People often use “hair fall” and “hair loss” interchangeably, but they describe two very different processes with very different outcomes. In this article based on his Q&A video, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad — draws the crucial distinction.
Will hair grow back where it fell out?
A viewer named RMRS asked whether hair can grow back at the spot where it was lost, and whether the pores close permanently.
Dr. Watts clarified that hair can regrow where it fell — pores do not close permanently. “There will be hair growth in the spot where one faces hair loss. The pores are not closed permanently,” he explained.
However, when hereditary baldness begins, the process is different. Gradually, the size and thickness of hair in those areas reduces over time — a process called miniaturisation.
What is miniaturisation?
“In the early baldness phase, you will notice miniaturisation of your hair. The size, length and thickness get reduced gradually, and at one point in time the hair grows so small that they are no longer visible,” explained Dr. John Watts.
This process should not be confused with temporary hair loss — the kind that occurs during illness (like typhoid or COVID recovery), nutritional deficiency, crash dieting or vitamin deficiency. In those cases, the pores remain open and hair regrows once the underlying issue is corrected.
“Due to nutritional or vitamin deficiency, or when one takes recourse to some crash diet course for weight loss, one may notice hair loss — but it is a temporary phenomenon and one may regain the lost hair when these deficiencies are replenished,” he said.
Temporary hair loss vs permanent baldness
The distinction matters for treatment. During temporary hair loss, hair quality drops and thinning occurs — but full recovery is possible. “Once one meets the nutritional deficiency and adequately hydrates and rests, the quality of hair and growth would improve,” Dr. Watts noted.
Miniaturisation-based baldness, however, is permanent. No nutritional supplement or dietary change can reverse hereditary baldness once it sets in. The first sign is miniaturisation itself. The only solutions are a hair transplant or cosmetic camouflage like hair fibre or a hair patch.
Does new hair grow where donor hair was extracted?
Dr. Watts also addressed a common question from transplant patients: will hair grow back at the donor extraction site? The answer is no. “Once donor hair is extracted from a spot, growth of new hair is not possible in that region,” he confirmed. However, the graft extraction is performed in a scattered, uniform pattern to minimise visible thinning.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
Instant Appointment Slot Booking
Frequently asked questions
Can hair grow back at a spot where it fell out?
Yes, for temporary hair loss. But in hereditary baldness, miniaturisation gradually makes hair invisible, which is permanent.
What causes temporary hair loss?
Illness, nutritional deficiency, vitamin deficiency, and crash diets can all cause temporary hair loss. Once the cause is addressed, hair regrows.
Does hair grow back where donor grafts were extracted during a transplant?
No. Once donor hair is extracted, no new hair will grow at that spot, but extraction is scattered to minimise visible thinning.
