Hair Loss

You might notice that your hairline is higher or that the hair at your temples is thinner. Or, you might notice clumps of hair left behind in the shower. Hair loss and thinning are a shared struggle for many, especially with age. Regardless of the cause, hair loss can be a frustrating and distressing condition. Our board-certified dermatologists at Capital Laser & Skin Care can help you diagnose and manage thinning or balding. We’ve helped many people restore healthy, luscious locks without surgery.

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Learn More About Hair Loss

Hair loss, also called alopecia, can affect your scalp and body. We often refer to excessive hair loss on the scalp as balding. There are several causes and types of hair loss.

Androgenic alopecia, or hereditary hair loss, is most common. This includes male-pattern baldness. Although often thought of as a problem mostly in men, it is more frequent in women than you may think. In fact, more than one in four women will experience hereditary hair thinning or female-pattern baldness. Hereditary hair loss most often occurs as gradual thinning on top of the head, which may include a receding hairline or widening part. Up to 50% of people experience hereditary hair loss.

Other types of hair loss include:

  • Patchy hair loss or alopecia areata due to an autoimmune condition, resulting in bald spots
  • Hair loss from a medication like chemotherapy
  • Sudden hair loss (telogen effluvium) from a physical or emotional shock, such as a traumatic event
  • Traction alopecia, resulting from too much pressure or tension on the hair

Hereditary-pattern hair loss, the most common cause of hair loss, is a natural condition caused by some combination of genetics, hormone levels, and the aging process. While it typically appears with age, some people experience hereditary balding as early as puberty. 

Aside from genetics, your environment and lifestyle can affect your hair health, too. Certain medications and conditions can cause thinning hair. Illness, stress, and hormonal changes can also contribute. The way you style your hair with products or heat can also harm its health.

You can take several non-surgical steps to slow down the process and reactivate dormant hair follicles, resulting in thicker, more beautiful hair. Not everyone will respond to a single type of treatment. Therefore, our dermatologists often recommend a combination approach. Since hereditary-pattern hair loss is an ongoing process, most patients will need maintenance therapy for long-lasting improvements.

PRP Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) has become increasingly popular for its many rejuvenating benefits. This simple injectable treatment is extracted from your own blood and contains growth factors and stem cells that improve circulation, prompt healing, and promote growth. PRP injections in the scalp can effectively minimize or reverse hair loss for many people.

Minoxidil (Rogaine)

Minoxidil has been clinically proven to reinvigorate thinning hair follicles. When used daily, this over-the-counter topical formulation can help prevent miniaturization of the hair follicles. A prescription-strength formula that combines 5% minoxidil with tretinoin (Retin A) can improve scalp penetration for optimal results. This custom formulation is available to patients of Capital Laser & Skin Care. Results are usually noticed within three to six months.

Hair Supplements

Although once thought to deliver questionable results, today’s most advanced hair supplements have clinically tested ingredients to combat the underlying causes of thinning hair. Taken daily, less hair shedding is typically seen after two to three months. However, not all hair supplements are the same and some contain fish-derived proteins, so be sure to discuss recommendations and allergies with your dermatologist.

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about our hair loss solutions? We would love to speak with you. Please fill out the form on this page to request a consultation or call our Chevy Chase, MD office today at (301) 798-9699 to schedule your private consultation at our laser and cosmetic dermatology center, located just blocks away from Washington, D.C.

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