Walk down any supermarket aisle and you'll see shampoos promising to rescue your hair from falling. A viewer named Sheikh Saaj asked the question many of us have wondered: which is better for hair fall control — Loreal Anti Hair Fall Shampoo or Dove Hairfall Rescue Shampoo?
In this article based on his educational video, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — gives an answer that may surprise you: it's the wrong question.
Why shampoos can't stop hair fall
Dr. Watts explains that shampoos hardly stay in contact with the scalp for up to a minute or less. In that time, the idea that their ingredients could control hair fall is, in his words, imaginary and unscientific to believe.
He also points to the undue influence of hair care advertisements, where tall claims make people believe that using a particular oil or shampoo can give their hair the strength to pull off stunts like pulling a lorry.
"Shampoos can help to clean the dirt or oily scalp. If your hair is frizzy, dusty, oily or full of flakes, using shampoos can help but they are useless to control hair fall, which is caused due to several reasons. The best approach is to consult a dermatologist to find out the exact cause before taking treatment," advised Dr. John Watts.
What actually causes hair fall
Hair fall has many causes, and most of them are entirely beyond a shampoo's reach:
Hormonal changes. Shifts in hormones — such as those during pregnancy or menopause — can cause hair loss. Shampoos cannot regulate hormone levels.
Nutritional deficiencies. Lack of nutrients like iron or protein can lead to hair loss. Some shampoos contain vitamins and minerals that nourish hair, but they cannot fix a nutritional deficiency.
Medical conditions. Conditions such as alopecia or thyroid problems cause hair loss — and shampoos cannot cure or treat medical conditions.
Lifestyle and stress. Undue stress can cause hair fall that no shampoo can prevent.
What shampoos are actually good for
This doesn't mean shampoos are useless. They clean the scalp, remove dirt, oil and flakes, and help maintain healthy, manageable hair. That is their job — and they do it well. Just don't expect them to perform medicine's job.
The bottom line
Between Dove and L'Oreal anti-hairfall shampoos, there is no meaningful winner — because no shampoo can control hair fall. Hair loss is caused by hormones, nutrition, medical conditions and stress, none of which a one-minute scalp wash can address. Use a shampoo to keep your hair clean; see a dermatologist to find out why it's falling.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Frequently asked questions
Which is better for hair fall — Dove or L'Oreal anti-hairfall shampoo?
Neither. According to Dr. Watts, shampoos stay on the scalp for less than a minute and cannot control hair fall, regardless of brand or claims.
What are shampoos actually good for?
Cleaning. If your hair is frizzy, dusty, oily or full of flakes, shampoos help clean and nourish the hair and scalp — but that is where their role ends.
What really causes hair fall?
Common causes include hormonal changes (such as pregnancy or menopause), nutritional deficiencies like iron or protein, medical conditions like alopecia or thyroid problems, and stress.
What should I do if I have hair fall?
Consult a dermatologist to find the exact cause before starting any treatment, rather than relying on anti-hairfall products.
