Men’s Hair Loss
Male pattern hair loss or androgenic alopecia is a common medical condition in which there is increased shedding that results in a receding hairline, thinning hair, and baldness. According to the American Hair Loss Association, over 65% of men will experience hair loss at some point in their lives, with around 85% of men experiencing hair thinning by age 50. If you’re worried about male hair loss, hair thinning, or balding, board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green is here to help. Dr. Green has over 25 years of experience in male pattern baldness and was one of the first dermatologists in NYC to incorporate Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP) into her Upper East Side New York practice. She is consistently voted as one of the best dermatologists in NYC, not only for cosmetic treatments, and hair loss, but for medical dermatologic treatments as well.
Hair loss can drastically influence a person’s appearance and affect self-esteem and confidence. Though the exact cause of male pattern baldness is unknown, one primary cause is genetics, so those who have a family history of baldness are more likely to see signs of male pattern baldness. Male pattern hair loss is also associated with androgens, a sex hormone that is particularly tied into hair growth, hence the name androgenetic alopecia. The major androgen that contributes to hair loss is dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is converted from testosterone and is essential in the development of secondary sex characteristics, such as body hair. However, as an adult that is genetically predisposed to baldness, DHT can bind to androgen receptors in your scalp and cause the hair follicles to stop producing new hair. High DHT levels causes the miniaturization of hair follicles, causing hair to become thinner and fall out faster.
HT plays a major role in the development of male sex characteristics such as facial and body hair. However, as an adult that is genetically predisposed to baldness, DHT can bind to androgen receptors in your scalp and cause the hair follicles to stop producing new hair.
Thankfully, Dr. Green has a myriad of cosmetic and medical treatments available which can improve hair growth and prevent further hair loss. Medically approved treatment options often include topical hair serums like minoxidil (Rogaine), topical Propecia, and oral medications like Propecia (finasteride). Additional medications and treatments include dutasteride, Platelet Rich Plasma injections (PRP), steroid injections, and the Laser Cap. Dr. Green also has her own line of specially formulated hair serums that has yielded significant results in encouraging hair growth for patients with male pattern baldness. If you’re hoping to delay male pattern baldness and reverse the signs of hair loss, Dr. Green is here to help.
Causes of Men’s Hair Loss
Multiple factors contribute to hair loss from stress to diet to genetics. The most common cause is a hereditary condition that happens with aging called androgenic alopecia, also commonly known as male-pattern baldness. Men with androgenic alopecia have increased levels of androgen hormones in their body like dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT leads to the shrinking of the hair follicle, which causes the hair to become weaker and shortens the hair’s life span. Eventually, the hair follicle may stop producing any hair at all, leading to bald spots and baldness.
Male pattern hair loss can also be triggered by certain lifestyle habits, such as intense amounts of stress or poor emotional health. After undergoing a stressful event, you might get acute telogen effluvium. In a normal healthy person’s scalp, around 85 percent of our hair follicles are in a growth phase (anagen) and 15 percent are in a resting phase (telogen). When you experience a shock, up to 70 percent of your hair follicles can go into a resting (telogen hair) state. If you are perpetually stressed, you may experience chronic telogen effluvium and hair loss over a longer period. To improve healthy hair after an incidence of telogen effluvium, it’s best to pinpoint what stressors may have triggered the response and to focus on healthy habits like proper hydration and adequate sleep.
Additionally, diet can affect overall hair health. Patients who have lackluster diets often miss out on the nutrients that help to support healthy hair growth. Be sure to consume fatty fish, eggs, leafy greens, fruit, and nuts in your diet to promote healthy hair growth. Additionally, protein powders or excess testosterone sources found in bodybuilding supplements can make hair loss worse by stimulating further sensitivity to androgens. Current clinical research suggests that creatine supplements can increase dihydrotestosterone in the bloodstream, which can, in turn, lead to weakened hair follicles.
6 Months after PRP hair treatment
Is Male Hair Loss Genetic? Is Baldness Inherited?
Yes, the main cause of male pattern balding or male pattern hair loss is genetic and thus hereditary. This type of hair loss is defined by a person’s natural sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone and other androgens and often occurs gradually in predictable patterns. Nevertheless, there are treatment options that can reduce the effects of androgenetic alopecia like nutrition, medication, topical treatments, and in-office dermatologic procedures.
Common Causes of Hair Loss in Men
There are a variety of different classifications of hair loss that can be used to determine effective treatments and hair care for patients dealing with male hair loss or balding. But first, it’s useful to understand the hair growth cycle to assess the context in which male hair loss occurs. Healthy hair growth is defined by a cycle of four phases: the anagen or new hair growth phase, the catagen or transition phase, the telogen or rest phase, and the exogen or shedding phase. In general, proper hair care and scalp care can help at each phase of the hair cycle, and some forms of hair loss are due to a disruption in one of these four phases. As the scalp is a part of a person’s skin, the world of dermatology has investigated a variety of different hair restoration treatment options.
Male Pattern Baldness/Androgenic Alopecia
Male pattern baldness, or androgenic alopecia, affects 50 million men in the United States and can start as early as your teens. It first presents itself as a pattern of hair loss in well-defined areas like above the temples and at the crown (top of the head). Over time, the hairline recedes to form a characteristic “M” shape. This thinning then typically continues until the hair recession and bald spot meet, leaving a horseshoe-shaped hair growth pattern along the back and sides of the head. Ultimately, there is partial or complete baldness.
Male pattern baldness is caused by a variety of genetic and environmental factors. The main culprit is the conversion of testosterone into the androgen dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT plays a major role in the development of male sex characteristics such as facial and body hair. However, as an adult that is genetically predisposed to baldness, DHT can bind to androgen receptors in your scalp and cause the hair follicles to stop producing new hair. This ultimately results in loss of hair around your crown (top of head), thin hair, and a receding hairline. If you have a closely related relative with patterned hair loss, you are at an increased risk of developing the condition.
Treatment options for androgenic alopecia include topical products like minoxidil (Rogaine), oral medications like dutasteride and finasteride, and cosmetic procedures like Platelet-Rich-Plasma. Hair loss is often multifaceted and a combination of these treatments are commonly used to promote hair growth and prevent further hair loss.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes your hair to fall out in clumps or small patches. This occurs as a result of your immune system attacking your hair follicles and can result in bald patches wherever hair grows like on your scalp, arms, and legs. This disorder is often unpredictable and can begin at any age. About half of the people who have this condition regrow their hair within 12 months without treatment but the cycles can be completely random for years. The exact cause of alopecia areata is still unknown although there is a greater chance of you getting it if someone in your family has it.
Common symptoms of alopecia areata include losing a large amount of hair in a short period, small bald patches on your scalp and other parts of your body, and fingernails and toenails that become red, brittle, and pitted. You are also more likely to get alopecia areata if you have certain other medical conditions like asthma, thyroid disease, and vitiligo, among others. If you suspect you may have alopecia areata, see a dermatologist immediately so they can diagnose you and start treatment right away.
Treatment often includes steroid injections as well as topical and oral medications. Steroid injections to areas where you have experienced hair loss can suppress the immune system cells that are attacking the hair follicles and give your hair time to regrow. Other options include topical steroids like clobetasol or corticosteroid cream and oral medications like prednisone.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common form of hair loss that occurs when there is a change in the number of hair follicles growing hair. Healthy hair growth is defined by a cycle of four phases: the anagen or new hair growth phase, the catagen or transition phase, the telogen or rest phase, and the exogen or shedding phase. In a normal healthy person, the majority of our hair is in the anagen or new growth phase. However, when a person experiences an incidence of TE, the majority of the hair follicles shift to the telogen or resting phase. This results in shedding and TE hair loss.
TE is often temporary and can be caused by numerous different factors like stress, diet, and even some drugs. If you experienced a particularly stressful event like the death of someone close to you or a car accident, the shock may result in increased hair shedding in the subsequent following months. Longer-term stressors like the coronavirus pandemic can also contribute to hair loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatology Association, COVID-19 can be linked-to noticeable hair loss. Certain nutritional deficiencies like iron and zinc can also contribute to TE. There are also some medications like antidepressants that can trigger hair loss. It is important to note that TE can also be a symptom of another condition like thyroid disease or alopecia areata.
Treatment options include altering your diet and environment as well as certain over-the-counter (OTC) products. If you are constantly under stress, TE is more likely to occur so try adjusting how you deal with stress or minimize it in your life to encourage new hair growth. Be sure to obtain plenty of nutrients, especially zinc and iron, in your diet. Over-the-counter products like topical minoxidil can also help by prolonging the anagen or active growth phase of the hair follicle and improving hair regrowth.
6 Months after PRP hair treatment
What is Involved in the Consultation for Male Pattern Hair Loss?
A consultation with Dr. Michele Green for male pattern hair loss always begins with a comprehensive review of your medical and surgical history. It is important to see if there are any medications you are taking or products you are using that may be impacting your hair growth. A medical review can also determine if there are any underlying conditions or recent events that may be contributing to your hair loss. You will be asked to bring blood work done within the past year so Dr.Green can see if there are any deficiencies or abnormalities that may be contributing to your hair loss. If you do not have any recent bloodwork, Dr.Green will order a blood draw so she can better determine what factors are impacting your hair health. She may also decide to take a biopsy of your scalp and/or send a hair sample to an outside laboratory to gather more information and decide what the best treatment plan for you will be.
Afterward, Dr. Green will go over possible treatment options with you and will often recommend a combination of treatments. Hair loss is often multifaceted and has typically been going on for months or years so a combination of treatments is more likely to yield better results. Treatment options often include topical hair serums like minoxidil (Rogaine), supplements like Nutrafol, oral medications like Propecia and dutasteride, cosmetic procedures like PRP injections, steroid injections, and/or a Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved device called the laser cap. Dr. Green also has her line of specially formulated hair serums that has yielded great results for a myriad of her patients.
Prevention of Male Pattern Baldness
Male pattern hair loss is genetic and therefore can develop even with preventative measures. However, certain preventative measures like adjusting your diet and nutrition can help stave off rapid hair loss. A diet rich in antioxidants can help fight the signs of oxidative stress which damages hair follicles. Foods rich in antioxidants include berries, legumes, and leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach. Foods that contribute to oxidative stress include sugar, processed fats, preservatives, and alcohol. Other nutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins are beneficial for hair health so if you have nutritional deficiencies in these areas, be sure to get adequate amounts of them either through your diet or through supplements.
In addition, you should be mindful of how you are treating your hair. Try to use a shampoo that is mild and suited for your hair to avoid unnecessary damage to your hair. Some hair care products contain harsh ingredients that can be extremely detrimental to your hair health. High-heat hair styling tools like hair dryers can also damage your hair by leaving your hair follicle dehydrated and vulnerable to damage. Also, avoid chemically treating or bleaching your hair.
Furthermore, routine hair regrowth treatments such as minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can help to slow the process of male pattern hair loss and prevent any further hair loss that would otherwise occur. These treatments can also promote hair regrowth.
3 PRP treatment sessions, 4 months apart
Treatment for Male Pattern Baldness
Men’s hair loss can be treated by a variety of different hair loss treatment options, with both non-invasive and surgical treatments available. When you work with Dr. Green, she’ll be able to assess your current hair health, medical history, and individual needs and goals to determine a treatment plan that will best meet your needs.
Most patients are recommended Nutrafol. Nutrafol is an oral herbal supplement for hair loss and targets the six root causes of hair loss which are hormones, stress, lifestyle, metabolism, nutrition, and aging. It is an all-natural but clinically proven way to encourage hair growth with minimal side effects. Nutrafol is often taken alongside other oral medications like finasteride (Propecia) and dutasteride (Avodart). Topical products like minoxidil (Rogaine) are also used in conjunction with Nutrafol and oral medications. Minoxidil often comes in a liquid or shampoo form and can be used every night. Dr. Green also has her line of specially formulated hair serum that can improve hair growth.
The most popular treatment option is Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) injections which take a holistic approach towards hair growth. This procedure utilizes the patient’s blood to increase blood circulation to the scalp and stimulate new hair growth. PRP works because your blood is rich in growth factors that improve cell turnover and blood vessel formation. Another option for hair loss is the Laser Cap, an FDA-approved approved device that uses low-level laser therapy to re-energize inactive hair follicles.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Injections for Hair Growth
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) treatment for hair loss is a popular non-invasive therapy for restoring healthy hair follicles. PRP uses your blood which has a highly concentrated volume of platelets that are packed with growth factors. This helps revitalize hair follicles, improve small blood vessel count near the injection site, and boost new hair growth.
PRP includes growth factors like the Epidermal Growth Factor to improve cell, collagen, and blood vessel formation, Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 to aid in the development of specialized cells, and Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 which acts as a protein regulator for the cells, among others. These growth factors, when injected into the scalp, can rapidly revitalize hair follicles, and lead to exciting new healthy hair growth.
For patients with male pattern hair loss, PRP therapy is an excellent treatment option. According to clinical trials published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery and the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, patients treated with PRP injections for hair loss experienced a vast improvement in hair regrowth. According to another study in the Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery, PRP therapy has boosted hair growth, hair count, and hair thickness. The American Academy of Dermatology also deems PRP to be a safe and effective hair loss treatment that can help improve hair regrowth. Dr. Green’s review of PRP therapy for hair restoration has also indicated incredible success in hair regrowth, and she offers unique expertise and knowledge on hair loss treatment to her patients.
Topical Treatments for Hair Growth
Topical minoxidil, popularly known as Rogaine, is an FDA-approved, over-the-counter treatment for hair loss and hair thinning. It is often available as either a liquid or a foam and can be applied to your scalp once a night where it begins working immediately. Although minoxidil starts working immediately once applied, it typically takes a few months to see any noticeable improvement. Minoxidil works by shortening the telogen or resting phase of your hair’s growth cycle and moving your hair into the anagen or active hair growth phase. Over time, minoxidil stimulates growth and improves the thickness, density, and overall appearance of your hair.
Dr. Green has her line of hair serums which contains 7% minoxidil and topical Propecia. This specialized male hair serum is formulated with both a high concentration of minoxidil and finasteride, which stimulates hair regrowth. Over time, you will notice an improvement in your scalp health and your hair follicles in the form of reduced shedding and thicker, fuller-looking hair. A review in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology (https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/abs/10.1111/jocd.14895) found that a combination of topical minoxidil and topical finasteride enhances efficacy. In addition, topical finasteride had reduced potential for systemic side effects that are common with oral finasteride. Dr. Green’s hair serum line is one of the only products on the market that combines both topical minoxidil and topical finasteride to provide the ultimate formulation for hair restoration.
Oral Finasteride for Hair Growth
Oral finasteride, known commonly as Propecia, is an FDA-approved prescription medication for hair loss treatment. It is one of the most reliable and effective treatments that has been shown to improve hair regrowth in adult males. Propecia works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in the body. This results in lower levels of DHT and therefore stops and prevents more follicular damage caused by DHT.
Many men who take finasteride notice improvements after three to four months of regular usage, although final results may take up to a year to see. Finasteride is often used in conjunction with minoxidil as studies have shown that they are more effective in stimulating hair growth when used together. However, finasteride does have some potentially negative side effects, including erectile dysfunction and reports of depression.
3 Months after Alopecia Areata treatment in chin area
Oral Dutasteride for Male Pattern Baldness
Oral Dutasteride is a prescription drug commonly known by its brand name Avodart. It blocks the action of an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase and is part of a class of medications known as 5-alpha-reductase inhibitors. This class of drugs prevents your body from converting testosterone into an androgen hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which has been linked to male pattern hair loss. Studies have shown that oral dutasteride outperforms every other male hair loss treatment and is much better at treating androgenetic alopecia than oral minoxidil.
A systematic review of 23 trials analyzing the efficacy of orally and topically administered minoxidil, dutasteride, and finasteride found that dutasteride had the highest probability of being the most efficacious treatment. 0.5mg/d of oral dutasteride was the best performer to treat male pattern baldness. Dutasteride was followed by 5mg per day of oral finasteride, followed by 5mg per day of oral minoxidil (Rogaine). The next best performing medication was a 1mg dosage of oral finasteride, followed by 5% topical minoxidil, 2% topical minoxidil, and lastly 0.25mg per day of oral minoxidil.
Although studies with dutasteride have shown promising results in reducing hair loss in male pattern baldness, it is currently not FDA approved to treat hair loss. The only medications currently on the market for male pattern baldness are finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Rogaine). However, physicians like Dr. Michele Green in NYC may prescribe dutasteride for “off label” use when they determine it is medically appropriate for their patients.
Dutasteride usually takes at least 3 months to see results but can take up to 6 months or more depending on the person. Most current studies are limited to 6 months but have shown dutasteride increases hair growth and restoration in men with androgenetic alopecia. The side effects of dutasteride are comparable to the side effects of finasteride. Side effects to both medications are rare. However, the most common side effects that may require medical attention include chills, cold sweats, and faintness or dizziness when getting up from a lying or sitting position. Other side effects have been reported such as a decreased sex drive, erectile dysfunction, and ejaculation disorder. Rare side effects include unusual drowsiness, back pain, headache, and stomach ache.
Keravive for hair loss and scalp health
The HydraFacial Keravive scalp treatment is designed to revitalize an unhealthy scalp. It uses Hydrafacial vortex technology to cleanse, exfoliate, and infuse the scalp with growth factors to stimulate hair growth and replenish the overall health of your scalp. During the cleansing and exfoliation stage, dirt, oil, and other impurities are extracted, leaving your scalp clean and stimulating blood circulation of the scalp. Afterward, a peptide complex solution rich in growth factors and skin proteins is infused to hydrate the scalp and encourage new hair growth. Keravive scalp treatments can be safely combined with other hair loss treatments like PRP, minoxidil, LaserCap, and other oral medications.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL), also known as female androgenetic alopecia or androgenic alopecia, can affect around 40% of women by age 50. This is caused by a reduction in hair volume, combined with hair shedding from resting hairs. FPHL can be a frustrating condition for many women, particularly those with early signs of thinning hair. Overall, female pattern hair loss is very different than male pattern baldness in how it appears. Male pattern balding is usually noticeable via a receding hairline or bald patch atop the head, forming an “m”-shaped pattern, but females do not generally follow a particular pattern. Within FPHL, hair shedding is more evenly distributed, though it can often begin with hair thinning along the top of the head, as well as a widening part line. For others, it may be thinning hairs near their temples that are seen first – generally, the thinning is more widespread than for males.
For some women, an increase in androgens and testosterone, can be the cause for the hair loss. In others, it can be caused by a decrease in estrogen levels. FPHL is more common after menopause, suggesting estrogen may also have some more direct relationship. There are similarities between how female and male pattern hair loss are treated. Both male and female pattern hair loss can be treated with minoxidil, Nutrafol, and PRP. However, finasteride is typically not recommended for women. An alternative oral medication that is used is spironolactone. Spironolactone is an aldosterone receptor antagonist and is typically prescribed to treat high blood pressure, heart failure, and hyperaldosteronism. Recently, spironolactone has been increasingly prescribed to treat androgenic alopecia. Spironolactone is effective in that it slows down the production of androgens like testosterone and thus halts hair loss and encourages hair regrowth. Many women have noticed improvement in hair loss after taking spironolactone in the form of reduced shedding, increased hair growth, and thicker hair.
Commonly Asked Questions & Answers
How can I prevent balding at a young age?
If you have a family history of male pattern hair loss or balding, it is best to see a dermatologist early on to prevent further hair loss and to see what can be done. Male pattern hair loss is genetic and therefore can develop even with preventative measures. However, certain preventative measures like adjusting your diet and nutrition can help stave off rapid hair loss. A diet rich in antioxidants can help fight the signs of oxidative stress which damages hair follicles. Foods rich in antioxidants include berries, legumes, and leafy green vegetables like kale and spinach. Foods that contribute to oxidative stress include sugar, processed fats, preservatives, and alcohol. Other nutrients like zinc, iron, and B vitamins are beneficial for hair health so if you have nutritional deficiencies in these areas, be sure to get adequate amounts of them either through your diet or through supplements.
In addition, you should be mindful of how you are treating your hair. Try to use a shampoo that is mild and suited for your hair to avoid unnecessary damage to your hair. Some hair care products contain harsh ingredients that can be extremely detrimental to your hair health. High-heat hair styling tools like hair dryers can also damage your hair by leaving your hair follicle dehydrated and vulnerable to damage. Also, avoid chemically treating or bleaching your hair. Furthermore, routine hair regrowth treatments such as minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections can help to slow the process of male pattern hair loss and prevent any further hair loss that would otherwise occur. These treatments can also promote hair regrowth. See a dermatologist at the earliest onset of observable hair loss to have the best chances at preventing hair loss and restoring hair growth.
Why am I losing my hair at 18 ?
Though it is less common, male pattern hair loss occurs in around 25% of men before the age of 21. This can present as a receding hairline, hair loss at the back of the head, or hair thinning overall. A strong genetic proclivity or family history of hair loss is usually the main reason why you may be shedding or balding at such a young age. Additionally, poor hair care as well as certain hairstyles can increase hair loss in young adults.
To protect the health of the scalp and preserve hair growth, it’s best to reduce the amount of shampooing you do to a couple of days a week and to invest in a good conditioner that will help to nourish the scalp. Additionally, patients can use revitalizing oils and serums before and after hair washing to make sure that their hair follicles are supported. Keravive is a great scalp treatment, which nourishes the scalp and encourages hair regrowth. Lastly, if you are struggling with hair loss, you may consider avoiding drying hair styling products, as well as tightly bound hairstyles. Cornrows and buns can all pull on scalp hairs at the root, which in turn can damage hair follicles and lead to traction alopecia.
Why am I losing hair in my 30s, 40s, and 50s?
It is common for men to lose hair in their 30s, 40s, and 50s due to a variety of reasons from genetics to hormones, diet, illness, and/or stress. According to the American Hair Loss Association, over 65% of men will experience hair loss at some point in their lives, with around 85% of men experiencing hair thinning by age 50.
For 30 year-olds without a family history of hair loss or hair thinning in their family, it is very possible that a specific trigger contributed to the hair loss. One major contributor to hair loss at a young age is stress. Excess stress can take a toll on your body and push your hair out of the growth phase and into the resting phase. These resting hairs eventually fall out. Increased shedding is usually noticeable three months after a very stressful event, and can last up to six months. Stressful events include, but are not limited to, illness, surgery, death in the family, job loss, breakups, change in medication, and/or weight loss. Another factor is dieting. Crash diets can stress out your body and have negative effects on your hair by pushing your hair from a growth phase and into a resting state. It can also mean your body is not getting all the nutrients it needs. Nutritional deficiencies in protein, iron, zinc, niacin and fatty acids can cause hair loss.
Once you are in your 40s and 50s, hair loss is a common occurrence. If you had poor haircare practices like chemically treating your hair and/or using heat styling tools, the detrimental effects will show. However, the most common reason is still genetics. Although eating a balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and healthily managing your stress can help, you will likely need to see a healthcare professional for regular preventative care. A dermatologist may recommend topical minoxidil (Rogaine), oral finasteride (Proscar, Propecia), dutasteride (Avodart), Nutrafol, Platelet-Rich-Plasma (PRP), and/or Keravive.
Is it normal for men’s hair to fall out?
Yes, it is completely normal for men’s hair to fall out. The older you get, the more common it is that you will experience some form of hair loss. Over time, your hair fibers naturally become thinner and fall out, and they never regenerate. The natural pigment in your hair changes as you age as well, and your hair will become thin, fine, and gray/white. If you notice increased shedding, hair thinning, or have a family history of hair loss, it is best to see a dermatologist early on to prevent further hair loss and to see what can be done.
What causes hair loss in patches?
The most common answer for what causes hair loss in patches is a medical condition known as alopecia areata. Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disorder that causes your hair to fall out in clumps or small patches. This occurs as a result of your immune system attacking your hair follicles and can result in bald patches wherever hair grows like on your scalp, arms, and legs. This disorder is often unpredictable and can begin at any age. About half of the people who have this condition regrow their hair within 12 months without treatment but the cycles can be completely random for years. The exact cause of alopecia areata is still unknown although there is a greater chance of you getting it if someone in your family has it.
Additionally, if patients experience a period of intense or chronic stress, telogen effluvium can occur. Telogen effluvium is a hair loss condition in which the majority of the hair follicles shift to the telogen or resting phase. Hair is essentially lost faster than the hair growth cycle can replace the lost hair, resulting in shedding and TE hair loss. TE is often temporary and can be caused by numerous different factors like stress, diet, and even some drugs. If you experienced a particularly stressful event like the death of someone close to you or a car accident, the shock may result in increased hair shedding in the subsequent following months.
What causes hair loss on men’s legs?
Many patients tend to think of hair loss occurring on the top of the head, but alopecia can lead to hair loss on other parts of the body as well. Alopecia Areata Universalis is an autoimmune condition in which the whole body experiences hair loss, and can lead to hair loss on the legs. Additionally, if you’ve experienced rapid hair loss on the legs, it’s best to schedule an appointment with your healthcare provider or trusted dermatologist right away. Patches of hair loss on your legs can be a symptom of other medical conditions, including diabetes, thyroid conditions, fungal infections, peripheral artery disease, and skin irritation due to eczema, psoriasis, or various other skin conditions. Dr. Green is extremely knowledgeable in skin conditions that can lead to hair loss, particularly eczema and psoriasis, and can work with you to heal your skin and in turn improve your hair.
Is baldness reversible?
The best way to treat baldness is preventative treatment at the first onset of observable hair loss. As long as the hair follicle is not dormant, hair regrowth is possible in patients dealing with balding. In cases of alopecia areata, androgenetic alopecia, and telogen effluvium, hair restoration is possible through the use of oral medications, topical treatments, nutritional shifts, and in-office treatments like PRP to stimulate new hair.
2 sessions of PRP before and after
When is it too late for hair loss treatment?
It is never too late to start hair loss treatments as long as you have some healthy hair follicles left. The key is early diagnosis and intervention to prevent further hair loss and the unwanted shrinking of hair follicles. The sooner you can start treatment, the more healthy hair follicles you are likely to have remaining and the better the results you will get. A combination of different treatments like topical hair serums, oral medications, Nutrafol, and PRP can help stabilize hair loss and can allow for regrowth to occur.
Do lasers work for hair loss?
Yes, lasers like the LaserCap can work for hair loss. The LaserCap is an FDA-approved prescription-strength laser that is safe, all-natural, and scientifically proven to promote hair regrowth in men and women. It uses Low-Level-Laser Therapy (LLLT) to re-energize inactive hair follicles. This product contains no chemicals and has no side effects. It only needs to be used for thirty minutes, three times a week and it can be done in the comfort of your own home or on the go. Results can be maximized if used in combination with other treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. In one study, minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level lasers were all effective in promoting hair growth (J Am Acad Dermatol).
Which vitamins are good for hair loss?
The best vitamins for hair loss include biotin, iron, vitamin C, vitamin D, and zinc. If you have nutritional deficiencies in any of these areas, you may experience hair thinning or dull-looking hair. You must have adequate amounts of these nutrients but excess quantities of these nutrients can be harmful. Biotin can be found in egg yolks, whole grains, and meat. Iron can be found in red meat and leafy greens. Vitamin C can be found in leafy greens and citrus fruits. Vitamin D can be taken as a supplement or found in fortified foods like milk. Zinc can be found in beans, nuts, and shellfish. Vitamins and minerals can also be incorporated into hair loss vitamins such as Nutrafol, which Dr. Green highly recommends to maintain healthy hair growth.
Does biotin help men’s hair loss?
Biotin is one of the most popular vitamins recommended for hair health. It is naturally occurring in a variety of foods including eggs, oats, onions, nuts, and sweet potatoes. Biotin is essential in hair growth since it plays an important role in keratin synthesis. Keratin is the main protein that makes up our hair and is also a major component of a strong, healthy hair shaft. Low biotin levels can lead to poor hair growth and hair loss. If you have a biotin deficiency, be sure to consume adequate amounts of biotin.
Does lack of estrogen cause hair loss?
Lack of estrogen can contribute to female hair loss, and is of less concern in men since it is not a predominant hormone in the first place for male individuals. Men typically have lower estrogen levels as compared to women. When levels of estrogen and progesterone drop in women, hair grows more slowly and is much thinner. The lower levels of estrogen and progesterone can also mean there are higher circulating levels of testosterone that can be converted into androgens like DHT. These androgens shrink hair follicles, resulting in hair thinning and hair loss.
Surgical Options for Hair Loss Treatment: Hair Transplantation
When it comes to hair loss treatments, some patients may opt for surgical treatment options to fully restore a healthy head of hair. Hair restoration treatments like hair transplant surgery are typically suggested for patients who have not had success with any more conservative treatment options. Hair transplants use a “donor site” of hair follicles from the back of the scalp that is surgically moved to the balding area or “recipient site” of the scalp. The most modern method of hair transplant surgery relies on follicular extraction, during which individual hair follicles are transplanted into the donor area one by one, which typically takes 4-8 hours depending on the size of the treatment area and the number of surgical assistants available for the procedure. After the procedure, new growth typically takes 6-9 months, and PRP injections are often paired with this procedure to maximize the effectiveness of the surgery.
How Do I Stop My Hair Loss Today?
If you are concerned with your hair loss, and it’s affecting your self-esteem, Dr. Michele Green is here to help. There are many hair growth treatments that Dr. Green performs, both on your scalp and hair. Whether you are in your 20s or 60s, there are different treatment options available to treat hair loss and restore and grow new hair. Whether you are experiencing new hair shedding from male pattern hair loss or a receding hairline, Dr. Green is an expert in all aspects of male and female hair loss.
Dr. Michele Green is consistently voted one of the best dermatologists in NYC for treating hair loss, as a cosmetic dermatologist, and for medical conditions. If you are experiencing unwanted hair loss and looking for the best hair loss treatment in New York, please call our office at 212-535-3088 or contact us online to develop your customized hair loss treatment plan with Dr. Green today.