How to choose
First work out which kind of hair fall you have. Sudden heavy shedding all over the scalp, two to three months after an illness, surgery, childbirth or a crash diet, is usually telogen effluvium and settles in three to six months. Gradual thinning at the parting or crown is pattern hair loss, which serums help little and doctors treat with minoxidil and other medicines. If you choose a serum, check the active and its strength on the label: Redensyl, Procapil, Capixyl and Anagain are cosmetic peptide and plant blends with small studies, mostly paid for by their makers. Apply it to a dry scalp, not the lengths, and pick a light, non-greasy one you will use every day. Give it three to four months, because hair grows slowly, and photograph your parting in the same light each month so you can judge honestly. If shedding is heavy, check ferritin, thyroid, vitamin D and a blood count first.
Who really needs this
A serum suits mild, early thinning, or shedding that is already settling, when blood tests are normal. It is not the answer for round bald patches (alopecia areata), a red, scaly or itchy scalp, hair loss with scarring, hair loss in children, or thinning with irregular periods, acne or facial hair, which can point to PCOS. In those cases see a skin doctor, who may suggest blood tests or prescription treatment.
Our picks
Editorial recommendations, not paid placements.
Early thinning
A peptide serum (Redensyl, Procapil or Capixyl)
The cosmetic actives with the most studies behind them, though the studies are small. Use one every day on a dry scalp for at least three months.
Find it in the storeFlaky or itchy scalp
Treat the dandruff first
Dandruff and scalp inflammation add to shedding. A medicated anti-dandruff shampoo twice a week often helps more than a serum.
Find it in the storeHair that breaks
A smoothing serum for the lengths
Short broken hairs from dry, frizzy hair are breakage, not hair fall from the root. A light serum on the lengths reduces it.
Find it in the storePattern thinning
Minoxidil, on a doctor's advice
The best-studied treatment for thinning at the parting or crown, in men and women. A skin doctor decides whether it suits you and at what strength.
Mistakes to avoid
Don't switch serums every few weeks; nothing can be judged before three months. Don't rub oil or serum hard into a scalp that is already shedding; gentle application is enough. Don't count hairs in the shower every day, which only adds stress. Don't start biotin or hair vitamins without a test; most people are not deficient, and biotin can upset thyroid blood test results. Don't ignore hair loss with patches, scarring, pain or a rash. And don't buy serums that promise to regrow a bald scalp.
From a dermatologist, online
Using these products for hair fall and not seeing a change? A doctor can read your case.
Send photos and what you have used. A registered dermatologist names the problem, writes the plan, prescribes what fits and tells you what to stop. ₹299, one payment, with 7 days of follow-up.
