What is hair loss?

Losing hair isn’t inherently a bad thing. We lose about 50-100 strands of hair daily. You may see this, especially when combing your hair. Although this may seem a lot, we have over 100,000 strands of hair, so daily hair loss is barely noticeable. 

Hair loss should concern you when you see bald patches or notice your hair is broken or thinned. Hair loss can be classified as scarring or non-scarring. Non-scarring is where the hair follicles aren’t destroyed, and hair can grow back. Scarring means the hair follicles are completely damaged, so hair loss is permanent.

Why do I have hair loss?

Hair loss occurs in both men and women. The most common type of hair loss in men and women is hormonal hair (androgenic alopecia) loss called male-pattern baldness of female-pattern baldness. This hair loss condition increases with age, and 50% of people have it from age 40 onward. Over time, androgenic alopecia causes a receding hairline and thinned hair.

Although hair loss in men and women can be genetic, other factors can also be culprits. These include medication, hormones, internal conditions, types of hairstyles and stress. Hair loss can also happen from scarring alopecia, a collection of inflammatory conditions that destroy hair follicles. 

Although it doesn’t receive much attention, hair loss in women is also common.

How is hair loss diagnosed?

Dermatologists are trained to distinguish the different types of hair loss. We’ll inquire into your history and administer a physical exam to determine the type of hair loss. Sometimes, we may perform  a scalp biopsy to solidify the diagnosis coupled with  blood tests.

How is hair loss treated?

A board-certified dermatologist devises a personalized treatment plan depending on the cause and severity of your hair loss. 

Common treatments include: 

  • Medication: The dermatologist may recommend topical solutions that stimulate hair follicles, prolonging the growth phase and increasing hair thickness. Some oral medications work by blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hormonal hair loss.
  • PRP therapy: We inject your own growth factors into your scalp to stimulate hair growth. PRP therapy promotes hair follicle regeneration, increases blood supply, and stimulates new hair growth.
  • Steroid injections: For patients with inflammatory hair loss, the doctor injects corticosteroids into affected areas to reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response, allowing hair to regrow in bald patches.

Sometimes, the doctor may advise on lifestyle changes. This may include stress management and changes in hairstyles and hair products contributing to hair loss. If hair loss is diet-related, the doctor will recommend vitamins and minerals to boost hair growth.

Where can I get hair loss treatment near me?

Hair loss can be frustrating and stressful. It can also dampen your confidence. Although hair transplants, scalp reduction, and other invasive treatments have risen, see your dermatologist as the first step in addressing hair loss. 

Do you need hair loss treatment in Houston, Texas? Dial (713) 468-0303 to book an appointment with AVIVA Dermatology.