Frequently Asked Questions about Hair Loss:

Are there any differences between male and female hair loss?

In men, the primary cause of scalp hair loss is genetic. Ninety percent of noticeable hair loss in men is caused by androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness). This inherited predisposition results in scalp hair follicles being more susceptible to the hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone), resulting in male pattern baldness (ultimately a horseshoe pattern of fringe hair growth around the head, in advanced cases), which affects more than 30 million men in the United States alone.

While genetics certainly plays a large role in hair loss in women, other factors can also be responsible for thinning hair in women, including poor nutrition, physical and emotional stress, scalp disease, thyroid abnormalities, medications, hormonal causes (pregnancy, birth control pills, menopause, etc.), hair styling practices and medical conditions.

What are the most common causes of hair loss in women?

Androgenetic Alopecia
This type of hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in women. Hair usually thins behind the frontal hairline, at the temples and on the top of the head. Complete balding is very rare in women, but rather a slow progression of hair thinning occurs over many decades. It is believed that hormones are responsible for this type of hair loss, and it is actually the male hormone precursor, testosterone, that causes the hair to shed. Women with androgenetic alopecia generally do not have more of this hormone, but rather they have inherited the tendency to be more sensitive to it. Treatments are available to slow down the hair loss, and preserve the hair longer, but early treatment is essential.

Alopecia Areata
This condition presents as a sudden onset of patchy hair loss, but in severe cases it can progress to complete baldness or even total body hairloss. Many patients have complete, spontaneous recovery without treatment, but most patients will require some form of treatment. This type of hair loss is not inherited, but rather the body's own immune system attacks the cells that grow hair. The cause is unknown. Please see us right away, for diagnosis and treatment of this condition.

Telogen Effluvium
This type of hair loss presents as a sudden loss of hair, and is usually not permanent. Most patients notice more hair in their brush or in the shower after shampooing. This hair loss is caused by a stress to the body, either physical or emotional. Many medications can also cause this type of hair loss. Telogen effluvium is a common cause of hair shedding after pregnancy, as well. After a few months, the hair follicles become active again and the hair starts to re-grow. Evaluation by a dermatologist is recommended to determine if you have this condition.

Traumatic or Traction Alopecia
This type of hair loss is caused by chronic harsh hair care practices, such as tight braids or tight hair styling practices, which can cause hair loss slowly over time. Treatments includes changing hair styling to a less traumatic method, as well as other new and innovative treatment modalities developed by Aesthetic Dermatology.

A thorough evaluation by the staff of Aesthetic Dermatology will determine what type of hair loss you have, and how best to treat it. Aesthetic Dermatology strongly recommends early intervention in the treatment of hair loss, and offers several diagnostic tests and unique treatment options for each patient.