If you are balding or thinning, it may be time to see a hair loss dermatologist in Reston. When it comes to hair loss, you’re not alone. Over 55 million Americans suffer from some degree of hair loss. While many ignore the shedding, a visit to your dermatologist could prove beneficial.
When is Hair Loss Abnormal?
We all lose hair, it’s part of life. On average, we lose 50-100 hairs each day. That sounds like a lot, but there are over 100,000 strands of hair, and many more hair follicles. So, normal daily hair loss is hardly noticeable. When thinning or balding becomes noticeable, then we know something is wrong.
Hair Loss in Men
While men and women alike suffer from hair loss, men are more likely to suffer androgenetic alopecia, AKA male pattern baldness. This type of hair loss is mostly genetic and occurs in half of men over the age of 40. Other reasons for hair loss in men include:
Hormones– hormone disorders or reduced testosterone can lead to thinning hair or speed up receding hairlines. Other lifestyle diseases like high blood pressure, diabetes, and obesity can also change hormones and impact hair growth.
Stress– stress raises cortisol levels which can trigger hair loss.
Medications– certain medications can lead to hair loss.
Scarring alopecia– this condition refers to a collection of inflammatory conditions that destroy hair follicles. If this is left untreated, it leads to irreversible hair loss.
Dermatologist that Specializes in Hair Loss in Women
While its not talked about nearly as much as male hair loss, many women experience thinning and bald spots. When it occurs, it can have a significant impact on self-esteem. Some of the common reasons women experience hair loss include:
Genetics– androgenetic alopecia also impacts women. They are more likely to experience baldness at the center of the scalp.
Stress– stress can cause shedding and thinning.
Hormones– menopause, health conditions and more can lead to hormone imbalances that impact hair growth and thickness.
Pregnancy– during pregnancy, some women have more hair follicles in the resting phase. This can make hair shed more or appear thinner.
Hairstyles– certain tight hairstyles, relaxers, or constant heat can lead to traction alopecia or CCCA.
Vitamin deficiencies– Iron deficiency or conditions like anemia reduce the nutrients going to the hair follicles, which increases the likelihood of hair loss.
Scarring alopecia– women can also suffer from this condition.
Top Treatments for Hair Loss
There are many options for treating hair loss. These include things like:
- Medications- Topical medications or oral medications may be used to treat hair loss.
- Corticosteroid Injections- Corticosteroid ointment sand injections can help reduce inflammation and improve hair growth.
- Laser Treatments- Low level light therapy can effectively stimulate growth.
- PRP/PRF Therapy- PRP or PRF are great options for stimulating hair growth and thickness.
Nutrafol Hair Wellness
Nutrafol is a line of clinically backed supplements that support hair strength and resilience from the inside out. Get visible fuller hair in just a few months with continued improvement. The ingredients include ashwagandha, marine collagen peptides, saw palmetto and curcumin. By addressing imbalances caused by stress, aging, and nutrition, Nutrafol slows shedding, reduces breakage and supports faster growing, thicker, and stronger hair.
There are specialized supplements for both men and women, and they also offer specific blend for Postpartum hair loss.
HydraFacial Keravive
HydraFacial Keravive scalp treatment deeply cleans clogged hair follicles and infuses the scalp with highly concentrated peptides to support natural hair growth. Key benefits of this treatment include:
- Reduced scalp itching and irritation
- Improved blood flow and hair thickness
- Decreased dandruff and dry scalp
- Decreased hair thinning
Microneedling for Hair Loss
Microneedling is a device that utilizes many tiny needles to create micro wounds in the scalp. These wounds trigger the body’s natural healing response, sending signals that stimulate the hair follicles. It also boosts circulation, which sends oxygen and nutrients to the scalp to feed weak hair follicles. The micro channels also allow liquid or foam treatments to penetrate deeply. So, this treatment is often performed with PRP or PRF for the most effective results.
Some microneedling devices also use radiofrequency energy which boosts results even more.
Lifestyle Changes for Hair Loss
There are certain lifestyle changes that can improve your hair loss and restore hair growth. Your dermatologist can help you identify these. Some of these changes include:
Change your hairstyle. If you frequently wear tight hair styles or apply heat to your hair, you should consider changing things up.
Review the products you are using. Products, heat, and relaxers can lead to long-term damage and slow down new hair growth.
Reduce stress. Stress can cause hair loss so looking for ways to reduce your stress levels or remove stressful situations can help.
Diet changes. Hair loss can be related to your diet. If your diet lacks necessary vitamins and minerals, you should make some changes. Add iron and zinc to your diet. Try to eat a healthy, balanced diet of leafy greens, whole grains, and vegetables. This improves your overall health and supports other hair loss treatments.
What do Most Dermatologists Recommend for Hair Loss?
To find out which treatment is best for you, a dermatologist performs an exam and looks for the root cause of your hair loss or thinning. This determines which treatments might help restore growth.
What are the Big 3 Hair Loss Treatments?
The big three refers to the three most common medical treatments for hair loss. They include:
- Minoxidil- to stimulate growth
- Finasteride- to block the hormone DHT
- Ketoconazole shampoo- to reduce scalp fungus and inflammation
How Can a Hair Loss Dermatologist in Reston Help?
If you are facing unexplained hair loss or thinning, you should schedule an appointment with a hair loss dermatologist in Reston. Your dermatologist can perform an exam, talk about your medical and family history, and discuss treatment plans with you that may be able to restore hair growth.
At Reston Dermatology and Cosmetic Center, we are proud to provide personalized, effective treatment that blends cutting edge science and artistry to give you the results you desire. Contact Reston Dermatology and Cosmetic Center today to schedule a consultation.