Why is my hair falling out and how can I regrow it?

I have good news and bad news. The bad news is most of us will experience some level of hair loss. The good news is there is help. The aspirational photo above is admittedly over the top, but how I’d love that silky, shiny long hair! I don’t know about you guys but 2020 was not my best hair year.

There has been a lot written about Covid-related hair loss and what is known as telogen effluvium. In this post I’ll review female & male pattern hair loss (aka Androgenetic Alopecia). 

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗶𝘀 𝗶𝘁?

Hair loss that follows a specific pattern. The hair tends to get thinner and stays in the active growth phase (anagen) for less time. Men may develop a receding hairline in an “M-shape” or experience thinning over the crown of the head. In women, most commonly, there is gradual thinning of the hair with widening of the part on top. 

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝘂𝘀𝗲𝘀 𝗶𝘁?

It can be related to hormones (androgens) and genetics.  Before you panic ... while there is an association and your risk is higher the more relatives that have it, it doesn’t mean you will get it too! There are other causes of hair loss, so be sure to see a dermatologist who can confirm the diagnosis and appropriate treatment options.

𝗪𝗵𝗮𝘁 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗜 𝗱𝗼 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗶𝘁?

There are various treatments that can help including:

🔹 Oral or topical Minoxidil aka Rogaine 

🔹 Oral finasteride/dutasteride  

🔹 Spironolactone (for women)

🔹 Low level laser therapy 

🔹 Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP)*

🔹 Hair transplant

🔹 Supplements in some cases based on blood work e.g. iron, vitamin D if low

🔹 Nutraceuticals (@nutrafol @viviscal)

Beware that certain treatments have little evidence including “hair thickening” shampoos and certain vitamins such as biotin.

*PRP has been getting a lot of buzz lately and can treat hair loss using a technology where a patient’s own blood is drawn to extract the PRP which is then injected into the scalp where hair loss is present. Platelets are the component of our blood that contain growth factors and nutrients. This procedure stimulates new and thicker growth of the hair.

If you have any questions about treatments ask your dermatologist