In neighbourhoods across Guwahati, a basic act like taking a shower is becoming a source of daily stress. Residents are experiencing sudden and excessive hair loss, and many believe the cause lies in the water coming from their taps.
This issue goes beyond concerns about appearance. For many, it raises serious questions about water quality and its possible impact on health turning an everyday routine into a matter of growing worry.
Orange Water, Falling Strands
Talking to GPlus, Anindita, a resident in Rehabari said, "I lost a lot of hair because of the poor quality of water in our area. The water that came out of the tap was orange in colour." Her tone was a mix of frustration and helplessness. She said, "It has not only affected my hair but my skin too. This is pathetic. Not just me, my friends and others have been talking about hair loss as well. It has become a regular topic of conversation."
Her experience isn't isolated. In Geetanagar, Shweta, a young working professional who shifted to the area just six months ago said, "I noticed my hair fall increasing ever since I moved here. I got my water tested, and the iron content was very high. When I complained to the landlord, he casually said, ‘Yes, the water quality is a bit poor.’ But we live with it every day."
Kaushik Phukan, who previously lived in a rented house in the Triveni Path locality of Six Mile talking to GPlus said, "We were provided water twice a day. Every time we opened the tap, it ran orange. It was unsettling. We had major hair fall issues while staying there."
These accounts from residents across different neighbourhoods of Guwahati point to a wider, city-spanning problem.
However, talking to GPlus, Dr Debeshi, a Guwahati-based aesthetic dermatologist, confirmed that what residents are experiencing is not anecdotal.
"Yes, we have certainly observed a noticeable rise in hair loss cases in Guwahati. Several factors are contributing to this trend," she explained. "Key reasons include increased environmental pollution, changing climatic conditions, poor water quality, and lifestyle changes such as heightened stress levels, irregular sleep patterns, and unhealthy dietary habits."
She elaborated that common culprits also include genetic predisposition, nutritional deficiencies—particularly iron, Vitamin D, and biotin—and excessive chemical treatments like hair colouring and smoothening. "In the past couple of years, the number of patients visiting us with complaints of hair fall has gone up considerably."
According to Dr Debeshi, the most common factors observed among her patients include:
• Chronic stress and anxiety
• Diets lacking essential nutrients
• Hard water and mineral build-up on the scalp
• Frequent use of heat styling tools and chemical treatments
• Hormonal imbalances, especially PCOS and thyroid-related disorders
• Hair fall following viral infections
• Late diagnosis and lack of early intervention
One of the most commonly mentioned issues in residents' testimonies was the quality of water. Reports of "orange water" strongly point to high iron content, a typical feature of hard water, which is known to affect scalp health and cause hair breakage and thinning.
In areas such as Six Mile, Lal Ganesh, Geetanagar, and parts of Beltola, residents complain about discoloured water, with rust-like residue staining bathroom tiles, laundry, and even cooking vessels.
"Every time we use water, we feel like we're exposing ourselves to something harmful," said Ritu, a homemaker in Kahilipara. "I never faced such hair fall issues before we moved here. Now my hair clogs the drain every day."
Water quality reports from independent labs in Guwahati have previously flagged elevated levels of iron, manganese, and in some localities, even lead. While these elements do not always exceed permissible limits, long-term exposure, especially via bathing water, is believed to impact scalp health.
Stress, Sleep, and the Urban Hustle
Guwahati’s rapid urbanisation has brought with it a host of lifestyle-related health concerns, and hair fall is proving to be an unexpected yet prominent one among them.
"The stress of commuting, work pressure, financial concerns, and social obligations—all of this adds up," Dr Debeshi pointed out. "People are sleeping less, eating poorly, and skipping basic self-care. This cocktail of urban stressors is a recipe for hair loss."
She added that increased screen time, sedentary routines, and reduced physical activity further disturb hormonal balance and nutrient absorption, indirectly leading to scalp issues.
Guwahati's climate, too, has become more erratic in recent years, with unexpected rain spells, prolonged humid phases, and temperature spikes.
"Scalp fungal infections are becoming more common because of increased humidity," explained Dr Debeshi. "A damp, unclean scalp can weaken hair follicles. The heat and sweat also lead to itching, dandruff, and infections, which aggravate hair fall."
Additionally, rising levels of dust and air pollution in major traffic corridors such as GS Road and Zoo Road mean that residents are exposed to particulate matter on a daily basis, affecting both skin and scalp health.
Rural vs Urban Divide
Interestingly, residents who move to Guwahati from rural areas report a major increase in hair loss soon after settling in the city.
"Back in my village, we used water from tube wells and ponds. I never had hair problems," said a student from Barpeta studying in Guwahati. "But in the hostel here, the water smells odd and feels heavy. My hair started falling out within a few months."
His story is one of many that highlight the transition from naturally sourced water to chemically treated or contaminated municipal supplies, and its impact on health.
Many households have now started investing in water filters, shower head softeners, and even expensive hair treatments to combat the damage.
"I had to install a whole-house filtration unit," said Abhishek, a tech employee in Bhangagarh. "It cost me over Rs 25,000, but my wife and I couldn’t deal with the hair loss anymore. It has helped to some extent, but it's not a complete solution."
Dermatologists in the city report growing demand for PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy, laser treatments, and hair transplants, all of which are expensive and often require multiple sittings.
What Can Be Done?
Dr Debeshi suggests a few key preventive steps for those noticing early signs of hair thinning or hair fall:
• Balanced Diet: Include protein-rich foods, iron, zinc, biotin, and antioxidants in your daily meals.
• Scalp Care: Use mild, sulfate-free shampoos. Wash your hair at least three times a week but avoid overwashing. Consider water softeners.
• Stress Management: Incorporate yoga, meditation, or physical activity into your routine.
• Minimal Styling: Limit the use of heat tools, harsh chemicals, and tight hairstyles.
• Medical Checkup: Get basic blood tests done to rule out deficiencies and hormonal issues.
• Early Medical Intervention: Consult a dermatologist early. Treatments like supplements and PRP therapy work best when started at the initial stage.
Need for Civic Action
While individual efforts help, doctors and residents agree that the government and civic authorities must step in to address root causes.
"The water supply system in Guwahati needs urgent attention," said a Guwahati based engineer in government department seeking anonymity. "We need proper filtration, regular quality checks, and transparent water audits for each locality."
Until then, Guwahati’s residents are left to battle this modern epidemic one fallen strand at a time.