- Losing 50–100 hairs a day is normal; what matters is density, not the count in your drain.
- Scalp condition determines whether any regrowth treatment can work.
- Most Indian hair-fall cases have two or three overlapping causes.
The hair cycle, and why results take months
Each follicle runs through growth (anagen, two to six years), transition (catagen, weeks) and rest (telogen, about three months) before shedding and starting again. Any treatment works by improving the next cycle, not the current one — which is why three months is the earliest honest checkpoint and six months the fair verdict.
It also explains delayed shedding: an illness, crash diet or surgery in January produces visible hair fall in March or April. People routinely blame the shampoo they changed last week.
Scalp health comes first
A flaking, itchy or tender scalp is an inflamed environment, and inflamed follicles do not respond well to growth treatments. Seborrheic dermatitis and folliculitis are extremely common in Mumbai's humidity and are often mistaken for 'dryness' and treated with more oil, which makes both worse.
Where the scalp needs treating, that runs first or in parallel — it is not an optional extra before PRP or any other procedure.
Gradual thinning at the temples, crown or midline part. Responds best to early, sustained treatment.
Diffuse shedding that follows a hormonal event by two to three months.
Very common in Indian diets, especially in menstruating women and vegetarians.
Itch, flaking or tenderness alongside shedding. Treat the scalp before chasing regrowth.
Telogen effluvium after illness, surgery or rapid weight loss. Usually reversible.
When to stop waiting
- The part line is visibly widening in photographs taken months apart
- Shedding has continued beyond three months without an obvious trigger
- Patchy loss with smooth skin — that needs medical assessment quickly
- Scalp pain, pustules or scarring — treat before any follicles are lost permanently
Frequently asked questions
How much hair fall is normal?+
Fifty to a hundred strands daily. Wash days look worse because several days' shedding releases at once.
Do hair supplements work?+
They work where there is a deficiency to correct — commonly iron, vitamin D or B12. Without testing, most are expensive urine.
Does hard water cause hair fall?+
It causes dryness, tangling and breakage, which looks like hair fall. It does not usually cause true shedding from the root.
Will cutting my hair make it grow thicker?+
No. It removes damaged ends, which improves appearance and reduces breakage.
Key takeaways
- Judge any hair treatment at three months, decide at six
- Treat the scalp before chasing regrowth
- Test ferritin, vitamin D, B12 and thyroid before spending on procedures
References
- Nayami Cosmyc medical disclaimer
- Indian Association of Dermatologists, Venereologists and Leprologists — patient guidance
Sumaiya is the founder of Nayami Cosmyc in Mumbai, where she runs both the clinic and the academy. She works across skin, hair, hijama and clinical nutrition, and writes the Knowledge Hub so patients can understand a treatment properly before they ever book one.
Author profile and articlesReaders who have finished this guide and want hair library assessed in person can read about the related services at Nayami Cosmyc. There is no obligation to book — the guide above stands on its own.
Still unsure what applies to you?
A short assessment is usually faster than another month of reading. Kurla, Mumbai — online consultations available.