About Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common problem that affects millions of people worldwide. Losing your hair can be a distressing experience that can impact your self-esteem and confidence. However, experiencing hair loss doesn’t need to feel like the end of the world, as there are many effective ways to cope with and treat it.

Empowering Confidence

Understanding the causes and treatments of hair loss can help you make informed decisions about your hair health and move forward as the most attractive and confident version of yourself.

Types of Hair Loss

Many people don’t realize that there are various types of hair loss that can occur. Understanding the different types of hair loss can help you identify the cause of your own hair loss and seek appropriate treatment. Here are some common types of hair loss:

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common type of hair loss. It is caused by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors and typically affects the top and front of the scalp. In men, it can start as early as their teenage years, while women usually experience it after menopause, but both genders can experience genetic pattern hair loss at any age.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a type of hair loss that occurs when the body experiences a physical or emotional stressor. This stressor can cause hair follicles to enter the resting phase prematurely, leading to increased hair shedding. It can be caused by a variety of factors, such as childbirth, surgery, illness, or medication.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes hair loss in patches. It occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles, leading to hair loss on the scalp, face, and other parts of the body. The condition can be unpredictable, and hair may grow back or fall out repeatedly.

Traction Alopecia

Traction alopecia is a type of hair loss caused by excessive tension on the hair follicles. It is often seen in people who wear tight hairstyles, such as braids, weaves, or ponytails. Over time, the constant pulling can damage the hair follicles, leading to hair loss.

Trichotillomania

Trichotillomania is a type of hair loss caused by compulsive hair pulling. It is a psychological disorder that can affect both children and adults. People with trichotillomania may pull hair from their scalp, eyebrows, or eyelashes, leading to noticeable hair loss.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss is an extremely common problem that can affect both men and women. There are many reasons why you may be experiencing hair loss, including the following:

Genetics

If you have a family history of hair loss, it's possible that you may be genetically predisposed to losing your hair. Male-pattern baldness and female-pattern baldness are both hereditary conditions that can lead to thinning hair and baldness.

Hormonal Changes

Hormonal changes can also cause hair loss. Women may experience hair loss during pregnancy, menopause, or when they stop taking birth control pills. Men may experience hair loss due to changes in testosterone levels.

Medical Conditions

Hair loss can also be caused by certain medical conditions. These include thyroid problems, autoimmune disorders, and scalp infections. If you are experiencing hair loss, it's important to see a doctor to rule out any underlying medical conditions.

Medications

Some medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. These include chemotherapy drugs, blood thinners, and antidepressants. If you are taking any medications and experiencing hair loss, talk to your doctor about alternative options.

Physical or Emotional Stress

Physical and emotional stress can be common triggers for hair loss. This type of hair loss is usually temporary and hair will grow back once the stressor is removed.

Poor Nutrition

Your diet can have a significant impact on the health of your hair. A diet lacking in protein, iron, and other essential nutrients can lead to hair loss. Make sure you are eating a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean protein to keep your hair healthy.

Treatment Options for Hair Loss

If you are experiencing hair loss, there are several treatment options available to help you regrow your hair or slow down the rate of hair loss. Here are some of the most common treatment options:

Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure in which hair follicles are taken from a donor area of the scalp (usually the back or sides of the head) and transplanted to the balding areas. At Wolfeld Hair, Dr. Wolfeld offers advanced methods of hair transplantation that can consistently deliver permanent, natural-looking results.

Low-Level Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is a non-invasive treatment that uses red light to stimulate hair growth. The therapy is thought to work by increasing blood flow to the scalp and stimulating the hair follicles. LLLT can be done at home using a handheld device, or at a clinic using a larger device.

Medications

There are two medications approved by the FDA for treating hair loss: topical minoxidil and oral finasteride. Minoxidil, available in various over-the-counter strengths, is a topical solution or foam that is applied directly to the scalp. There is also prescription oral minoxidil which can be prescribed off-label and can be beneficial for genetic pattern hair loss. Finasteride is a prescription medication that is taken orally. Both medications have been shown to be effective in treating hair loss, but they work in different ways. Minoxidil is thought to increase blood flow to the hair follicles, while finasteride works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that can contribute to hair loss.

Schedule Your Hair Restoration Consultation in NYC With Dr. Wolfeld

Dr. Michael Wolfeld is a leading hair restoration specialist and the first physician in the country to be board-certified in both hair restoration and plastic surgery. At Wolfeld Hair, he and his dedicated team offer a diverse selection of modern hair restoration treatments and procedures, including medications, laser therapy, and hair transplantation. When you sit down for a private consultation with Dr. Wolfeld, he will evaluate the unique circumstances of your hair loss to curate a safe and effective treatment plan.