7 Frequently Asked Questions About Hair Loss

Are you noticing an unusual amount of hair left on your pillow or in your hairbrush? If so, you’re probably wondering just how much hair loss is normal, in addition to countless other questions related to hair thinning. You’re not alone. Thinning hair is one of the biggest health and beauty concerns that people face today. In fact, about 35 million men and 21 million women suffer from hair loss. 

While losing hair is a part of life, it’s important to know when hair loss becomes abnormal, the factors that affect it, and which treatment enhance hair health. Here are the answers to a few frequently asked questions about hair loss: 

Am I losing more hair than I should be? 

First of all, hair shedding and hair loss are different. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, shedding between 50 and 100 hairs a day is normal. Plus, people often experience excessive hair shedding following stressful events, such as giving birth, losing weight, having a medical operation or recovering from an illness. 

Hair loss occurs when something stops the hair from growing. Common causes of hair loss include genetics, autoimmune conditions, hormone imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, physical stressors, and certain hair grooming practices. 

Gradual thinning on the top of your head, the appearance of patchy or bald spots on your scalp, and full-body hair loss may be signs of an underlying health condition. If you’re concerned about how much hair you are losing, schedule an appointment with your doctor to put your mind at ease. A doctor will be able to assess whether your strand loss is abnormal.

Is it hereditary? 

Yes. In fact, hereditary hair loss affects 80 million people across the country making it the most common cause. Both men and women develop this type of hair loss. In men, it’s called male pattern hair loss, and in women, it’s called female pattern hair loss. Basically, having hereditary hair loss means that you have inherited genes that cause your hair follicles to shrink and eventually stop growing hair. 

Is it permanent? 

The good news is that in many cases, hair loss is only temporary.  However, some cases can be chronic and slowly progressive. Regrowth is possible with the right care and treatment. This is why it’s important to see your doctor for a diagnosis and treatment options sooner rather than later. 

How does excessive washing, styling or coloring affect hair?

Shampooing regularly actually helps keep your hair and scalp healthy and is unrelated to hair loss. On the other hand, coloring, perming or relaxing your hair regularly, can damage your hair, which can eventually lead to losses. Hair appliances that use high heat, like blow dryers and curling irons, can also lead to damaged hair and breakage, which can look like baldness. While you can change how you care for your hair, once a hair follicle is damaged, hair cannot grow from that follicle.

Can diet changes affect hair health? 

Yes, poor nutrition can cause hair loss. Specifically, there are 4 vitamin deficiencies that affect hair health, including vitamin D, biotin, vitamin A and iron. For instance, if you’ve recently started a crash diet, it could be the cause of your loss. 

What kind of doctor do I see? 

When it comes to hair disorders, a dermatologist is who you need to see. They are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair disorders. The sooner you find the root of the problem, the better your chances are of getting results you want.

What are the best treatments? 

At Center of Surgical Dermatology, we recommend a variety of treatments, including:

• Rogaine: Historically, this topical liquid solution has been the go-to treatment for both men and women.
• Propecia (for men): This oral prescription medication can be extremely helpful in regrowing hair since it can lower DHT levels, a hormone that can shrink the hair follicle and lead to baldness. 
• Spironolactone (for women): This anti-androgen drug lowers testosterone and other “male hormones” that are known to cause hair losses in women. 
• Low laser light therapy combs and brushes: Using laser technology, these have shown to be a non-invasive and pain-free way to stimulate hair follicles and regrow hair. 
• PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy: While injecting the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma back into the scalp, the PRP that’s rich in growth factors works to stimulate hair growth over time. 

Contact Center of Surgical Dermatology for Hair Loss Treatment in Westerville, OH

Center of Surgical Dermatology is the largest medical and surgical skin treatment and wellness facility in Central Ohio. Since 2007, our board-certified Dermatologists, fellowship-trained Mohs surgeons, and caring professional staff have provided patients with treatment they can trust in an environment second to none. Learn more about our state-of-the-art Dermatology Center before booking your appointment today.