Thinning hair can be a distressing experience, but there are many reasons why this may happen, and sometimes, it’s possible for hair to regrow. If you’re experiencing hair loss, asking for the help of a dermatologist may not be the first thing that comes to mind. But skin doctors can help in many ways, from advising lifestyle changes to prescribing medications and using technologies and procedures.
If you’re exploring treatment options for hair loss, it can help to first understand the science behind hair loss and the possible causes.
Why Hair Loss Happens
Everybody sheds hair, and healthy people typically lose around 100 strands a day. If less hair grows back than is lost, this is called alopecia. Hair loss can affect anybody, including men, women, and even children.
Types of Hair Loss
There are multiple possible reasons for hair loss. Types of hair loss include:
- Androgenic alopecia: This is called male pattern baldness when it happens to men and female pattern hair loss when it happens to women. Hair loss follows a pattern that is slightly different for each sex. Genetic and environmental factors are believed to contribute to androgenic alopecia.
- Alopecia areata: This is an autoimmune disease where the body’s immune system attacks its own hair follicles, leading to hair loss. Alopecia areata can happen to anyone and often starts during a person’s teens, 20s, or 30s. However, regrowth is possible because the disease typically does not destroy hair follicles.
- Telogen effluvium: A type of hair loss that typically happens after an episode of extreme stress is called telogen effluvium. Triggers can include serious infections, childbirth, a psychologically stressful event, and some medications. Hair can grow back within several months after addressing the underlying stressor.
- Anagen effluvium: Often associated with hair loss due to chemotherapy, anagen effluvium is another type of rapid hair loss, and it happens during the hair follicle’s anagen or growing phase. Hair can regrow after a few months, but permanent alopecia is also possible.
If you’re experiencing hair loss, talk to your family doctor or dermatologist. They can then investigate the underlying cause of your hair loss and recommend treatments based on your individual situation.
How Dermatologists Can Help With Hair Loss
While we typically associate dermatologists with skin health, dermatologists can treat hair loss, too. Losing one’s hair can be difficult to handle psychologically, but you have options on what to do. For example, dermatologists may prescribe finasteride, an oral medication, for cases of male pattern baldness. Other treatments include hair transplants and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). These procedures use hair and platelets from your own body.
Some supplements are marketed as being treatments for hair loss. Talk to your dermatologist before starting a new supplement or medication, even if it doesn’t require a prescription. You may benefit from a blood test to check your vitamin and mineral levels. Use care around supplements because too much of a certain nutrient can lead to hair loss.
Natural Hair Regrowth
Sometimes, hair can grow back on its own without treatment. This is more of a possibility if your hair loss followed childbirth, illness, surgery, cancer treatment, or major weight loss. Regrowth can also happen after a mild case of alopecia areata, or if psoriasis on your scalp has been successfully treated.
Alma TED Hair Restoration
Newer technologies, such as Alma TED, can also help. Alma TED involves using ultrasound waves, air pressure, and a serum to promote blood flow and hair growth. This treatment won’t treat fully bald cases and isn’t permanent, but it can be a suitable treatment for thinning hair.
While multiple sessions are often needed, some people notice improvement after a single treatment. Other advantages of Alma TED include no recovery time after treatment, minimal invasiveness (no needles), and relatively quick appointments that are 20 to 30 minutes long.
Side effects of Alma TED may include warmth and tingling. Alma TED is not meant to be used in medical emergencies, and research on it is limited and ongoing. If you’re curious about whether Alma TED is right for you, talk to your dermatologist, especially if you have a pre-existing skin condition like psoriasis or eczema.
Hair Care Tips
There are also things you can do at home to promote the health of your hair. Suggestions from the American Academy of Dermatology Association include:
- Wash your hair gently: Choose a shampoo that doesn’t dry out your hair and use moisturizing conditioner, leave-in conditioner, and detangler. Avoid blow-drying hair too much by wrapping your hair in a towel to dry.
- Watch the heat: Avoid hot-oil treatments and limit your use of curling irons and hot combs. Use the coolest possible blow-drying temperature, and dry your hair naturally when possible.
- Enlist a professional: If you want to color, perm, or straighten your hair, consider asking a professional rather than doing it at home.
- Avoid pulling and twisting: Hairstyles such as tight buns and braids can cause traction alopecia. You should also avoid twirling or pulling at your hair, and comb or brush it gently.
- General healthy habits: Quitting smoking and eating a healthy diet can also help. Lack of certain nutrients and not eating enough can lead to hair loss.
Explore Your Options at Future Bright Dermatology
While hair loss isn’t uncommon, it can be a frustrating and distressing thing to experience, no matter your age or gender. If you have hair loss or thinning hair, it’s natural to search for a solution. A dermatologist can help. Led by Dr. Elaine F. Kung, Future Bright Dermatology in New York City offers treatments with technologies like Alma TED. We strive to provide inclusive and compassionate care to people from all walks of life. To discuss your hair care concerns and needs, book an appointment with us today.
