Hair Fall Treatment in Pakistan: Causes & What Works

Losing more than 100 hairs a day, seeing a wider parting or finding clumps in the shower are signs your hair fall needs attention. Most hair fall has a clear cause, and the right fix depends on which one you have. This guide explains the main types of hair fall, the causes that are common in Pakistan, what treatment options exist, and when to see a dermatologist.

How much hair fall is normal?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, it is normal to shed 50 to 100 hairs a day. Hair grows in cycles, and every hair eventually rests and falls out so a new one can replace it.

Hair fall becomes a problem when:

You regularly see far more than 100 hairs on your pillow, comb or shower drain
Your parting or crown looks wider or you can see more scalp
Your ponytail feels thinner than before
You notice bald patches, a receding hairline or broken hairs

The 5 main types of hair fall

1. Hereditary hair loss (pattern hair loss)

This is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide in both men and women. Genes and hormones such as DHT gradually shrink hair follicles, so hair grows back thinner each cycle. In men it shows as a receding hairline or thinning crown; in women it usually shows as a widening parting. It is gradual, and results are better the earlier care starts.

2. Excessive shedding after a trigger (telogen effluvium)

A shock to the body pushes many hairs into the resting phase at once. Common triggers are childbirth, high fever, dengue or typhoid, surgery, major stress, crash dieting and stopping birth control pills. Shedding usually starts a few months after the trigger. The AAD notes hair tends to regain its normal fullness within 6 to 9 months once the trigger has passed.

3. Hair fall from scalp problems

Dandruff, excess oil, fungal infections and psoriasis inflame the scalp and can increase shedding. Treating the scalp condition usually lets hair recover. See our guide on how to treat dandruff.

4. Hair fall from pulling and damage (traction alopecia)

Tight ponytails, buns, braids and hair extensions pull on the roots day after day. Early on, changing your hairstyle lets hair grow back. If the pulling continues for years, follicles can be damaged permanently.

5. Patchy hair loss (alopecia areata)

Round, smooth bald patches that appear suddenly are usually caused by the immune system attacking hair follicles. This needs a dermatologist, not a home routine.

Common causes of hair fall in Pakistan

Cause	Who it affects most	What helps
Iron deficiency and low vitamin D	Women, especially after pregnancy or with heavy periods	Blood test, then supplements only if your doctor advises
PCOS and thyroid problems	Women with irregular periods, weight changes or acne	Treating the underlying condition with a doctor
Postpartum hair fall	New mothers, starting about 2 months after birth	Patience, a gentle routine and good nutrition; it is usually temporary
Fever and illness (dengue, typhoid, COVID)	Anyone, 2 to 3 months after recovery	Usually recovers on its own; a scalp routine supports regrowth
Oily scalp and dandruff in heat and humidity	People in Karachi, Lahore and other hot cities	Regular cleansing with a clarifying, anti-dandruff shampoo
Hard or borewell water	Many urban households	Mineral buildup can make hair dry and brittle; a clarifying wash helps remove residue
Tight hairstyles and hijab worn tightly	Women who tie hair tightly every day	Looser styles, soft scrunchies, a cotton underscarf
Crash diets and low protein	People losing weight quickly	Balanced diet with enough protein, iron and zinc

Hair fall treatment options

Medical treatment (from a doctor)

For hereditary hair loss and hormone-related hair fall, dermatologists may prescribe treatments such as minoxidil, oral medicines, or in-clinic procedures like PRP. Only a doctor can tell you whether these are right for you. Never start prescription medicines for hair fall without medical advice.

Fix the underlying cause

If hair fall is linked to low iron, thyroid problems, PCOS or a recent illness, treating that cause is what brings hair back. A simple blood test (CBC, ferritin, vitamin D, thyroid) is often the most useful first step.

A daily scalp care routine

A consistent at-home routine supports a healthy scalp and helps reduce everyday shedding. A good routine covers three moments:

Wash: a sulfate-free clarifying shampoo 3 times a week removes oil, dandruff and buildup. Our Hair Growth & Scalp Clarifying Shampoo contains zinc pyrithione, caffeine and rosemary oil.
Night: a leave-on serum applied to a clean, dry scalp works for hours while you sleep. Our Night Hair Serum contains Redensyl, Capixyl and Procapil. Read more in Redensyl, Procapil and Capixyl explained.
Day: a light, non-greasy spray protects the scalp from daily stress and adds volume. See our Day Use Hair Growth Spray.

Not sure which you need? Read Shampoo, Serum or Spray: Which One Do You Need? or get all three in the Complete Hair Fall Routine.

Looking for a more advanced night serum? Evasome-H Exosome Hair Serum by Elysium Skin Sciences combines Redensyl, Procapil and Capixyl with exosome and PDRN ingredients.

Lifestyle habits that help

Eat enough protein every day: eggs, daal, chicken, fish, milk and yoghurt
Avoid tight hairstyles and sleeping with wet hair tied up
Limit heat styling, rebonding and bleaching
Manage stress and sleep 7 to 8 hours
Be gentle when combing wet hair; use a wide-tooth comb

How long does hair fall treatment take?

Hair grows slowly, about 1 cm a month. Most people notice less shedding after 4 to 6 weeks of a consistent routine, and visible thickness takes 3 months or more. Stopping and starting resets your progress, so choose a routine you can follow every day for at least 8 to 12 weeks.

When to see a dermatologist

Do not rely on products alone if you notice any of these:

Sudden, round bald patches
Hair fall with scalp pain, redness, pus or scarring
Heavy shedding that lasts longer than 6 months
Hair fall along with irregular periods, weight changes, tiredness or acne
Hair loss in a child

Frequently asked questions

Can hair fall be stopped permanently?

Temporary hair fall from stress, illness or childbirth usually stops on its own. Hereditary hair loss is ongoing and needs long-term care to slow it down.

Does oiling stop hair fall?

Oiling can soften hair and reduce breakage, but heavy oil left on the scalp for long periods can worsen dandruff and buildup in hot weather. Wash it out properly.

Is hair fall in women different from men?

Yes. Women more often see overall thinning and a wider parting, and causes like PCOS, pregnancy and low iron are common. Men more often see a receding hairline or thinning crown.

Which shampoo is best for hair fall in Pakistan?

Look for a sulfate-free formula that also treats dandruff and oil. Read our guide to sulfate-free shampoo for hair fall.

This article is for general information and is not a substitute for medical advice. If your hair fall is sudden, severe or comes with other symptoms, please see a qualified dermatologist.

Hair Fall Treatment in Pakistan: Causes, Types and What Actually Works