Hair Loss

What is hair loss?

Hair loss is a common cosmetic issue that can have a serious impact on your self-image. When you start to lose your hair, it can happen in one of several different ways. You might develop a receding hairline, a bald spot, or thinning patches on different areas of your head. In any case, hair loss typically increases with time and can happen slowly or quickly. 

Under normal circumstances, each individual hair goes through growth cycles that last for two to three years at a time. It usually grows about one centimeter longer each month. Then, it goes into a rest phase with no growth for three to four months before falling out and allowing new hair to grow from the follicle. 

What causes hair loss?

Some of the most common types of hair loss are:

Pattern baldness

Male- or female-pattern baldness occurs because your hair naturally develops a shorter growth phase. Your hair also becomes thinner, making it fall out more easily when you wash or groom it. Many researchers agree that this type of hair loss is hereditary and that your genes determine the timing, speed, and pattern of your hair loss. 

Scarring alopecia

Scarring alopecia is permanent hair loss because of hair follicle inflammation. In many cases, this form of alopecia develops alongside skin conditions like lupus erythematosus or lichen planus.

Alopecia areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes your immune system to attack your hair follicles as if they didn’t belong in your body. Usually, treatment is effective for alopecia areata, but your hair might fall out and regrow again repeatedly. 

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium hair loss happens suddenly and unexpectedly, often in conjunction with major physical or emotional shock. Example causes include the death of a family member, high fever, or surgery. Hair typically grows back after this type, but it might not look exactly the same as before. 

Traction alopecia

Traction alopecia happens when your hair falls out of your head because of too much tugging or pulling. If you wear tight hairstyles often, the roots of your hair become weaker and are prone to falling out. 

What are my options for hair loss treatment?

You can try numerous treatments for hair loss before going bald or using wigs and hairpieces to cover thinning areas. Our providers work with you to find a treatment that makes you comfortable and that has high chances of working for your specific type of hair loss. 

After your evaluation and diagnosis, we plan your treatment. We may recommend:

• Hair growth medications
• Corticosteroids
• Hair transplant surgery
• Scalp reduction

Your treatment course depends on the cause or causes behind your hair loss. 

To learn more about hair loss and find out if your type is treatable, call Integrated Dermatology of Tidewater, or book a consultation online today.