In a society where appearance and confidence often go hand in hand, hair loss remains a deeply personal yet widely misunderstood issue. With August marking Hair Loss Awareness Month, reflecting on this issue, it offers an opportunity to move beyond cosmetic concerns and delve into the root causes, treatments and lived experiences related to hair and scalp health.
In India, where urban stressors, misinformation, and mounting self-image pressures intersect, hair loss is no longer a condition confined to middle-aged adults; it is increasingly affecting young adults as well. According to Aseem Sharma, MD and chief dermatologist at Mumbai’s Skin Saga Dermatology Center and founder of the Amazing Academy, the most common cause of hair loss in Indian patients is androgenetic alopecia, which is primarily caused by genetics and hormones and manifests in both men and women. “This is closely followed by telogen effluvium, which is hair loss caused by stress, illness, or nutritional deficiencies like vitamin D, B12, and iron,” he explains. While acute telogen effluvium can resolve within a few months, chronic forms can persist and require long-term attention.
One type of hair loss that is particularly worrisome for younger patients is alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes sudden, patchy hair loss and, in severe cases, can progress to complete hair loss, including eyebrows and eyelashes. Dr. Sharma emphasizes that early intervention in these cases can be key to preventing progression.
Pathological loss
But how do you distinguish between normal hair loss and pathological loss?
“On average, losing 50 to 100 strands per day is part of the natural hair growth cycle,” notes Dr. Sharma. “Red flags are when shedding suddenly increases, is localized to certain areas, or is accompanied by visible scalp patches, redness, scaling, or hair loss in areas like the eyebrows or beard.”
A simple hair pull test, which checks how many strands come up when gently pulled, can provide a quick clinical clue: if more than 10–15 strands are positioned, further evaluation is warranted.
A significant complicating factor in hair loss today is the rise of over-the-counter treatments, many of which are aggressively marketed on social media. “There’s a boom in hair loss ‘solutions’ that often make exaggerated claims without scientific basis,” warns Dr. Sharma. “Many of these contain irritants, off-label hormones, or even steroids, and not only don’t work, but can actually make the condition worse or delay proper treatment.”
He further warns against the falsification of evidence-based treatments like minoxidil and finasteride, which have decades of safety records and remain cornerstone therapies in dermatology. “Unfortunately, influencers without medical training often discourage their followers from using these drugs, leading to distrust of medical treatment and reliance on fake fixes. That’s why evidence-based medicine (EBM) is key, because hair loss is a medical condition, not a beauty trend.”
Psychological cost
Tikpat svarīga, bet bieži vien nepietiekama diskusija ir psiholoģiskā nodeva, kas notiek ar matu izkrišanu, īpaši sieviešu vidū. “Mati ir cieši saistīti ar pašnovērtējumu un identitāti,” saka Dr Sharma. “Matu izkrišana var izraisīt trauksmi, depresiju un sociālo atsaukšanu, īpaši jaunām sievietēm, kuras saskaras ar sabiedrības cerībām ap skaistumu un sievišķību.” Viņš uzsver empātiskās aprūpes, holistiskā atbalsta un nosūtīšanas nozīmi garīgās veselības speciālistiem, kad tas nepieciešams. “Tas nav tikai matu atjaunošana. Tas ir par pārliecības un garīgās labklājības atjaunošanu.”
Turpmākās procedūras
Jautāts par matu izkrišanas diagnozes un ārstēšanas nākotni, Dr. Šarma dalās piesardzīgam optimismam. Tādas tehnoloģijas kā trihoskopija, kas ļauj neinvazīvai galvas ādas un folikulu analīzei tagad ir rutīna dermatoloģijas klīnikās. “Mums ir arī aizraujošas mērķtiecīgas terapijas, piemēram, perorāls minoksidils, injicējami un aktuāli anti-andandrogēni, kā arī jaunāki jauninājumi, piemēram, JAK inhibitori, kas ir parādījuši solījumu alopēcijas Areata.” Procedūras frontē tiek pētīta reģeneratīvas terapijas, piemēram, PRP, eksosomas un cilmes šūnu iegūtas ārstēšanas metodes.
Tomēr viņš uzsver, ka panākumi ir atkarīgi no precīzas diagnozes un personalizētas zāles, ne tikai modernas iejaukšanās. “Nākotnē ģenētiskā un biomarķieru pielāgošana var ļaut dermatologiem piedāvāt pielāgotus režīmus, taču pagaidām ir kritiski svarīgi izvēlēties kvalificētu pakalpojumu sniedzēju.”
Globālās perspektīvas pievienošana šai diskusijai ir Roxanna Sadoughifar, starptautiski atzīts trihologs un profesore Romas Universitātē G. Marconi, Springer Nature ‘klīnisko gadījumu redaktors matos un galvas ādas traucējumos. Prof. Sadoughifar pievērš īpašu uzmanību galvas ādas mikrobioma jaunajai lomai matu un galvas ādas veselības uzturēšanā. “Tagad mēs zinām, ka galvas ādas disbioze vai mikrobu nelīdzsvarotība var veicināt iekaisumu, barjeru bojājumus un galu galā matu retināšanu,” viņa skaidro. Viņa iestājas par mikrobiomu draudzīgu aprūpi, ieskaitot postbiotiku piepildītu šampūnu, pretiekaisuma botānisko vielu un maigu tīrīšanas režīmu izmantošanu, īpaši sievietēm ar jutīgām vai plaukstošām galvas ādas.
When asked about hair care for textured or curly hair types, Prof. Sadoughifar emphasizes the need for hydration-focused routines, gentle detangling practices, and protective styles that minimize mechanical stress. “Hair loss in curly-haired individuals is often exacerbated by tight hairstyles, excessive straightening, and poor scalp cleansing. Scalp care should be proactive and culturally informed.” She adds that international studies need to reflect hair diversity, as much of the current trial data still focuses on Western hair types and climates. “The future of trichology needs to be globally inclusive, recognizing the biological and cultural differences in hair care needs.”
The impact of social media
Prof. Sadoughifar also addresses the impact of social media trends, many of which promote quick fixes or home remedies. While some platforms have helped reduce hair loss, the spread of untested advice is associated with. “Trichology is not a one-size-fits-all approach. What works for one person may not work for another and can even be harmful,” she says. “While there are promising natural ingredients like rosemary oil or caffeine that show early potential, we need to rely on controlled studies, not just anecdotal evidence.”
Together, Dr. Sharma and Prof. Sadoughifar offer a powerful reminder that hair loss is a clinical, emotional, and social problem, not a vanity complaint. It deserves empathy, medical rigor, and nuanced care. Their insights align with one crucial point: hair health is health.
As Hair Loss Awareness Month draws attention to the millions who quietly struggle with hair loss, the takeaway is clear: Seek science, not shortcuts. Consult with board-certified dermatologists. Asking questions is a miracle cure. And remember, caring for your hair isn’t just about aesthetics: It’s about agency, identity, and holistic wellness.
(Dr Monisha Madhumita is a consultant dermatologist at Saveetha Medical College, Chennai. Mail.monisha.m@gmail.com)
