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Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common concern affecting both men and women. Whether caused by genetics, stress, hormones, or medical conditions, early diagnosis and targeted treatment can restore hair health, prevent further thinning, and improve confidence. Explore safe, effective solutions delivered by licensed providers across the country.

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Overview

What Is Hair Loss?

Hair loss, medically known as alopecia, occurs when hair growth slows or stops, leading to thinning, shedding, or balding. It may be gradual or sudden and can affect the scalp, eyebrows, lashes, or other areas. Hair loss is often temporary, but in some cases, it may become permanent without treatment.

While genetics is a leading cause, hair loss can also be triggered by hormonal shifts, medical conditions, nutritional deficiencies, medications, or environmental stressors. Understanding the root cause is key to selecting the right treatment. Medical providers can evaluate your pattern of hair loss and recommend solutions tailored to your needs.

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Common Types of Hair Loss

Hair loss can present in different forms depending on the cause. The most common types include androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, traction alopecia, and anagen effluvium. Each type affects the hair growth cycle differently, which is why a personalized diagnosis and treatment plan is essential for long-term improvement.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Male or Female Pattern Baldness)

This inherited condition causes gradual thinning at the crown, temples, or part line. It is the most common cause of hair loss in both men and women.

Telogen Effluvium

Triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes, this type causes sudden, diffuse shedding. It’s usually temporary and often reverses once the underlying issue is resolved.

Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition that leads to patchy hair loss on the scalp or body. It can develop suddenly and sometimes regrow with or without treatment.

Traction Alopecia

Caused by repeated tension from tight hairstyles, this condition can lead to thinning along the hairline. Long-term traction may cause permanent follicle damage.

Anagen Effluvium

Often seen in chemotherapy patients, this involves rapid hair loss during the active growth phase. Regrowth typically begins once the triggering treatment ends.

What Causes Hair Loss

Hair loss may be caused by a combination of genetics, hormonal fluctuations, medical conditions, medications, nutritional gaps, or physical and emotional stress. Each factor can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to shedding or thinning. Identifying the root cause is essential to selecting the most effective treatment plan.

Genetics

Hereditary hair loss is the most common cause. It leads to gradual thinning and follows predictable patterns, such as receding hairlines or widening parts.

Hormonal changes

Pregnancy, menopause, thyroid dysfunction, or birth control changes can alter hair growth. These shifts can lead to temporary or long-term shedding depending on hormone balance.

Medical conditions

Autoimmune diseases, scalp infections, and chronic illnesses like diabetes or lupus can interrupt the hair growth cycle and trigger patchy or diffuse hair loss.

Medications and treatments

Chemotherapy, antidepressants, and blood pressure medications can interfere with hair growth. In many cases, shedding resolves after discontinuing the medication or finishing treatment.

Nutritional deficiencies

Low levels of iron, protein, vitamin D, or biotin can weaken follicles and contribute to thinning hair. Nutritional support is a key part of treatment.

Stress or trauma

Emotional or physical stress; including surgery, illness, or trauma; can push hair follicles into a resting phase, causing sudden but usually temporary shedding.

Treatments That Remedy Hair Loss

Effective hair loss treatment starts with understanding the cause. Medical providers may recommend PRP, microneedling, laser therapy, hair transplants, or topical medications. Most therapies are non-invasive and customizable. Results take time but are often long-lasting when guided by a clinical expert. A consultation ensures the right treatment for your condition.

Related Concerns to Hair Loss

Hair loss is often connected to other aesthetic or medical concerns, such as thinning hair, receding hairlines, or eyebrow and eyelash loss. Hormonal imbalances may also trigger hirsutism (excessive hair growth) or acne-prone skin. Addressing the root cause often improves these related symptoms and helps restore overall scalp and skin health.

Frequently Asked Questions

Thinning hair, excessive shedding, a widening part, or a receding hairline are common early indicators. Early treatment can help preserve existing hair and prevent further loss.

Yes. Deficiencies in iron, protein, vitamin D, or biotin can weaken follicles and lead to shedding. A balanced, nutrient-rich diet supports healthy hair growth and strength.

Diagnosis involves a clinical evaluation, medical history, scalp exam, and sometimes bloodwork. Identifying the cause allows your provider to tailor a safe and effective treatment plan.

Some patients see results from supplements, essential oils, or dietary changes. While natural options may support regrowth, evidence-based medical treatments offer more reliable outcomes.

PRP therapy, hair transplants, or prescription topicals are commonly used for receding hairlines. The best option depends on severity, cause, and your response to previous treatments.

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Sources & studies

The following references provide medical and clinical insights into causes, types, and treatments for hair loss:

American Academy of Dermatology – Hair Loss: Overview

Causes and treatment approaches for different forms of alopecia.

Mayo Clinic – Hair Loss (Alopecia)

Common causes, risk factors, and prevention strategies.

Cleveland Clinic – Hair Loss

Symptoms, causes, and medical treatment options.

National Library of Medicine – Platelet-Rich Plasma for Hair Loss

Evidence on the effectiveness of PRP in treating androgenetic alopecia.

Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology – Androgenetic Alopecia

Clinical review of male and female pattern hair loss.

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