Medicated vs regular shampoo for hair fall: which do you need?

The table compares the two by what they are for. A medicated shampoo treats a diagnosed scalp problem; a regular cosmetic shampoo cleans gently and helps hair break less.

A medicated shampoo contains an active ingredient meant to treat a scalp condition, not just to clean hair. Antifungals such as ketoconazole are used for dandruff and seborrhoeic dermatitis; salicylic acid and coal tar help lift scale; zinc pyrithione and selenium sulfide are common in anti-dandruff formulas. Some are sold over the counter, and stronger strengths need a prescription.

When the scalp itself is healthy, a medicated shampoo does not fix hair fall that comes from breakage along the length. Using one for weeks without a reason can also leave hair dry.

Some dermatologists add ketoconazole shampoo for certain types of hair loss linked to scalp inflammation and hormone sensitivity. This is an off-label use, and it is not considered a cure on its own.

The best-studied hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil, are left on the scalp as a solution or foam, or taken on prescription, rather than rinsed off in a shampoo. A dermatologist can tell you whether you need one.

Hair coming out suddenly, in clumps or in round patches; a red, itchy, scaly or painful scalp; a widening parting, a receding hairline or thinning at the crown; hair fall after pregnancy, illness, surgery or major weight loss; or heavy shedding that lasts more than three months.

The American Academy of Dermatology advises seeing a board-certified dermatologist as soon as you notice hair loss, because the sooner the cause is found, the better the chance of good results.

If your scalp feels normal and the hair you lose is short, broken pieces rather than whole strands, the cause is usually breakage from heat, colour, bleach, rebonding, hard water or rough handling. A gentle, sulfate free shampoo and conditioner after every wash help here.

BlossomK Hair Active Daily Care Shampoo is a cosmetic, sulfate free shampoo with Anagain, Baicapil, biotin and keratin for everyday hair fall from breakage. For dry, frizzy or chemically treated hair, the Natural Protein Smooth Shampoo adds protein and moisture. Neither is a medicated product, and neither replaces a dermatologist's treatment.

Use a gentle shampoo, because some shampoos strip moisture from the hair. Apply a moisturising conditioner after every shampoo to reduce breakage and split ends, and consider a leave-in conditioner for frizz.

Avoid tight hairstyles, rough towel drying and very high heat, and wrap wet hair in a soft towel instead of rubbing it.

American Academy of Dermatology, "Hair loss: Tips for managing": https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/tips

American Academy of Dermatology, "Hair loss": https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-and-scalp-problems/hair-loss

George Washington University Dermatology, "Antidandruff shampoo may help combat some types of hair loss": https://dermatology.smhs.gwu.edu/news/washington-post-antidandruff-shampoo-may-help-combat-some-types-hair-loss