Hair Fall Myths and Real Causes: Your Questions Answered

Published Apr 22, 2022

Dr. John WattsDoctor-led education
Video + articleTrichology Diagnosis

Can wearing special slippers reduce hair fall? Does vodka make hair strong? Will hair regrow in the donor area after a transplant?

In this article based on the third part of his #AskDrJohnWatts series, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — answers questions flooding the comment sections of his popular YouTube channel.

Do slippers or acupressure reduce hair fall?

Shravya heard that wearing specific slippers can reduce hair fall. Dr. Watts is categorical: there is no connection between wearing slippers and hair fall. “This is wrong information. There is no logic at all,” he says. He adds that even acupressure — pressing pressure points on the feet — cannot control hair fall.

Heavy hair fall at 24 with no bad habits — why?

Babu Strange, 24, has no bad habits but is noticing heavy hair fall. Assuming he is a non-alcoholic and non-smoker, Dr. Watts explains: “If you are getting adequate sleep and not encountering any stressed life or stressed condition, then the cause of hair fall could have suspects like a vitamin deficiency or hereditary issues.”

He advises consulting a dermatologist — and staying away from online consultations or self-diagnosing through social media literature.

Does donor area hair grow back after a transplant?

Dhanush N asked whether fresh hair regrows in the donor region after graft extraction. Dr. Watts clarifies that the extracted spots themselves do not regrow hair. “However, we randomly extract the hair follicles in such a way that adjacent hair growing there will cover up the spots where hair grafts were extracted. Hence, there won't be a problem here,” he explains.

Alcohol and hair: beer after a transplant, vodka for strength?

Ganesh asked if he can consume beer after a hair transplant. Dr. Watts usually advises patients to avoid alcohol 10-15 days before and after the procedure. “Yes, after the waiting period of 10-15 days post hair transplant one can consume alcoholic drinks,” he informs.

Shiva asked whether drinking vodka makes hair strong. There is no such connection. “In fact, regular alcoholic drinks can do more damage to the hair cycle and hair growth would be affected,” says Dr. Watts.

Do smartphone and computer screens cause hair loss?

Sai Akhil spends long hours on his smartphone and computer and worries about electromagnetic radiation. Dr. Watts says there may not be much of an impact, and points viewers to his dedicated educational video on the topic.

The bottom line

Slippers, acupressure and vodka will not save your hair — and screens are unlikely to harm it. Real causes of hair fall, like vitamin deficiency or heredity, need a proper diagnosis from a dermatologist, not guesswork from social media.

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

Can special slippers or acupressure reduce hair fall?

No. There is no connection between wearing slippers and hair fall, and acupressure on the feet cannot control hair fall either.

Does hair regrow in the donor area after a hair transplant?

The exact spots where grafts were extracted do not regrow hair, but follicles are extracted randomly so that adjacent hair covers those spots and the area looks normal.

When can I drink alcohol after a hair transplant?

Dr. Watts advises avoiding alcohol 10-15 days before and after the procedure. After that waiting period, alcoholic drinks can be consumed.

Does vodka make hair strong?

No. Regular alcoholic drinks can actually damage the hair cycle and affect hair growth.

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