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Why is my hair thinning, with hair loss and a dry scalp?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I have thinning and losing hair, and sometimes dandruff-like dry skin in my hair.

Can you recommend shampoo or conditioner for balding or atopic skin?

Please help.

Thank you.

Answered by Dr. Misha Saghir

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I have read your query, and I can completely understand your condition.

Losing hair, especially with atopic dermatitis (a chronic inflammatory skin condition causing severe itching, redness, dryness, and scaly rashes, often starting in childhood, linked to genetics, immune system issues, and environmental triggers), is a major concern. Do not worry, I will guide you step by step in management.

To manage dandruff, use Zinc pyrithione shampoo as it targets and reduces the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp, a primary cause of dandruff.

Avoid using Ketoconazole shampoo as it can dry out your scalp and further trigger atopic dermatitis.

To manage your hair fall

  1. Use anagen hair spray/serum like Zinc pyrithione to target and reduce the overgrowth of Malassezia yeast on the scalp, a primary cause of dandruff. Apply five puffs at night on the scalp and leave overnight. You can wash in the day or after two days, if the scalp does not feel greasy.

  2. To rule out further causes of hair fall, get your serum iron and TIBC (total iron binding capacity) blood levels checked.

  3. Also, try to avoid hot showers and excess heat styling.

If possible, send me a clear picture of your scalp from the front and centre so that I can check if you are having pattern hair loss in addition.

I hope this answers your query.

Please let me know if I can assist you further.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed by iCliniq medical review team
Published At March 7, 2026
Reviewed At March 7, 2026

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Misha Saghir is a dedicated dermatologist with expertise in diagnosing and managing a wide range of skin, hair, nail, and cosmetic concerns. Her areas of expertise include acne, pigmentation, eczema, psoriasis, vitiligo, melasma, skin infections, and other hair and nail disorders. With previous experience as a general practitioner in government healthcare, Dr. Misha Saghir combines strong clinical knowledge with a patient-centered approach. She provides evidence-based online consultations, practical treatment plans, clear guidance, and appropriate follow-up care to help patients achieve healthy skin, hair, and nails.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

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