Hair Fall: Common Causes and When to Get It Checked

Common causes include genetics, hormonal changes, stress, illness, crash diets, thyroid or iron deficiency, and certain medicines. The treatment depends entirely on the cause — which is why an assessment comes first.

What you can do

• Eat a balanced diet with enough protein and iron.
• Avoid tight hairstyles, excessive heat and harsh chemical treatments.
• Do not start supplements or oils as a substitute for diagnosis.

When to see a dermatologist

Sudden hair fall, patchy loss, itching or scaling on the scalp, or hair fall that continues for more than a few months should be assessed early — early treatment gives the best chance of regrowth.