Finding clumps of hair on your pillow, in the shower drain, or tangled in your hairbrush can be frustrating. Hair fall has become a common concern for many women today, and factors like stress, hormonal fluctuations, unhealthy eating habits, pollution, and excessive styling are often to blame.
In a recent episode of the 'All About Her' podcast, actress Soha Ali Khan sat down with actress Kritika Kamra and celebrity hairstylist Yianni Tsapatori to discuss one of the most common beauty concerns: hair fall. During the conversation, Tsapatori shared expert advice on what counts as normal hair shedding, the right way to wash hair, and simple habits that can help keep hair healthy.
Is Your Hair Fall Normal?
Many people panic when they see hair strands falling every day. However, Tsapatori explained that some amount of shedding is completely natural. According to him, losing around 50 to 100 strands daily is considered normal. But if the amount seems unusually high, it is important to pay closer attention.
'I think you need to be a little bit more careful with and be more observant about what happens,' he said. He also recommended getting professional help if hair fall becomes excessive. Visiting a salon once a month for a scalp scan can help identify underlying issues before they become more serious.
The Right Way to Wash Your Hair
Many people unknowingly make mistakes while washing their hair, which can lead to breakage and damage. Tsapatori advised focusing shampoo only on the scalp rather than the lengths of the hair. He suggested using fingertips to gently massage the scalp and paying special attention to the crown area, which is often neglected.
When Soha Ali Khan asked whether shampoo should be left on the scalp for a few minutes before rinsing, the hairstylist replied, 'Not necessarily.' Instead, he believes keeping things simple works best.
'I think that doing the simplest things ever is the best way to go about it. You don't have to leave the shampoo on it. Just take your time. Massage your scalp as much as possible. Make sure that you're cleaning your hair because a lot of residue is there. Like, I'm talking not only about products; I'm talking about pollution as well.' He also cautioned against rough towel-drying, as vigorous rubbing can increase hair breakage.
Small Changes That Can Make a Big Difference
Apart from shampooing correctly, Tsapatori shared a few simple habits that can support healthier hair. He recommended using filtered water for the final rinse whenever possible and avoiding extremely hot water while washing hair. Hot water can strip away moisture and leave hair feeling dry. Another tip? Let your hair air-dry whenever possible and use a good leave-in conditioner to maintain hydration and softness.
The Shampoo Mistake Many People Make
One common mistake people make is constantly switching hair products in search of quick results. Tsapatori advised sticking with shampoos that suit your hair type instead of experimenting too often.
'One tip that I can give you is to get the right shampoo. Don't keep on changing shampoos. Don't play around all the time. What I usually advise people is to find two shampoos that work for you. Use it for four months. Use one for four months, use the next one for four months, and alternate throughout the year. I think these will give you that kind of balance.'
Why Do Hair Masks Matter?
The hairstylist also highlighted the importance of using a hair mask after shampooing. He explained, 'I would advise you to use a mask right after because you know the hair has cuticles. So when you wash it, pretty much the cuticles open, right? And becomes very rough. So that's the right time to use a mask because the mask will penetrate the hair. It's going to go inside, and it's going to hydrate it from within and then use a conditioner.' According to him, applying a mask first allows deep hydration, while conditioner helps seal and smooth the hair afterward.
Don't Overload Your Hair with Products
While many people turn to multiple hair products when they notice hair fall, Tsapatori believes less is often more. 'Don't overuse products,' he warned. He also stressed the importance of identifying the real cause of hair problems before using treatments such as minoxidil or other hair-growth products.
The takeaway is simple: healthy hair doesn't always require complicated routines. Washing your hair correctly, choosing the right products, staying consistent, and avoiding unnecessary product overload can go a long way in reducing breakage and maintaining stronger, healthier hair.
