Many patients send in questions that seem unrelated but share a common thread — confusion about what actually causes hair loss and what actually fixes it. In this article based on his Q&A video, Dr. John Watts — dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad with over 2,000 successful procedures — answers four such questions.
Does nutritional deficiency cause permanent baldness?
A viewer named Sway Lee raised a fascinating observation: if poor diet causes hair loss, why do many sadhus and homeless people — who may not eat well — have long, thick hair?
Dr. Watts called it an interesting point. “It is true that nutritional deficiency can lead to temporary hair loss, but you can regain it once you resume a nutritional diet. So it is also true when your hair gets affected due to dirty water, pollution and dust exposure — but it does not affect your hair roots, only the outside shafts get affected,” he explained.
The key distinction: nutritional deficiency causes temporary hair loss. Genetic hair loss is a separate, permanent mechanism. “For most, genetic hair loss is a prominent reason for baldness. Here, even if you are rich or take good nutrition, they cannot prevent genetic baldness or patterned hair loss unless there is medical or surgical intervention like a hair transplant procedure,” he added.
Stress is another independent factor. “Stress also causes hair loss. Here, nutrition has no role to play,” Dr. Watts noted.
How do you know if biotin is working?
RSK asked whether there is any way to tell if a biotin supplement is actually doing anything for hair.
Dr. Watts gave a simple, practical answer: watch your fingernails. “Usually, it takes about 2–3 months for biotin to show results. You need patience,” he said. “If you notice that your fingernails are growing faster than before, then you can assume conveniently that biotin is working for the intended results. Your body is responding to it.”
Biotin supports both hair and nail growth through the same biochemical pathway — so nail growth is an accessible proxy for whether the supplement is being absorbed and used.
What is the drug CTP-543 for alopecia?
A 20-year-old viewer named Janardhan, battling Alopecia Universalis, asked about a new drug called CTP-543 after traditional remedies had failed him.
Dr. Watts explained the spectrum of alopecia conditions. “While Alopecia Areata is coin-shaped hair loss in the form of a patch, Alopecia Totalis affects the entire scalp, and Alopecia Universalis affects even the eyebrows. The new drug CTP-543, manufactured by Concert Pharmaceuticals, works for all three types,” he said, citing good clinical trial results.
The caveat: as of the time of this video, the drug had not yet been marketed or made available in India. “You can try this drug once it is available in India for use,” he advised.
Does masturbation cause grey hair?
This is a persistent myth. Dr. Watts was direct: “Masturbation has nothing to do with grey hair. There is no link.”
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Does poor diet always lead to baldness?
No. Nutritional deficiency causes temporary hair loss, but genetic hair loss cannot be prevented by diet or nutrition alone.
How long does biotin take to show results?
Dr. John Watts says it typically takes 2-3 months. Faster nail growth is a sign it is working.
What is Alopecia Universalis and is CTP-543 available in India?
Alopecia Universalis causes hair loss across the entire scalp and eyebrows. CTP-543 showed good clinical trial results but was not yet available in India at the time of filming.
