What Treatments Are Available For Hair Loss?

Hair loss or thinning hair is a common problem for men and women. While it is a common result of aging, it can start as early as your 20s. Fortunately, treatment can reverse your hair loss and restore full, healthy growth without surgery or transplants. You can restore your thinning hair with treatments from your Capital Laser & Skin Care team. 

What Causes Hair Loss?

The most common cause of hair loss is a combination of heredity, aging and hormonal changes. This form of hair loss, androgenic alopecia, can affect men and women. It is believed to result from a combination of hormonal and other factors that cause hair follicles to become inactive. This type of hair loss, along with many others, can be improved with our treatment options.

What Treatments Are Available for Hair Loss?

At Capital Laser & Skin Care, a treatment team will work with you to develop a customized treatment plan for your hair loss. Each person responds differently, so that you may benefit from a combination of several treatment methods.

Minoxidil

This topical treatment helps keep hair follicles active and stimulates dormant ones. While it is available over the counter, this form is not very effective at penetrating the skin. Our prescription-strength formula combines 5% minoxidil with tretinoin (Retin-A), dramatically improving its ability to penetrate the skin and act on the hair follicles.  

Supplements

Some types of supplements, including omega-3 fatty acids, can reduce hair shedding and keep follicles healthy. Talk to your dermatologist about any allergies you have or any supplements you already take so they can help you choose the best ones for your needs. Supplements can be.

Platelet-Rich Plasma

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) uses the powerful healing components of your own blood to restore healthy hair growth. A sample of your blood is taken and spun in a centrifuge, separating the layer that contains your platelets. Platelets contain healing and growth factors that improve blood flow to the scalp, awaken dormant follicles, and improve hair thickness and health.

What Results Will I See With Hair Loss Treatment? 

Hair growth starts from within the follicle, so it can take several months for new hair growth to become noticeable. You may notice that hair starts shedding less and growing more thickly after about three months, with full results continuing to develop for six months or more. Minoxidil and supplements are used daily, while PRP is injected a few times a year. 

Am I a Good Candidate for Hair Restoration?

Almost anyone with thinning hair or hair loss can benefit from treatment to help restore growth. However, not all types of hair loss will respond to treatment the same way. Good candidates want to see lasting improvements in hair growth without invasive procedures like hair transplants. You may not be a good candidate for some supplements or minoxidil if you have ever had a reaction to them or have an allergy to the ingredients. 

Take the First Step

Interested in learning more about hair loss treatments? 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.