which treatments are worth your time (and money)? From shedding triggers to real solutions, consider this your no-fuss guide to reclaiming your strands.
.PNG)
.PNG)
When it comes to hair loss, the root cause is often more layered than it seems. According to Dr Sharad, “Both physical and emotional stress can significantly impact hair growth—telogen effluvium is caused by stress, which is a condition where hair permanently enters the shedding phase.”
But stress isn’t the only culprit. “Poor nutrition can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, which impact hair health,” she adds. Lack of sleep, harsh haircare habits, and minimal environmental protection can all add up. The silver lining? These are factors you can control.
Then there are the ones you can’t. “Genetics is one of the most common and uncontrollable causes of hair loss,” says Dr Sharad. Hormonal shifts play a role too. “An imbalance in testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone can lead to thinning or loss,” she explains. And yes, ageing matters: “As we age, hair naturally becomes finer, and the rate of follicle production slows.”
Telogen Effluvium: Caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Hair typically regrows once the trigger resolves.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition with regrowth potential, especially with treatment.
Anagen Effluvium: Common after chemotherapy or radiation—hair often grows back post-treatment.
Traction Alopecia: Caused by tight hairstyles; reversible if caught early.
Hormonal Hair Loss: Often resolves once hormones rebalance.
Pattern Baldness: Not fully reversible but can be managed with treatment.
Scarring Alopecia: Permanent hair loss due to follicle damage and scarring.
Not sure where you fall? “Consult a professional if you notice significant thinning, bald spots, sudden or patchy loss, or scalp discomfort,” Dr Sharad advises. Early action makes all the difference.
Hair loss doesn’t happen overnight—it’s gradual, with subtle signs before it becomes obvious. “Normal shedding involves losing 50–100 strands a day,” says Dr Sharad. “This is part of the natural growth cycle and doesn’t result in visible thinning or bald patches.” Translation—not all shedding is a red flag.
That said, there are signs to keep an eye on. “Male and female pattern hair loss typically show up as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown,” she explains. Another subtle shift? Texture. If your strands feel finer or more fragile, it could be miniaturisation. “Miniaturisation leads to weaker, thinner hair that may eventually stop growing altogether.”
Bottom line? Your hair might be trying to tell you something—pay attention.
Hair loss is rarely about one thing—and yes, your products matter. “Look for ingredients like biotin, retinoids, peptides, keratin, argan oil, vitamin D, and aloe vera.” Dr Sharad suggests. “They strengthen strands, boost keratin production, promote cell turnover, and increase blood flow to the scalp.” She further adds. They also reduce breakage, support healthy follicle growth and nourish the scalp.
What to avoid? “Harsh chemicals like sulfates, silicones, and alcohols,” she warns. “They can strip moisture, irritate the scalp, or create buildup.” Instead, Dr Sharad suggests, “Opt for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners and always use non-comedogenic formulas so they don’t clog hair follicles. For oils, stick to lightweight options. And if you have a sensitive scalp, go for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products.”
While homecare helps, in-clinic treatments can take things to the next level. These professional options can jumpstart regrowth and improve overall scalp health.
First up: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). “It stimulates hair follicles with laser light, improving circulation and promoting growth,” says Dr. Jaishree.
Then, there’s Hair Transplant Surgery. “This permanent procedure relocates healthy hair to thinning areas,” she explains. “The transplanted hair grows like your natural hair and typically starts coming in within 3–6 months, with full results in up to 18 months.”
Your daily habits can make or break your hair health. Dr. Jaishree shares her top tips:
Be patient: “Hair growth takes time. Results can take several months.”
Get professional help: “A diagnosis helps identify the root cause.”
Check your levels: “Blood tests can reveal nutrient deficiencies like iron or vitamin D.”
Go holistic: “Eat well, manage stress, rest enough, and be consistent with treatments.”
Practice gentle care: “Avoid tension on the scalp. Opt for loose styles, massage regularly, and keep your strands hydrated.”
Don’t over-style: “Frequent heat and chemical treatments weaken hair.”
Don’t tie wet hair: “It’s more fragile—wait until it dries to style.”
Don’t over-wash or brush aggressively: “It leads to breakage and can cause traction alopecia.”
Hair loss can be unsettling—every strand in the fallen feels like a warning sign. But once you know what’s really happening, the process feels less overwhelming. Whether it’s hormones, nutrition or your styling habits, there’s a fix.
Start small—upgrade your products, show your scalp some love and maybe get a blood test. Hair growth takes time, but progress is totally possible—and it all begins at the roots.
When it comes to hair loss, the root cause is often more layered than it seems. According to Dr Sharad, “Both physical and emotional stress can significantly impact hair growth—telogen effluvium is caused by stress, which is a condition where hair permanently enters the shedding phase.”
But stress isn’t the only culprit. “Poor nutrition can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, which impact hair health,” she adds. Lack of sleep, harsh haircare habits, and minimal environmental protection can all add up. The silver lining? These are factors you can control.
Then there are the ones you can’t. “Genetics is one of the most common and uncontrollable causes of hair loss,” says Dr Sharad. Hormonal shifts play a role too. “An imbalance in testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone can lead to thinning or loss,” she explains. And yes, ageing matters: “As we age, hair naturally becomes finer, and the rate of follicle production slows.”
Telogen Effluvium: Caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Hair typically regrows once the trigger resolves.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition with regrowth potential, especially with treatment.
Anagen Effluvium: Common after chemotherapy or radiation—hair often grows back post-treatment.
Traction Alopecia: Caused by tight hairstyles; reversible if caught early.
Hormonal Hair Loss: Often resolves once hormones rebalance.
Pattern Baldness: Not fully reversible but can be managed with treatment.
Scarring Alopecia: Permanent hair loss due to follicle damage and scarring.
Not sure where you fall? “Consult a professional if you notice significant thinning, bald spots, sudden or patchy loss, or scalp discomfort,” Dr Sharad advises. Early action makes all the difference.
Hair loss doesn’t happen overnight—it’s gradual, with subtle signs before it becomes obvious. “Normal shedding involves losing 50–100 strands a day,” says Dr Sharad. “This is part of the natural growth cycle and doesn’t result in visible thinning or bald patches.” Translation—not all shedding is a red flag.
That said, there are signs to keep an eye on. “Male and female pattern hair loss typically show up as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown,” she explains. Another subtle shift? Texture. If your strands feel finer or more fragile, it could be miniaturisation. “Miniaturisation leads to weaker, thinner hair that may eventually stop growing altogether.”
Bottom line? Your hair might be trying to tell you something—pay attention.
Hair loss is rarely about one thing—and yes, your products matter. “Look for ingredients like biotin, retinoids, peptides, keratin, argan oil, vitamin D, and aloe vera.” Dr Sharad suggests. “They strengthen strands, boost keratin production, promote cell turnover, and increase blood flow to the scalp.” She further adds. They also reduce breakage, support healthy follicle growth and nourish the scalp.
What to avoid? “Harsh chemicals like sulfates, silicones, and alcohols,” she warns. “They can strip moisture, irritate the scalp, or create buildup.” Instead, Dr Sharad suggests, “Opt for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners and always use non-comedogenic formulas so they don’t clog hair follicles. For oils, stick to lightweight options. And if you have a sensitive scalp, go for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products.”
While homecare helps, in-clinic treatments can take things to the next level. These professional options can jumpstart regrowth and improve overall scalp health.
First up: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). “It stimulates hair follicles with laser light, improving circulation and promoting growth,” says Dr. Jaishree.
Then, there’s Hair Transplant Surgery. “This permanent procedure relocates healthy hair to thinning areas,” she explains. “The transplanted hair grows like your natural hair and typically starts coming in within 3–6 months, with full results in up to 18 months.”
Your daily habits can make or break your hair health. Dr. Jaishree shares her top tips:
Be patient: “Hair growth takes time. Results can take several months.”
Get professional help: “A diagnosis helps identify the root cause.”
Check your levels: “Blood tests can reveal nutrient deficiencies like iron or vitamin D.”
Go holistic: “Eat well, manage stress, rest enough, and be consistent with treatments.”
Practice gentle care: “Avoid tension on the scalp. Opt for loose styles, massage regularly, and keep your strands hydrated.”
Don’t over-style: “Frequent heat and chemical treatments weaken hair.”
Don’t tie wet hair: “It’s more fragile—wait until it dries to style.”
Don’t over-wash or brush aggressively: “It leads to breakage and can cause traction alopecia.”
Hair loss can be unsettling—every strand in the fallen feels like a warning sign. But once you know what’s really happening, the process feels less overwhelming. Whether it’s hormones, nutrition or your styling habits, there’s a fix.
Start small—upgrade your products, show your scalp some love and maybe get a blood test. Hair growth takes time, but progress is totally possible—and it all begins at the roots.
When it comes to hair loss, the root cause is often more layered than it seems. According to Dr Sharad, “Both physical and emotional stress can significantly impact hair growth—telogen effluvium is caused by stress, which is a condition where hair permanently enters the shedding phase.”
But stress isn’t the only culprit. “Poor nutrition can lead to deficiencies in essential vitamins and minerals like protein, iron, zinc, and biotin, which impact hair health,” she adds. Lack of sleep, harsh haircare habits, and minimal environmental protection can all add up. The silver lining? These are factors you can control.
Then there are the ones you can’t. “Genetics is one of the most common and uncontrollable causes of hair loss,” says Dr Sharad. Hormonal shifts play a role too. “An imbalance in testosterone, oestrogen and progesterone can lead to thinning or loss,” she explains. And yes, ageing matters: “As we age, hair naturally becomes finer, and the rate of follicle production slows.”
Telogen Effluvium: Caused by stress, illness, or hormonal changes. Hair typically regrows once the trigger resolves.
Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition with regrowth potential, especially with treatment.
Anagen Effluvium: Common after chemotherapy or radiation—hair often grows back post-treatment.
Traction Alopecia: Caused by tight hairstyles; reversible if caught early.
Hormonal Hair Loss: Often resolves once hormones rebalance.
Pattern Baldness: Not fully reversible but can be managed with treatment.
Scarring Alopecia: Permanent hair loss due to follicle damage and scarring.
Not sure where you fall? “Consult a professional if you notice significant thinning, bald spots, sudden or patchy loss, or scalp discomfort,” Dr Sharad advises. Early action makes all the difference.
Hair loss doesn’t happen overnight—it’s gradual, with subtle signs before it becomes obvious. “Normal shedding involves losing 50–100 strands a day,” says Dr Sharad. “This is part of the natural growth cycle and doesn’t result in visible thinning or bald patches.” Translation—not all shedding is a red flag.
That said, there are signs to keep an eye on. “Male and female pattern hair loss typically show up as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown,” she explains. Another subtle shift? Texture. If your strands feel finer or more fragile, it could be miniaturisation. “Miniaturisation leads to weaker, thinner hair that may eventually stop growing altogether.”
Bottom line? Your hair might be trying to tell you something—pay attention.
Hair loss is rarely about one thing—and yes, your products matter. “Look for ingredients like biotin, retinoids, peptides, keratin, argan oil, vitamin D, and aloe vera.” Dr Sharad suggests. “They strengthen strands, boost keratin production, promote cell turnover, and increase blood flow to the scalp.” She further adds. They also reduce breakage, support healthy follicle growth and nourish the scalp.
What to avoid? “Harsh chemicals like sulfates, silicones, and alcohols,” she warns. “They can strip moisture, irritate the scalp, or create buildup.” Instead, Dr Sharad suggests, “Opt for sulphate-free shampoos and conditioners and always use non-comedogenic formulas so they don’t clog hair follicles. For oils, stick to lightweight options. And if you have a sensitive scalp, go for fragrance-free or hypoallergenic products.”
While homecare helps, in-clinic treatments can take things to the next level. These professional options can jumpstart regrowth and improve overall scalp health.
First up: Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT). “It stimulates hair follicles with laser light, improving circulation and promoting growth,” says Dr. Jaishree.
Then, there’s Hair Transplant Surgery. “This permanent procedure relocates healthy hair to thinning areas,” she explains. “The transplanted hair grows like your natural hair and typically starts coming in within 3–6 months, with full results in up to 18 months.”
Your daily habits can make or break your hair health. Dr. Jaishree shares her top tips:
Be patient: “Hair growth takes time. Results can take several months.”
Get professional help: “A diagnosis helps identify the root cause.”
Check your levels: “Blood tests can reveal nutrient deficiencies like iron or vitamin D.”
Go holistic: “Eat well, manage stress, rest enough, and be consistent with treatments.”
Practice gentle care: “Avoid tension on the scalp. Opt for loose styles, massage regularly, and keep your strands hydrated.”
Don’t over-style: “Frequent heat and chemical treatments weaken hair.”
Don’t tie wet hair: “It’s more fragile—wait until it dries to style.”
Don’t over-wash or brush aggressively: “It leads to breakage and can cause traction alopecia.”
Hair loss can be unsettling—every strand in the fallen feels like a warning sign. But once you know what’s really happening, the process feels less overwhelming. Whether it’s hormones, nutrition or your styling habits, there’s a fix.
Start small—upgrade your products, show your scalp some love and maybe get a blood test. Hair growth takes time, but progress is totally possible—and it all begins at the roots.
-%20How%20to%20wear%20red%20if%20you%27re%20intimidated.webp)
