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Because of the importance placed on long, thick hair in women, some who experience hair loss can experience severe problems with self-esteem that affects their quality of life. Although hair loss in women doesn’t typically pose a risk to their physical health, many still find it worthwhile to visit a doctor that specializes in skin, hair and nails for help. How Do Women Experience Hair Loss?Somewhat like men, most hair loss in women occurs as female-pattern hair loss. That is, hair is lost in specific areas of the scalp and the hair that remains is more like the hair on a person’s arms or legs. The pattern of hair loss in women is different than men, however. While most men experience baldness as a receding hair line and bald spots, women typically experience a visible thinning across the crown. Both women and men experienced the shortened growth cycle in the areas of hair loss that create small and sparse remaining hairs. Are There Other Causes of Hair Loss?It is important to first distinguish between female-pattern hair loss and other, less common causes of hair loss. Your physician may want to check laboratory tests or before an examination or tests on your hair. Often, your physician will check hormonal levels and make sure there are no signs of autoimmune disease. Even stress can cause hair loss. Some of these less common causes of hair loss can be reversed with treatment, so it is important to have an evaluation before starting treatment. Can Hair Loss in Women Be Treated?The popular medication minoxidil 5% is the only topical medication approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for female-pattern hair loss. It can work for women as well as men, though it can sometimes cause the growth of facial hair. Although minoxidil is available without a prescription, seeking the advice of a dermatologist is still generally advised before starting. Peter Dazeley / Getty Images Have you been worried that you're shedding more hair than usual? Do more and more strands seem to be coming loose, or does your hair seem to be thinning at your part? It's normal to lose hair regularly. Gary Goldenberg, a board-certified dermatologist at Goldenberg Dermatology in New York City says that losing as many as 100 strands a day is standard. But when you start noticing significant hair loss in the shower, on your pillow, or your brush, it's time to visit a dermatologist for evaluation. "The most common cause for hair thinning and hair loss is genetics," says Goldenberg. "The genetic male or female pattern (also known as androgenic) hair loss is extremely common and can start to manifest as early as in the 20s." To address, assuage, and provide solutions for any hair loss concerns, we reached out to Goldenberg; New York City-based, board-certified cosmetic dermatologist Michele Green, MD; and board-certified dermatologist, hair transplantation surgeon, hair restoration specialist, and the founder of Ziering Medical Craig Ziering, MD; as well as BosleyMD Certified Trichologist Gretchen Friese, to give us the 101 on hair loss treatments. Keep reading for the best dermatologist-recommended hair growth products and treatments. 01 of 11 PRPGoldenberg explains that PRP (platelet-rich plasma) treatments "harvest the power of your own body to help hair grow and support hair health." During the procedure, blood is drawn and the PRP from the blood is injected into the area of the scalp with hair loss or thinning. Goldenberg notes that PRP does several things to improve hair loss. For one, it "contains growth factors that provide support for hair that's already present and for the hair follicles that are dormant and stimulates them to grow," says Goldenberg. "It also contains vascular growth factors. These increase circulation to the scalp providing hair with more nutrition and oxygen needed for growth." "Because PRP contains a range of growth factors and proteins that speed up tissue repair, doctors will often use this therapy when hair loss is a result of androgenetic alopecia (pattern baldness), which causes hair follicles to shrink," adds Friese. PRP can be used as a stand-alone treatment or be combined with other hair loss treatments to help create lasting, healthy hair. For example, minoxidil can be used to complement PRP hair treatments and can be used long-term to sustain the results achieved from PRP, Green says. 02 of 11 MinoxidilPossibly the most famous hair loss treatment, Rogaine is successful at preventing hair loss and promoting new growth. "Rogaine is a topical solution or foam that blocks the type of testosterone that causes hair miniaturization—the process that causes androgenetic hair loss," says Goldenberg, who recommends it for women just once daily. Its active ingredient, minoxidil, is an FDA-approved topical treatment for male and female pattern hair loss, says Ziering. He also notes that it is available over-the-counter and does not require a prescription. Minoxidil comes both as a solution and foam base, which needs to be applied to the scalp at bedtime, explains Green. Minoxidil is effective at treating certain types of alopecia, as research has found that minoxidil prevents the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT has been linked explicitly to hair loss in multiple studies, making the prevention of its creation paramount to preventing hair loss and generating new hair growth.
03 of 11 Vitamin B Complex InjectionsGoldenberg explains that vitamin B complex injections can help to promote healthy hair. "Many cannot absorb vitamin B from their diet, so injections of vitamin B complex may be the best way to receive this vitamin," he notes. "Some patients with normal vitamin B levels can still benefit from these injections when it comes to hair loss and hair support." 04 of 11 Vitamin SupplementsClinical trials suggest that certain supplements and vitamins—vitamins D and E, as well protein-rich collagen and plant-based compounds—can be effective in promoting hair growth, notes Ziering. Vitamin supplements Viviscal and Nutrafol have also been shown to support a healthy mane, adds Green. And according to Goldenberg. "Biotin, zinc, and copper supplementation can help to improve hair quality and growth." 05 of 11 Thermadome@korumedspa / Instagram "Thermadome is a light device that one wears at least twice weekly for at least 20 minutes," says Goldenberg, who notes that some even wear it daily because you can't overdo it. "It stimulates hair to grow by shuttling nutrition and oxygen to the scalp." "Low-level laser light has been used to regrow bone and tissue for years and the
technology is now used for the stimulation of hair follicles and promotion of hair growth," Friese continues, "Thermadome is a kind of helmet or cap containing laser lights that aid in regrowing hair. The laser light targets the stem cells at the base of hair follicles, allowing the formation of a new photonic pathway that can restore hair to a healthy state." 06 of 11 LasercapThe Lasercap is a prescription at-home FDA-approved device, which Green explains uses low light therapy to stimulate hair follicles. "The device is worn for 30 minutes, three times per week. I often recommend this device in combination with PRP treatments. The Lasercap is worn at home and is an excellent complement to any hair loss treatment," shares Green. Laser therapies are still being studied to understand their impact on hair growth, but research suggests that improved cellular activity, reduced inflammation, and improved microcirculation may be involved. Ziering shares that the theory of laser treatment for hair loss is that the low-dose laser treatments invigorate circulation and stimulation that encourages hair follicles to grow hair. "Because the results of laser therapy are inconsistent, the conclusion of the medical community seems to be that it appears to work for some people, but not for others," says Ziering. 07 of 11 Scalp Massage and Proper CleansingIt is important to keep your hair clean to encourage healthy growth. "Shampooing often is very important," says Friese, "Cleansing the hair follicles and keeping them free of oils, hair product build-up and free radicals will help create a healthy scalp environment for the hair to grow. Scalp massage is another way to encourage hair growth as it helps increase blood flow and circulation to the follicles making them stronger and discouraging miniaturization." You could use a scalp massager or simply your fingers, and do double duty by taking extra time to massage your scalp while you shampoo. 08 of 11 A Well-Balanced DietMaryna Terletska / Getty Images Believe it or not, certain types of hair loss can be attributed to your diet. "Poor nutrition can cause malabsorption as well as inflammation in the body, which can disrupt the growth cycle of the hair. Inflammation does not allow the cells to repair completely which results in a weakening of the cells. When this reparative process does not occur, it causes cell damage which results in hair loss," cautions Green. "We are discovering more about the importance of a healthy gut and how it affects hair growth. Foods high in proteins and healthy fats are key to a good diet. Staying away from processed foods and those high in sugar are also very important," says Friese. "I often recommend adding eggs (high in biotin that encourages hair growth), avocados, and nuts, which are easy and convenient options for attaining healthy fats," she adds. 09 of 11 Low-Stress LifestyleKeep in mind, that stress can also be a leading factor in hair loss. Working to create a low-stress lifestyle can be a powerful tool in promoting hair growth. Practice yoga, meditate, or enjoy a relaxing bath. Hydration levels also have a major impact on overall health and wellness, drink plenty of water. 10 of 11 Hair Transplantation or Hair Replacement SurgeryDepending on the severity and cause of your hair loss, your doctor may suggest a more permanent solution like hair transplantation or replacement surgery. Ziering explains that hair replacement surgery is a cosmetic procedure and includes such replacement procedures as micro-grafting, slit grafting, punch grafting, and scalp reduction. Some examples of these treatments are:
11 of 11 SpironolactoneSpironolactone is an FDA-approved drug prescription medication that treats androgenetic alopecia in women by slowing down the production of male sex hormones (androgens), says Green. "Spironolactone is for females with hair loss due to hormonal imbalance it works by obstructing the androgen (male hormone receptors), which control the dihydrotestosterone (DHT) and testosterone levels, which can lead to different degrees of hair thinning or permanent hair loss," she explains. FAQ
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What can a dermatologist do about thin hair?Injections of corticosteroids: To help your hair regrow, your dermatologist injects this medication into the bald (or thinning) areas. These injections are usually given every 4 to 8 weeks as needed, so you will need to return to your dermatologist's office for treatment.
How does a dermatologist check for hair loss?Pull Test and Tug Test
This simple test measures the severity of hair loss. During a pull test, a dermatologist grasps small sections of hair, about 40 strands, from different parts of the scalp and gently tugs. If six or more strands fall out, you have what's known as active hair loss.
Can a dermatologist stop hair loss?Medication. Your dermatologist will prescribe medication to help with hair loss. Topical minoxidil, commonly called Rogaine, can help with hair growth and thickness. In some cases, your doctor will prescribe Finasteride in oral form.
How do dermatologists make your hair thicker?Additional treatments that can be effective for getting thicker hair include prescription treatments such as spironolactone and minoxidil, over-the-counter treatments such as Rogaine, and low-level light therapy (LLLT) caps, says Dr.
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Can a dermatologist help with thinning hair
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