Hair Fall Treatment in Calicut

A complete guide to hair fall and hair thinning: why it happens, the different types, how a dermatologist finds the cause, and which treatments can help.

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Affects: Scalp hair; sometimes eyebrows, beard and body hair
Who: Men, women and children of all ages
Course: Temporary or long-term, depending on the type
Contagious?: No

What is hair fall?

Hair fall means losing more hair than usual, or noticing that your hair is becoming thinner. Every hair on your scalp grows in a cycle. A long growing phase (anagen) lasts several years, a short transition phase (catagen) lasts a few weeks, and a resting phase (telogen) lasts about three months, after which the hair falls out and a new one begins to grow. Losing around 50 to 100 hairs a day is a normal part of this cycle.

Hair loss happens when this cycle is disturbed: more hairs enter the shedding phase at once, the growth phase becomes shorter, the follicles gradually shrink, or the follicles are damaged. Some types of hair fall are temporary and recover on their own once the trigger is removed. Others, such as pattern hair loss, are long-term and slowly progressive, and respond best when treated early.

Hair fall can affect anyone, from children to older adults. It is not only a cosmetic concern; it can sometimes be the first sign of a thyroid problem, iron deficiency or another health condition, which is why finding the cause matters.

Diagram of the hair growth cycle showing anagen, catagen and telogen phases — The hair growth cycle: anagen (growth), catagen (transition) and telogen (resting and shedding).

Signs and symptoms of hair fall

Early signs

More hair than usual on the pillow, in the shower drain or on your comb
A ponytail that feels thinner
Scalp becoming easier to see under bright light

Common symptoms

Widening of the centre parting (common in women)
Receding hairline at the temples (common in men)
Thinning at the crown
Diffuse shedding all over the scalp

Advanced or severe signs

Large areas of visible scalp
Smooth, round bald patches
Patches where hair no longer grows and the skin looks shiny or scarred

Areas commonly affected

Front and top of the scalp
Crown
Temples
Eyebrows, beard or body hair in alopecia areata

Warning signs that need prompt medical attention

Sudden, heavy hair loss in a short time
Bald patches that are spreading
Scalp pain, burning, redness, pus or scaling
Hair loss with weight change, tiredness, irregular periods or acne

Causes and risk factors

Genetics: Pattern hair loss runs in families and can be inherited from either parent.
Hormones: Sensitivity of hair follicles to androgens drives pattern hair loss. Pregnancy, childbirth, menopause, PCOS and thyroid disease can all trigger shedding.
Illness and stress: High fever, dengue, COVID-19, surgery, major emotional stress or crash dieting can push many hairs into the shedding phase at once.
Nutritional deficiencies: Low iron (ferritin), vitamin D, vitamin B12 and protein can contribute to hair fall. Supplements help only when a deficiency is present.
Immune system: In alopecia areata, the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing patchy hair loss.
Medicines: Some medicines, including certain blood thinners, antidepressants, retinoids and chemotherapy, can cause hair loss.
Hair care practices: Tight hairstyles, frequent bleaching, straightening and heat styling can damage hair or follicles.
Scalp conditions: Fungal infection, severe dandruff, psoriasis and lichen planopilaris can lead to hair fall.

Types of hair fall

Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss)

The most common type. In men it causes a receding hairline and thinning crown; in women, a widening parting with the front hairline usually preserved. Follicles gradually shrink and produce finer hairs.

Telogen effluvium

Diffuse shedding that starts two to three months after a trigger such as illness, childbirth, surgery or stress. It usually recovers within six to nine months once the trigger is resolved, but can become chronic.

Alopecia areata

Round, smooth, well-defined bald patches that can appear suddenly on the scalp, beard or eyebrows. It is an autoimmune condition; many patches regrow, but it can recur.

Traction alopecia

Hair loss along the hairline or parting caused by long-term pulling from tight braids, buns or ponytails. Early traction alopecia is reversible; long-standing cases can become permanent.

Anagen effluvium

Rapid loss of growing hairs, most often caused by chemotherapy. Hair usually regrows after treatment ends.

Scarring (cicatricial) alopecia

A group of inflammatory conditions that destroy hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent permanent loss.

How is hair fall diagnosed?

Medical historyQuestions about when the hair fall started, recent illness, stress, diet, periods, medicines and family history help identify triggers.
Scalp and hair examinationThe pattern of hair loss often points to the type, such as diffuse shedding, a receding hairline or patchy loss.
Hair pull testGently pulling a small group of hairs shows whether active shedding is present.
TrichoscopyA dermoscope magnifies the scalp and hair shafts, helping to distinguish pattern hair loss, alopecia areata and scarring alopecia without a biopsy.
Blood tests (when indicated)Haemoglobin, ferritin, thyroid function, vitamin D and B12 may be checked if a medical cause is suspected.
Hormonal evaluation (when indicated)For women with irregular periods, acne or excess hair growth, hormone tests help check for PCOS.
Scalp biopsy (rarely)A small sample may be taken when scarring alopecia is suspected or the diagnosis is unclear.

Not every patient needs every test. Your dermatologist will recommend only the investigations that are relevant to you.

Treatment options for hair fall

The right treatment depends on your diagnosis, the type and severity of the condition, your skin type, your general health and your preferences. Your dermatologist will explain which options suit you after a medical evaluation. Prescription medicines should only be used under medical supervision.

Available at Dr. Lasi'sYour dermatologist may advise or refer

Prescription topical treatment Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: Medicated solutions or foams applied to the scalp, such as minoxidil, chosen according to the type of hair loss.
How does it work?: Minoxidil prolongs the growth phase and enlarges shrinking follicles, helping thicker hairs grow.
Who may benefit?: Men and women with pattern hair loss; sometimes used in other types alongside other treatment.
How is it done?: Applied to a dry scalp once or twice a day as prescribed.
Expected benefits: Slows thinning and can improve density in many people.
Side effects and risks: Scalp irritation, temporary increase in shedding in the first weeks, and unwanted facial hair in some women.
Sessions needed: Daily use; results are judged after 4 to 6 months.
Aftercare: Use consistently; stopping usually leads to gradual return of hair loss.
Limitations: Works best for early thinning; it cannot regrow hair in completely bald areas.

Oral medicines and supplements Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: Tablets prescribed after evaluation, which may include medicines for pattern hair loss and correction of proven deficiencies.
How does it work?: Some medicines reduce the effect of hormones on follicles; supplements replace iron, vitamin D or other nutrients that are low.
Who may benefit?: Selected patients after examination and, where needed, blood tests.
How is it done?: Taken daily as prescribed, with follow-up reviews.
Expected benefits: Treats the cause behind the hair fall and supports regrowth.
Side effects and risks: Depend on the medicine; your doctor will explain them. Some hormonal medicines are not suitable during pregnancy.
Sessions needed: Usually several months, with periodic review.
Aftercare: Do not self-medicate with hair supplements; more is not better and some can be harmful in excess.
Limitations: Supplements help only when a deficiency is present.

PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: A concentrate of platelets prepared from your own blood and injected into thinning areas of the scalp.
How does it work?: Platelets release growth factors that may help strengthen weak follicles and prolong the growth phase.
Who may benefit?: People with early to moderate pattern hair loss or chronic shedding, usually combined with medical treatment.
How is it done?: A small blood sample is taken and processed; the plasma is injected into the scalp with fine needles after numbing.
Expected benefits: May reduce shedding and improve hair thickness over several months.
Side effects and risks: Temporary pain, swelling, redness or mild headache; infection is rare.
Sessions needed: Commonly 3 to 6 sessions about a month apart, then maintenance as advised.
Aftercare: Avoid washing the scalp for the time advised, and avoid hair colouring or harsh products for a few days.
Limitations: Results vary between individuals and are not permanent without maintenance.

Growth factor concentrate (GFC) Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: A refined preparation of growth factors from your own blood, used in a similar way to PRP.
How does it work?: Delivers concentrated growth factors directly to the follicles.
Who may benefit?: Patients with pattern hair loss or thinning, as an alternative or addition to PRP.
How is it done?: Prepared from a blood sample and injected into the scalp.
Expected benefits: May improve hair density and reduce shedding.
Side effects and risks: Similar to PRP: temporary discomfort, redness or swelling.
Sessions needed: A course of sessions as advised by your doctor.
Aftercare: Follow the same scalp care advice as after PRP.
Limitations: Evidence is still growing; it works best combined with medical treatment.

Microneedling Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: Controlled micro-injuries made on the scalp with fine needles.
How does it work?: Stimulates wound-healing signals and may improve the absorption of topical treatment.
Who may benefit?: Pattern hair loss, usually as an add-on to medical treatment.
How is it done?: Performed in the clinic after numbing cream.
Expected benefits: May improve response to topical treatment.
Side effects and risks: Redness, pinpoint bleeding and mild discomfort.
Sessions needed: Usually several sessions a few weeks apart.
Aftercare: Keep the scalp clean; avoid applying products until advised.
Limitations: Not a standalone cure.

FUE hair transplantation Available at Dr. Lasi's

What is it?: A surgical procedure that moves healthy follicles from the back of the scalp to thinning or bald areas.
How does it work?: Follicles from the donor area are resistant to pattern hair loss and continue to grow after transplantation.
Who may benefit?: Stable pattern hair loss with good donor hair, after medical treatment has been tried.
How is it done?: Done under local anaesthesia; follicles are extracted one by one and implanted. See the hair transplantation page.
Expected benefits: Natural-looking, long-lasting hair in transplanted areas.
Side effects and risks: Swelling, scabbing, temporary shedding of grafts, infection (rare) and visible donor marks if over-harvested.
Sessions needed: Usually one procedure; a second may be planned for large areas.
Aftercare: Gentle washing as instructed, no heavy exercise or sun exposure for the advised period.
Limitations: Does not stop thinning of existing hair; ongoing medical treatment is often advised.

Intralesional steroid injections May advise or refer

What is it?: Small injections of corticosteroid into patches of alopecia areata.
How does it work?: Calm the immune reaction around the follicles so hair can regrow.
Who may benefit?: Limited patches of alopecia areata in adults.
How is it done?: Fine injections given into the bald patch every few weeks.
Expected benefits: Regrowth in many patches within a few months.
Side effects and risks: Temporary skin thinning (dents) at injection sites, discomfort.
Sessions needed: Repeated every 4 to 6 weeks until regrowth.
Aftercare: Report any skin depression at the injection site.
Limitations: Not suitable for extensive alopecia areata; patches may recur.

What happens during a consultation?

Initial consultationYou explain your concern, how long you have had it and what you have already tried.
Medical historyYour doctor asks about your health, medicines, allergies, family history and possible triggers.
Clinical examinationYour skin, hair, scalp or nails are examined, with dermoscopy where useful.
DiagnosisYour doctor explains what the condition is and, if needed, which tests will help confirm it.
Personalised treatment planThe options suitable for you are discussed, including how they work, costs and possible side effects.
Expected outcomesYou will hear what improvement is realistic and how long it usually takes.
Follow-upReviews are planned to check progress and adjust treatment.

Before your visit: Bring any recent blood test reports and a list of your hair products and medicines. Photos of your hair from a year or two ago can help show change over time.

Prevention and daily care

Hair care

Use a mild shampoo; wash as often as your scalp needs
Use conditioner on the lengths of your hair
Avoid tight braids, buns and ponytails
Limit bleaching, straightening and daily heat styling

Health and nutrition

Eat enough protein, iron-rich foods, fruit and vegetables
Avoid crash diets
Get thyroid and anaemia problems treated
Do not take hair supplements without advice

Long-term care

Continue prescribed treatment; stopping often brings back hair loss
Treat dandruff early
Take photos every few months to track progress

When should you consult a dermatologist?

Shedding lasts more than three months
You notice a widening parting, a receding hairline or a thinning crown
Bald patches appear or spread
Your scalp is painful, red, scaly or itchy
Hair loss comes with irregular periods, acne, weight change or tiredness
A child has patchy hair loss

At Dr. Lasi's Skin & Hair Clinic in Calicut, consultations are with Dr. Lasida Ali, MBBS, MD, DVD, who sees patients from Kozhikode and across North Malabar.

References and further reading

This page is for patient education and does not replace a consultation. Results of treatment vary from person to person.

Frequently asked questions about hair fall

What causes excessive hair fall?

Common causes include pattern hair loss, shedding after illness or stress (telogen effluvium), thyroid problems, iron or vitamin deficiencies, hormonal conditions such as PCOS, some medicines, tight hairstyles and scalp conditions. A dermatologist can find the cause through examination and, if needed, blood tests.

How much hair loss is normal every day?

Losing about 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal. You may notice more on hair-wash days because loose hairs come out together.

Is hair loss hereditary?

Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is strongly influenced by genes from both parents. Other types, such as telogen effluvium, are caused by triggers rather than genes.

Can stress cause hair loss?

Yes. Severe physical or emotional stress can trigger telogen effluvium, in which many hairs shed together two to three months later. Stress can also worsen alopecia areata.

Can nutritional deficiencies cause hair fall?

Low iron stores, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and inadequate protein can contribute to hair fall. Blood tests confirm whether a deficiency is present before supplements are advised.

Can hair grow back after hair loss?

Often, yes. Hair usually regrows after telogen effluvium and in many cases of alopecia areata. In pattern hair loss, treatment can slow progression and partly restore thickness. In scarring alopecia, lost follicles cannot regrow, so early treatment is important.

What is PRP treatment for hair loss?

PRP uses platelets from your own blood, injected into the scalp to release growth factors that may strengthen thinning follicles. It is usually given as a course of sessions together with medical treatment.

How long does hair loss treatment take?

Hair grows about 1 cm a month, so most treatments need three to six months before improvement is visible, and many need ongoing maintenance.

Is hair loss different in men and women?

Yes. Men usually develop a receding hairline and crown thinning, while women more often notice diffuse thinning and a widening parting. Hormonal and nutritional causes are more often checked in women.

Does shampoo cause hair fall?

No. Hairs that come out during washing were already in the shedding phase. Using a mild shampoo regularly does not cause hair loss, and treating dandruff can actually help.

When should I consult a dermatologist?

If shedding lasts more than three months, if you see patches, a receding hairline or a widening parting, or if your scalp is painful, red or scaly.

Can hair loss be permanently cured?

Some types, such as telogen effluvium, resolve completely. Pattern hair loss is long-term and can be controlled but usually needs continued treatment. Hair transplantation gives long-lasting results in transplanted areas.

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Hair Transplantation at Dr. Lasi's Skin & Hair Clinic

Hair Fall Treatment in Calicut

What is hair fall?