My Hair Fall Control Journey: Everything I Tried Before I Finally Found What Worked

Hair fall can really sneak up on you. One day you notice a few extra strands on your hairbrush, and before you know it, you're seeing clumps in the shower drain. That was me two years ago, and let me tell you, it's a truly unnerving experience.

Before diving into details, I'll be honest: I'm not a dermatologist. This is about my personal journey, the depths of Reddit research, and what trial-and-error taught me. With India’s humid climate, widespread hard water, and life’s usual stressors, hair fall is a prevalent issue here. If this hits home, read on.

Where It All Started

My hair fall got serious after a stressful work period paired with a poor diet. Skipping meals, over-caffeinating, and under-consuming protein led to thinning at my crown and hair that just kept falling out in distressing handfuls on wash day.

Like many, my instinct was to consult the internet, followed closely by a slew of purchases.

Phase One: The Oil Phase (And Yes, It Was Messy)

In India, coconut oil is almost a cultural cornerstone for tackling hair fall. Both my mother and grandmother swore and swear by it. I, too, applied it religiously, slightly warmed, two or three times a week. While there were minor benefits due to improved circulation and coconut oil's penetration abilities, it left my scalp feeling heavy and unclean between washes.

Then came castor oil, a Reddit darling. Its thick consistency and lab-like smell were intimidating, so mixing it with lighter oils like jojoba made it more user-friendly. Distribution was a mess though, with some areas drenched while others went untouched.

That's where a dropper bottle became my savior, but I'll detail that later.

Phase Two: Shampoos and Treatments Promising the World

Next, I tackled shampoos. I bought various anti-hair fall shampoos featuring ingredients like caffeine, biotin, and Ayurvedic elements such as bhringraj and amla. TRESemme offers an affordable hair fall defence line available in most supermarkets. It didn't stop my hair from falling, but it didn't worsen it either, which was a win at that point.

For a more serious treatment, I tried a salon-grade product containing ketoconazole. Given how scalp health, often affected by dandruff, can aggravate hair fall, using it once or twice weekly helped. But a dermatologist's input is advisable, as not all scalps respond well long-term.

Phase Three: Going Deeper with Scalp Serums and Actives

Here's where it got intriguing. After months of superficial solutions, I explored scalp-focused actives like minoxidil and redensyl. Minoxidil isn’t something you start without consulting a professional due to possible side effects and risk of rebound hair loss after discontinuing. A visit to a dermatologist is crucial here.

I experimented with serums containing redensyl, procapil, and anagain, plant-derived ingredients gaining traction in Indian hair care. These aim to prolong the hair growth phase. Consistency over three months showed reduced hair fall during combing.

The Dropper Method: Why It Actually Matters

Here's how I transformed product application effectiveness.

Using hair serums, oils, or tonics requires getting them onto the scalp, not merely coating your hair. Many just pour it on, but a lot ends up merely on the surface. A dropper bottle lets you target the scalp precisely. Part your hair, place the dropper at the scalp, and apply small amounts along each section. Then gently massage using finger pads in circular motions for about five minutes.

This process isn't just about spreading product. Regular scalp massage enhances blood flow and assists product absorption, supporting healthier hair follicles.

A Note on the Smell Issue

Let's face it, many potent scalp treatments come with strong scents. Castor oil has its signature smell, and Ayurvedic oils sometimes don’t bring spa-like aromas. Initially, a strong-smelling herbal oil deterred me.

However, the nose quickly adapts. After two to three weeks, what seemed overwhelming was barely noticeable. Don’t let scent deter you from continuing with a potentially effective product. Give it a bit before deciding.

Sulphate Shampoo: The Controversial One

The trend is moving away from sulphate shampoos, especially for dry or color-treated hair. Yet, on heavy oil treatment days, sulfate-free options couldn't thoroughly cleanse my scalp. Sometimes you need that deeper cleanse. So, I use a sulphate shampoo but only when necessary, not as a regular practice. Everyone’s hair and scalp needs differ, so check what works best for you without guilt.

What Actually Made a Difference, Honestly

After extensive trials, here’s what truly mattered:

• Consistent scalp massage with strategically applied serums or oils, several times a week, not just sporadically.

• Dietary adjustment incorporating more protein like lentils, eggs, and paneer. Protein is crucial for hair health since hair itself is protein-based.

• Reducing heat styling frequency. Not entirely stopping it, but being judicious about its necessity.

• Blood tests. Discovering low ferritin levels, a common culprit in India for hair fall, underscored the need for iron supplements under medical guidance, vastly improving my hair situation over months.

• Maintaining a consistent routine with a redensyl-containing serum. Regular use, not a sporadic application, bringing visible results after twelve weeks or more.

What Didn't Work (For Me)

Expensive masks promising less fall mid-length didn’t work. Hair fall is a scalp issue, not mid-length. Conditioning masks are good for texture, not underlying fall causes.

Playing shampoo roulette. Searching for one magical shampoo to fix everything is futile. Its role is cleansing, while treatments left on the scalp handle the real work.

One Thing I Wish Someone Had Told Me Earlier

Hair fall doesn’t accelerate or decelerate noticeably overnight. Improvement takes time, mirroring its gradual worsening. Abandoning a new routine too soon, as I almost did a few times, is a common mistake. Give any new treatment time to manifest results.

If you experience heavy or sudden hair fall, consulting a dermatologist is crucial to eliminate underlying causes like thyroid or iron deficiencies. These are treatable once identified.

Where I Am Now

My hair fall is much improved. It’s not entirely gone, daily shedding is normal, but I'm no longer losing alarming amounts. My crown feels fuller and new growth is visible along my hairline. It took seven months of consistent effort, medical advice, and a lot of patience.

If you're in the midst of your own hair fall journey, I truly hope some of this resonates. It's slow, but it's not impossible. You're not alone.