STRAND-BY-STRAND: LET'S TALK ABOUT HAIR LOSS

The advertising is everywhere, as are the overblown claims: Special shampoos, oils, and treatments will promote hair growth. However, many dermatologists who specialised in hair loss argue that the bulk of these products are unsuccessful. There is a limitless supply of useless hair growth cures, many of which come at a “significant cost.”Nonetheless, “because people are desperate, such hair growth remedies continue to abound.” Several supplements are becoming increasingly popular on our social media feeds. They offer to be a one-way ticket to denser hair with little to no adverse effects and at an affordable price. Vitamins, minerals, herbs, hibiscus, rosemary, tea tree, almond, coconut, castor oil, calendula, hyaluronic acid, collagen, and other substances are included. They claim that the hair fall management kit, which includes shampoos, conditioners, masks, and serums, enables you to completely avoid baldness and hair loss. Isn’t it too good to be true?

So, how credible are the claims?

“In response to this widespread worry, a slew of proposed solutions have arisen. These range from using natural oils like hibiscus oil, coconut oil, and castor oil to using commercial goods like specialised hair sprays and revitalising shampoos. Furthermore, there is a growing market for dietary supplements that claim to revitalise hair health, such as biotin and collagen capsules,” says Dr. Navya Handa, Dermatologist, Cosmetologist and Laser surgeon, Primus Super Speciality Hospital.

Millions of individuals worldwide suffer from hair loss. It can be irritating, regardless of the cause, especially if you’ve tried several items that claim to reverse it but haven’t seen results.

According to Insight Partners’ market analysis, the market for hair loss prevention products will grow from $23.6 million in 2021 to $31.5 million by 2028.

Treatments to keep baldness away

Vitamins, PRP, and transplants are all solutions for coping with hair loss, but none are cheap, with full sessions costing around lakhs.

Many celebrities, including Elton John, Jude Law, Sean Penn, Jeremy Piven, Salman Khan, Kapil Sharma, Akshay Kumar and others, have used hair implants to combat baldness. Although hair transplants are the most efficient approach to improve hair volume or density, the cost of both the procedure and the subsequent recuperation period can be high.

“A dermatologist can establish the underlying reason of your hair loss or baldness and provide you with treatment tailored to that specific cause. There are numerous methods for determining the reason of hair loss, including blood testing, scalp biopsies, and pull tests,” says Dr Rashmi Shetty, celebrity dermatologist, author and entrepreneur adding, “You could get anything from a simple hair oxygen to scalp peels for hair health and scalp health at your doctor’s clinic. Then there’s mesotherapy, PRP, GFC (growth factor concentrate), and platelet concentrate PRP. Regenera, a stem cell treatment, hair transplants, lasers, and scalp microneedling are all options.”

Do they work?

“Certain over-the-counter hair sprays and oils with chemicals like biotin, caffeine, or ketoconazole may provide small advantages for people with minor hair thinning or those wishing to maintain general hair health. It’s critical to approach such products with reasonable expectations and think of them as an additional step in a larger hair care regimen rather than the only answer to serious hair loss problems,” says Dr Madhu, Cosmetologist, managing director of Studio Aesthetique adding, “Vitamin supplements can help promote hair health. Biotin, vitamin D, iron, zinc, and omega-3 fatty acids are some essential elements that are crucial for good hair development. However, it’s critical to keep in mind that taking too much of any vitamins or minerals can be dangerous, so you should always speak with a healthcare provider before beginning a new supplement routine.”

Certain over-the-counter hair sprays and oils with chemicals like biotin, caffeine, or ketoconazole may provide small advantages for people with minor hair thinning or those wishing to maintain general hair health. ” — Dr Madhu chopra, Cosmetologist

Understanding Hair Loss

So, what is causing the dramatic increase in hair shedding? An alarming increase in hair loss and thinning has been observed in persons of all ages. Blame the pandemic, says Dr Rashmi Shetty. “It has been obvious that the effects of Covid-19 have also had an impact on hair loss,” she says.

This phenomenon has been linked to a number of factors, including increased stress, poor dietary habits, hormonal imbalances, genetic predispositions, and bad lifestyle choices. “Environmental factors could be one reason of increased hair loss and thinning. Pollution, chemical exposure, and climate change can all be harmful to hair health,” says Dr Madhu Chopra.

Seeking Professional Guidance

“In instances of sudden, severe, or unusual hair loss patterns, it is prudent to seek consultation with a medical professional. Additionally, if hair loss is accompanied by discomfort, tenderness, or noticeable changes in the condition of the scalp, immediate medical evaluation is warranted. These symptoms could signify an underlying medical issue that necessitates prompt attention,” says Dr. Navya Handa.

THIN LINE

“Natural oils can play a nurturing role by replenishing the scalp’s vitality and conditioning the hair, but tangible results often require consistent use over a sustained period. On the other hand, commercially available hair sprays and shampoos can provide temporary volume and aesthetic enhancements. It is imperative, however, to consult with a healthcare professional to ensure a comprehensive approach to addressing hair health issues rather than relying solely on these remedies,” adds Dr Navya Handa. “Whatever the cause, keep the scalp and hair clean and avoid over-washing and over-shampooing, using too many products, tying your hair too tightly, and using hair clips and bands that are too tight and can break,” says Dr Rashmi Shetty.

Underlying health issues

“Hair loss over a specific threshold is concerning since it might signal underlying health concerns or hereditary abnormalities that may necessitate medical treatment. While it is natural to lose some hair on a daily basis, excessive shedding can cause obvious thinning, low self-esteem, and mental anguish,” says Dr Madhu adding, “It can indicate underlying health issues such as hormone imbalances, thyroid abnormalities, dietary inadequacies, or autoimmune illnesses. Early detection and treatment of these underlying disorders is critical not just for hair preservation but also for general health.”

“A healthcare practitioner can conduct the required assessments, such as blood testing and scalp checks, to discover the underlying reason and prescribe suitable therapy or remedies,” says Dr Stuti Khare Shukla, M.D. Dermatologist, founder, Elements of Aesthetics.