Hair loss, thinning hair, and baldness can be devastating for both men and women, but patients rarely have to simply accept it. Successful treatment of hair loss and thinning begins with identifying the underlying cause and addressing it appropriately, whether it’s genetic, hormonal, autoimmune, or tied to a temporary stressor such as illness or childbirth. From male and female pattern baldness to postpartum shedding and stress-induced thinning, each type of hair loss requires a targeted approach to achieve meaningful, long-term results. Dr. Michele Green has led innovation in hair restoration and thinning hair treatment in NYC for over two decades, helping countless patients restore not only their hair but also their confidence.

With the latest innovations, such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections and Keravive™ HydraFacial for hair loss, Dr. Green incorporates the most cutting-edge, minimally invasive technology into every treatment plan. These in-office procedures stimulate the scalp’s natural healing response and improve circulation to the hair follicles, which can help reactivate dormant follicles and support thicker, healthier strands. Many medical conditions and genetic factors contribute to alopecia, and combining in-office procedures with the right topical treatments, oral medications such as finasteride and minoxidil, and nutritional support can produce thicker, healthier hair that lasts, according to Dr. Michele Green.

3 months before and after injections for hair loss

What is the hair growth cycle?

Hair loss is a common concern for both men and women. The American Hair Loss Association and the American Academy of Dermatology report that over 80 million Americans experience some form of hair loss, with cases increasing since the onset of COVID-19. The hair growth cycle has three phases: anagen (active growth, lasting 2 to 6 years), catagen (a transitional phase of about 10 days), and telogen (a resting phase of 2 to 3 months), after which hair falls out and the cycle repeats. A typical amount of hair loss is between 50 and 100 strands per day; disruptions in this cycle or damage to the hair follicle cause alopecia. Understanding where your hair currently sits in this cycle helps Dr. Green determine whether your hair loss is a temporary disruption, such as telogen effluvium, or a more permanent condition, such as androgenetic alopecia. Dr. Michele Green, an NYC expert, identifies the causes of this hair growth disruption and uses the best treatments for your hair loss.

What are the common causes of hair loss?

There are many reasons for hair loss, ranging from common causes to rare genetic ones. Because hair loss can stem from so many different sources, an accurate diagnosis often requires reviewing your full medical history and conducting a physical exam. The following is a complete list of the more common causes of hair loss:

• Genetics
• Hormonal, such as thyroid disease, hypothyroidism
• Polycystic Ovary Disease (PCOS)
• Stress
• Severe illness with fever, such as COVID-19 (Coronavirus)
• Poor nutrition, such as vitamin deficiency or mineral deficiency
• Pregnancy
• Childbirth
• Puberty
• Menopause
• Medications
• Bacterial infection
• Fungal infection
• Lupus
• Lichen Planus
• Secondary Syphilis
• Iron deficiency anemia
• Hairstyles
• Autoimmune disease
• Radiation therapy
• Extreme weight loss
• Anorexia
• Trichotillomania

What causes hair loss in men?

Although a family history of hair loss affects one’s ability to retain hair, genetics is not the only factor in men. The most common cause of hair loss in men is male pattern hair loss, also known as male-pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia. This genetic condition becomes more noticeable with age and affects as many as 50 million men in the United States, according to the American Hair Loss Association. Over time, androgenetic alopecia damages hair follicles, causing them to shrink and shortening the growth cycle. Hair loss typically begins along the temples (a receding hairline), creating the characteristic “M” shape, before progressing to thinning at the crown.

Hormonal changes, particularly a decrease in testosterone, and other underlying health conditions can also contribute to balding. Complete hair loss, or the appearance of bald patches, may be caused by the autoimmune condition alopecia areata, in which the immune system irreparably damages hair follicles. Dermatologists commonly use the Norwood scale to classify the stage and pattern of male hair loss, which helps guide the most appropriate treatment. Fortunately, Dr. Green has many solutions available to reduce hair thinning and balding at any stage.

What causes hair loss in women?

Female pattern baldness may indicate a more serious underlying health concern, so Dr. Green performs a thorough history and examination to determine the cause. Hair loss in women can result from genetic conditions such as female-pattern hair loss; hormonal changes such as hypothyroidism, PCOS, or menopause; autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata; poor nutrition; stress; or certain medications, including birth control pills and antidepressants. It may also be associated with eczema, psoriasis, lichen planus, or lupus erythematosus.

Unlike male pattern baldness, female-pattern baldness typically presents as diffuse thinning across the crown rather than a receding hairline, with scalp hair — particularly at the front — becoming less dense. Many women first notice it while parting or styling their hair. Because there are so many potential causes, Dr. Green’s initial consultation includes an examination of the treatment area and blood tests to pinpoint the underlying cause before generating a personalized treatment plan.

37 year old female, PRP to scalp for hair loss – 6 months

Is hair loss genetic?

There are genetic factors that contribute to hair loss, and it has been observed to run in families. Hormones, aging, underlying health conditions such as thyroid problems, hair styling, and illness may also influence hair loss. Androgenic alopecia, more commonly called male- or female-pattern baldness, is a hereditary condition that typically becomes more noticeable with age and presents in a predictable pattern: thinning at the crown and a receding hairline forming an “M” shape in men, and diffuse thinning with a wider part in women.

Research suggests that genetic predisposition accounts for most cases of androgenetic alopecia, and studies of identical twins have shown a strong hereditary link. However, the exact combination of genes involved remains under investigation. Although hereditary hair loss cannot be entirely prevented, it can be significantly delayed. A board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, can recommend a combination of topical serums, oral medications and supplements, and in-office procedures to help delay hereditary hair loss.

What are the different types of hair loss?

• Androgenetic alopecia, which includes both male and female pattern hair loss
• Traction alopecia
• Telogen Effluvium
• Anagen Effluvium
• Loose Anagen Syndrome
• Alopecia Areata
• Tinea Capitis
• Cicatricial Alopecia (also known as scarring alopecia): including Lichen Planopilaris, Discoid Lupus Erythematosus, Folliculitis Decalvans, Dissecting Cellulitis of the scalp, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia, Central Centrifugal Cicatricial Alopecia
• Hair Shaft Abnormalities
• Hypotrichosis
• Trichotillomania

How much hair loss is normal?

According to the American Academy of Dermatology, the average person loses 50 to 100 hairs daily as part of the hair’s natural growth cycle. If you are concerned about how many strands you are losing, it is best to count them each day, including those on your brush or in the shower. Genetics and hormones determine the rate of hair growth — generally about a millimeter per day, or six inches per year. If you feel you are losing an excessive amount of hair or your hair is growing more slowly than usual, it is time to consult a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green.

During an in-office visit, Dr. Green may also perform a simple hair-pull test, gently tugging a small section of hair to count how many strands come loose, which helps distinguish normal shedding from more active hair loss. In addition, she can order bloodwork to check for underlying contributors to hair loss, such as thyroid dysfunction, iron deficiency, hormonal imbalances, or vitamin deficiencies, because these systemic factors often need correction before hair regrowth treatments can be fully effective.

Does stress cause hair loss?

Yes, stress can cause hair loss, and three specific types are linked to it: telogen effluvium, trichotillomania, and alopecia areata. Telogen effluvium is the most common of the three, occurring when a stressor such as fever, surgery, or illness pushes 20 to 50 percent of scalp hairs prematurely into the resting phase. Because hair follicles operate on a delayed cycle, shedding doesn’t happen immediately. Still, it appears anywhere from six weeks to six months after the stressful event, typically becoming most noticeable around the three-month mark. Chronically elevated cortisol, the body’s primary stress hormone, is thought to be a key driver of this type of shedding, which is why stress management is often an important part of a comprehensive hair loss treatment plan. If you’ve noticed your hair thinning or shedding excessively, it is important to contact an expert in hair loss, such as Dr. Michele Green, immediately, since early treatment can help minimize overall hair loss and restore a fuller, healthier head of hair.

Male 35-44 years old, PRP treatments 3 and 10 months after

What medications cause hair loss?

All too often, the very medications we take to treat one medical condition can cause unexpected hair loss. The following types of medications have been known to exacerbate or cause hair loss:

• Blood Pressure Medications (beta blockers and ACE inhibitors) like captopril, lisinopril, and metoprolol — can cause hair loss in one percent of patients who take them
• Chemotherapy drugs — can cause an anagen effluvium and affect the hair of the scalp, eyelashes, eyebrows, and body
• Antidepressants — such as Paxil, Zoloft, Elavil, and Prozac have been associated with hair loss
• Antibiotics — can cause a decrease in vitamin B and hemoglobin, which causes decreased hair growth
• Cholesterol-lowering medications — such as atorvastatin (Lipitor) and simvastatin (Zocor)
• Psoriasis treatment — Acitretin
• Acne medication — Accutane (Isotretinoin), which is used to treat cystic acne
• Weight loss drugs — Phentermine can cause hair loss
• Gout medications — such as allopurinol (Zyloprim and Lopurin), have been known to contribute to hair loss
• Anticoagulants — such as Warfarin (Coumadin)
• Birth Control Pills — while some birth control pills can help treat hair loss, they can cause hair loss in other patients
• Anti-arrhythmia drug — Amiodarone (Cordarone) has a rare side effect of hair loss
• Antacids — like Cimetidine (Tagamet), cause hair loss
• Testosterone — excess testosterone in female patients can lead to hair loss, and a lack of testosterone in men can cause hair loss
• Anti-fungal medications — such as Ketoconazole, have been described to cause hair loss
• Immunosuppressants — such as methotrexate, cyclophosphamide (Cytoxan), and etanercept (Enbrel) can all cause hair loss

If you suspect a medication is contributing to your hair loss, do not stop taking it without first speaking with your prescribing physician; Dr. Green can work alongside your other doctors to explore alternative options where appropriate.

Treatment Options: Hair Loss Treatment in NYC

The treatment options for hair loss depend on the type you are experiencing. Dr. Green’s most commonly recommended options are:

• Finasteride (Propecia): an FDA-approved 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor that lowers dihydrotestosterone (DHT) levels to treat androgenetic alopecia in men and post-menopausal women
• Spironolactone: an FDA-approved medication that treats androgenetic alopecia and PCOS in women by blocking the androgen receptors that control DHT and testosterone levels
• Minoxidil (Rogaine): an FDA-approved topical solution or foam applied nightly to the scalp, often combined with PRP for sustained results
• Hair Vitamins: B vitamins such as biotin, along with supplements like Viviscal and Nutrafol, support hair growth and thickness
• Hormone Replacement Therapy: reserved for hair loss secondary to menopause, PCOS, or other hormonal irregularities
• Stress Reduction: lowering stress has a positive influence on hair regrowth
• PRP Injections: highly effective for many types of hair loss, including androgenetic alopecia
• Exercise: reduces stress and supports positive hair growth
• Wigs and Hairpieces: for some patients, wearing a wig or other hair replacement option, including hairpieces and hair weaves, can help disguise hair loss
• LaserCap: low-level laser therapy used three times weekly to maintain and restore hair growth
• Nutrition and Hair Products: a balanced diet and the right shampoos, conditioners, and serums help protect hair from damage
• HydraFacial Keravive: stimulates scalp circulation and hair follicles in both male and female pattern baldness and telogen effluvium

Does platelet-rich plasma (PRP) work for hair loss?

Dr. Michele Green was among the first dermatologists in NYC to treat hair loss with Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) injections, a holistic and highly effective treatment. Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a component of the patient’s own blood that contains a concentrated supply of platelets and growth factors involved in tissue repair and regeneration. To prepare it, a small blood sample is centrifuged to separate the platelet-rich plasma, yielding platelet and growth factor concentrations far higher than those normally found in circulating blood.

When injected into the scalp, these growth factors increase blood flow to hair follicles and prolong the hair cycle’s growth phase, helping reverse miniaturization associated with conditions such as androgenetic alopecia. Patients typically undergo a series of five treatments spaced about one month apart, followed by annual maintenance sessions to sustain results. Because PRP uses the body’s own biological material rather than synthetic substances, it carries minimal risk of allergic reaction, making it a natural option that Dr. Green often recommends for patients in the earlier stages of hair thinning, when follicles are still present and most responsive to treatment.

How much does hair loss treatment cost in NYC?

The cost of treating hair loss in New York depends on the treatment option, the type of provider, and the number of sessions required. Factors such as the severity and stage of hair loss, the specific technique or combination of treatments recommended, and whether ongoing maintenance sessions are needed can all influence the overall cost of care. Dr. Michele Green will consult with you, take a complete history, and perform a full examination to develop the best treatment plan for your needs, and will review pricing and procedures during your consultation.

How do I prevent hair loss?

The best first step to prevent hair loss and baldness is to consult an expert, board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Michele Green, because understanding the cause of hair loss is essential before developing a treatment plan. During your consultation, Dr. Green will examine the treatment area, order blood tests to identify the root cause, and then develop a treatment plan tailored to your needs. While some hair loss conditions cannot be fully stopped or reversed, treatment can significantly slow hair loss and thinning. In addition to professional treatment, maintaining a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and essential vitamins, avoiding excessive heat styling and tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp, and managing stress can all help support healthy hair and reduce further thinning. Preventive care is generally most effective when started at the first sign of thinning, before significant miniaturization of the hair follicles has occurred.

How do I stop hair loss and regrow hair naturally?

While not all types of hair loss can be reversed naturally, patients can support hair regrowth by reducing stress, eating a diet rich in protein, iron, and biotin, avoiding tight hairstyles that cause traction alopecia, and using gentle, sulfate-free hair products. Scalp massage and low-level laser devices, such as the LaserCap, can also stimulate circulation and support hair follicles without medication. However, patients with more significant androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata generally see the best results when these natural approaches are combined with medical treatments, such as PRP or minoxidil, under the guidance of Dr. Green. Patients should keep in mind that natural approaches take time, often three to six months, before any visible improvement in hair density becomes noticeable.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Hair Loss

Which vitamin deficiency causes hair loss?

Certain vitamin and mineral deficiencies, including those of vitamins B, C, and D, biotin, and iron, can contribute to hair loss or thinning by disrupting the normal hair growth cycle and weakening follicle function. For patients struggling with these deficiencies, Dr. Green recommends supplements such as Nutrafol, formulated with essential hair vitamins to strengthen hair follicles and promote growth, along with targeted supplementation based on blood test results, as needed. Don’t over-supplement without first confirming a deficiency through blood tests, since excessive intake of certain vitamins, such as vitamin A, can contribute to hair loss.

Can vitamin D deficiency cause hair loss?

Yes, low vitamin D levels have been linked to hair thinning and certain forms of alopecia because vitamin D helps create new hair follicles and cycle existing ones through the growth phase. Vitamin D deficiency is especially common in winter and among people who spend little time outdoors, making it an often overlooked, easily correctable contributor to hair thinning. Patients with unexplained hair loss may benefit from blood tests to check vitamin D levels, and Dr. Green can recommend appropriate supplementation as part of a broader treatment plan.

Does menopause cause hair loss?

Menopause can cause several side effects, including hair loss and thinning. As estrogen declines and testosterone rises, hair may gradually thin across the scalp, while the hairline typically remains stable. Elevated testosterone can also lead to increased facial hair growth. Many women also notice their hair becoming finer or more brittle during menopause. For this reason, a combined approach that addresses both hormonal balance and scalp health tends to work best. To treat menopause-related hair loss, proper nutrition, exercise, PRP injections, hair vitamins, LaserCap, and hormone replacement therapy may help reverse it. In severe cases, hair transplant surgery or scalp reduction may be an effective solution. Dr. Green can help determine which combination of treatments is best suited to your individual needs and stage of hair loss.

Does creatine cause hair loss?

Creatine is a naturally occurring substance often taken as a supplement by athletes to improve performance and speed recovery, though research on its overall effectiveness remains inconclusive. A 2009 study found that creatine supplementation increased DHT levels, the hormone most closely linked to androgenetic alopecia, sparking speculation that the supplement could cause or accelerate hair loss. However, subsequent research has not substantiated this claim. Patients who remain concerned, particularly those with a family history of hair loss, can discuss alternative supplements with a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Green. Most healthy adults can safely continue using creatine as directed, and Dr. Green can help determine the best plan based on individual risk factors.

Can low Testosterone cause hair loss?

The male androgen DHT (dihydrotestosterone) is most directly associated with hair loss because it binds to hair follicles and gradually causes them to shrink or miniaturize. Testosterone is converted into DHT by the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, which has led to confusion about whether high or low testosterone levels are to blame for thinning hair. In reality, low testosterone is not considered a direct cause of hair loss; rather, genetic sensitivity to DHT, not the overall amount of testosterone circulating in the body, determines whether a patient’s hair follicles are vulnerable to this process. Patients with low testosterone may experience other symptoms related to the hormonal imbalance. Still, hair thinning in these cases is more likely tied to an underlying genetic predisposition than to low testosterone itself. Patients concerned about hormonal imbalances or hair loss should have their hormone levels checked by a board-certified dermatologist such as Dr. Green. DHT levels can be lowered with medications like finasteride, which blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT.

Can low iron cause hair loss?

Yes, low iron is one of the most common nutritional causes of hair loss in women. Iron deficiency — including iron-deficiency anemia — can disrupt the hair growth cycle and lead to diffuse thinning. Women with heavy menstrual cycles or those following a vegetarian or vegan diet are at particularly high risk for iron deficiency. They should mention this to Dr. Green during their consultation. Blood tests can confirm an iron deficiency, and correcting it through diet or supplementation, along with other treatments recommended by Dr. Green, can help restore healthy hair growth.

Does hypothyroidism cause hair loss?

Yes, hypothyroidism and other thyroid disorders are well-documented causes of hair loss because thyroid hormone plays a key role in regulating the hair growth cycle. Hair loss from hypothyroidism often affects the entire scalp evenly, and patients may also notice dry skin, fatigue, brittle nails, or unexplained weight gain alongside thinning hair. An underactive thyroid, or any untreated thyroid condition, can cause diffuse thinning across the scalp and, in some cases, thinning of the eyebrows as well. This often improves once the underlying thyroid condition is properly managed with the guidance of Dr. Green. Blood testing can help determine whether a thyroid imbalance is contributing to hair loss. Once thyroid levels are stabilized, many patients see a gradual return of hair density over the following months.

Does diabetes cause hair loss?

Yes, uncontrolled diabetes can contribute to hair loss by impairing circulation and nutrient delivery to hair follicles. The stress of chronic illness can also trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary shedding phase that can develop several months after a significant physical stressor. Poor circulation associated with long-term, poorly controlled diabetes can also affect the scalp, slowing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients needed for healthy follicle function. Working closely with an endocrinologist, alongside Dr. Green, often yields the best results. Nerve damage and slow wound healing, both common complications of diabetes, can further compromise scalp health over time. Keeping blood sugar levels well managed, along with the treatments Dr. Green recommends, can help minimize diabetes-related hair thinning and support healthier regrowth.

Does minoxidil cause hair loss?

Minoxidil does not cause permanent hair loss, but some patients experience temporary shedding during the first few weeks of use as hair follicles enter a new growth cycle. This shedding phase usually lasts two to six weeks and should not be mistaken for treatment failure; patients are encouraged to continue use unless shedding is severe or prolonged, in which case they should follow up with Dr. Green. This initial shedding occurs because minoxidil accelerates the transition of resting follicles into the active growth phase, causing older hairs to be shed so that new, stronger hairs can take their place. This shedding phase is a normal and expected part of how minoxidil (Rogaine) works, and it typically resolves as thicker, healthier hair begins to grow in, with most patients noticing visible improvement in density and coverage within three to six months of consistent use.

Does red light therapy work for hair loss?

Yes, red light therapy, delivered via devices such as the LaserCap using low-level laser therapy (LLLT), has been shown to re-energize dormant hair follicles and stimulate new hair growth in both men and women. Results are typically gradual, with most patients using the device consistently for four to six months before noticing thicker, fuller-looking hair. It is a safe, drug-free option that works well as a maintenance treatment alongside PRP, minoxidil, or other therapies Dr. Green may recommend.

Does biotin help with hair loss?

Yes, biotin is a B vitamin that supports keratin production and is commonly included in hair-loss supplements such as Viviscal and Nutrafol, particularly for patients whose hair loss is linked to a vitamin deficiency. Most people get enough biotin from their diet alone, so supplementation is most beneficial for patients with a confirmed deficiency or increased needs, such as during pregnancy. While biotin alone will not resolve hair loss caused by genetics or an autoimmune disease, it can be a helpful part of a broader treatment plan designed by Dr. Green.

Can a dermatologist help with hair loss?

Yes, a board-certified dermatologist like Dr. Michele Green is the best resource for diagnosing and treating hair loss because an accurate diagnosis — often supported by blood tests or a scalp biopsy — is essential to selecting the right treatment. Seeing a dermatologist early, rather than waiting to see if hair loss resolves on its own, generally leads to better long-term outcomes, since many causes of hair loss respond best when treatment begins before follicles are permanently damaged. Dr. Green offers a full range of options, from PRP injections and corticosteroids to prescription medications like finasteride and minoxidil, as well as in-office treatments such as Keravive and the LaserCap, all tailored to your specific type of hair loss.

What shampoo is good for hair loss?

The best shampoo for hair loss depends on the underlying cause, but gentle, sulfate-free formulas that avoid stripping the scalp’s natural oils are generally recommended. Shampoos containing biotin, caffeine, or Ketoconazole are also recommended for patients with dandruff-related shedding. Patients should avoid shampoos with harsh sulfates or excessive heat styling immediately after washing, as both can add stress to hair that is already thinning. In addition to shampoo, MGSkinLabs hair serums can be incorporated into a daily routine to support scalp health further. They are formulated to nourish the scalp, strengthen existing hair, and create a healthier environment for new growth. Used consistently alongside a gentle cleansing routine, these serums can complement in-office treatments like PRP by helping maintain results between sessions. Dr. Green can recommend specific hair care products, including options from her MGSkinLabs line, as part of a comprehensive plan to support healthier, fuller-looking hair.

Before and after 3 and 5 sessions of PRP, 6 months and 14 months

Schedule a Hair Loss Consultation with Dr. Michele Green in NYC

Proper identification of the type of hair loss and its underlying cause is the foundation of an effective treatment plan and successful hair regrowth. Whether your hair loss stems from androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, traction alopecia, or another cause, prompt diagnosis and early treatment are key to the best possible outcome. Dr. Michele Green is an expert in hair loss in NYC and has helped thousands of men and women with their hair loss problems.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned, board-certified dermatologist with more than two and a half decades of experience diagnosing and treating all forms of hair loss, from alopecia areata to male- and female-pattern baldness. She customizes each patient’s treatment plan, combining in-office procedures, topical treatments, and oral medications tailored to their individual needs, and is consistently recognized as one of New York City’s top dermatologists by Super Doctors, Castle Connolly, The New York Times, and New York Magazine. To get started with a personalized hair loss treatment plan at her private dermatology office on Manhattan’s Upper East Side, call 212-535-3088 or contact us online.