How do you know if you have a hair loss problem? When you visit a dermatologist, they will likely physically examine you and ask questions about your diet, hair care routine, medical, and family history before making a diagnosis. The following tests may be performed to determine the possible causes of hair loss:
-
Blood Test: This test can help reveal medical conditions that may cause hair loss.
-
Pull Test: Your doctor gently pulls several dozen hairs to see how many come out. This helps determine the stage of hair shedding.
-
Scalp Biopsy: Your doctor takes samples from your scalp or a few hairs to examine the hair roots under a microscope. This helps identify if an infection is causing hair loss.
-
Light Microscopy: Your doctor uses a special tool to examine hairs trimmed at their bases. Microscopy helps uncover possible disorders of the hair shaft.
What Treatments and Medications Are Used?
Effective treatments are available for certain types of hair loss. You can reverse or at least slow down hair loss. In some cases, like patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), hair can regrow within a year without treatment. Hair loss treatments include medications and surgery.
-
Minoxidil (Rogaine): Over-the-counter minoxidil is produced in liquid, foam, and shampoo forms. To be effective, women must apply it once daily, while men need to apply it twice a day to the scalp. Minoxidil can slow down hair loss or even regrow hair. It takes at least six months of treatment for effective results. Side effects may include scalp irritation and unwanted hair growth on adjacent skin.
-
Finasteride (Propecia): This is a prescription medication for men, taken daily as a pill. Many men who use finasteride notice slower hair loss, and in some cases, new hair growth. Side effects may include reduced sexual desire and function, as well as an increased risk of prostate cancer. Women who are pregnant or may become pregnant should not touch crushed or broken tablets.
-
Other Medications: Other oral options, such as spironolactone (Carospir, Aldactone) and oral dutasteride (Avodart), are also available.
Hair Transplant Surgery
For the most common type of permanent hair loss, only the top of the head is affected. A hair transplant or restoration surgery allows you to make the most of the hair you have left. During a hair transplant, a dermatologist or cosmetic surgeon takes hair from a part of the scalp and implants it in a bald spot. Each patch of hair contains one or several hairs. Possible risks include bleeding, bruising, swelling, and infection. Multiple surgeries may be needed to achieve the desired effect. Genetic hair loss may continue despite surgery.
Laser Therapy
The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved a low-level laser device for treating hereditary hair loss in men and women. Some small studies have shown that it can increase hair density. More studies are needed to determine the long-term effects.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
-
How long does it take for hair loss to return to normal? The duration of hair loss treatment varies. When using medications such as minoxidil or finasteride, treatment generally takes six months or longer for effective results.
-
Is hair loss permanent? Whether hair loss is permanent depends on the underlying cause. Genetic hair loss is usually permanent, while other causes may be temporary and improve with treatment.
-
How long does hair transplant surgery take? Hair transplant surgery usually takes several hours and may require multiple sessions. Recovery time varies depending on the individual.
-
Which nutrients are good for hair health? Nutrients such as protein, iron, omega-3 fatty acids, vitamins C and E are essential for hair health. Foods like eggs, spinach, salmon, and nuts contain these nutrients.
-
Are there side effects of laser therapy? Laser therapy is generally safe, but some people may experience temporary skin irritation or redness. More research is needed to determine the long-term effects.
Conclusion
Dealing with hair loss can be challenging, but you can manage this process with the correct diagnosis and treatment methods. By detecting hair loss early and using appropriate treatments, you can maintain hair health and reduce hair shedding. Keep these tips and information in mind to prevent and treat hair loss.
This article was prepared using information from Mayo Clinic's Hair Loss Page.