Finding the Right Hair Loss Doctor: Diagnosis and Treatment Options

Hair loss is a common concern that affects millions of people worldwide. Whether you’re noticing thinning hair, a receding hairline, or more significant hair shedding, it’s essential to understand the potential causes and available treatments. Seeking help from a Hair Loss Doctor, also known as a dermatologist specializing in hair disorders, is the first step towards effective management. This article will guide you through the diagnosis and treatment options a hair loss doctor might recommend, helping you take control of your hair health.

Diagnosis by a Hair Loss Doctor

When you first consult a hair loss doctor, expect a comprehensive evaluation to pinpoint the cause of your hair loss. A precise diagnosis is crucial because treatment strategies vary depending on the underlying condition. Your doctor will likely begin with a thorough physical examination of your scalp and hair. They will also ask detailed questions about your medical history, family history of hair loss, diet, and hair care practices. To further investigate, your hair loss doctor may employ several diagnostic tests:

Blood Tests: A blood test can identify underlying medical conditions, such as thyroid disorders or iron deficiency, that can contribute to hair loss. By ruling out or addressing these systemic issues, your hair loss doctor can ensure a holistic approach to your care.
Pull Test: This simple test involves your hair loss doctor gently pulling on small sections of your hair to determine the extent of hair shedding. The number of hairs that come out during the pull test can help assess the stage of your hair loss and the severity of the shedding.
Scalp Biopsy: In some cases, a scalp biopsy might be necessary for a definitive diagnosis. Your hair loss doctor will take a small sample of scalp skin or pluck a few hairs to examine under a microscope. This procedure helps to identify infections, inflammation, or scarring conditions that may be causing hair loss.
Light Microscopy: A hair loss doctor may use light microscopy to examine the structure of the hair shaft itself. By analyzing hairs trimmed at their base under a microscope, they can detect any abnormalities or disorders affecting the hair shaft, providing valuable insights into the cause of hair loss.

Treatment Options Recommended by Your Hair Loss Doctor

Once your hair loss doctor has diagnosed the cause of your hair loss, they will discuss the most appropriate treatment options with you. Treatment approaches vary widely, from medications to surgical procedures and lifestyle adjustments. It’s important to remember that some types of hair loss, like alopecia areata, may resolve on their own, but consulting a hair loss doctor ensures you receive the best possible guidance and care.

Medications for Hair Loss

If your hair loss is due to an underlying medical condition, addressing that condition is paramount. Similarly, if a medication is suspected to be causing hair loss, your hair loss doctor might advise discontinuing it, if possible. For pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), the most common type of hereditary hair loss, several medications are proven effective and frequently recommended by hair loss doctors:

Minoxidil (Rogaine): Minoxidil is an over-the-counter topical medication available in liquid, foam, and shampoo formulations. A widely recommended first-line treatment by hair loss doctors, it is applied directly to the scalp. For optimal results, women typically apply it once daily, while men apply it twice daily. Many find the foam formulation convenient, especially when applied to damp hair.

Minoxidil works by stimulating hair follicles and prolonging the hair growth cycle. Many users experience hair regrowth or a slowing down of hair loss, or both, after consistent use. It typically takes at least six months to see noticeable results. Continued use is necessary to maintain these benefits, as hair loss may resume if treatment is stopped. Potential side effects are generally mild and may include scalp irritation or unwanted hair growth in adjacent areas.
Finasteride (Propecia): Finasteride is an oral prescription medication specifically for men. Prescribed by hair loss doctors for male pattern baldness, it is taken as a daily pill. Finasteride works by blocking the production of DHT, a hormone linked to hair loss. Many men using finasteride experience a reduction in hair loss and some may see new hair growth. Similar to minoxidil, it may take several months to determine its effectiveness, and continued use is required to maintain the benefits. Finasteride may be less effective for men over 60.

While generally safe, finasteride has potential side effects, though rare, including decreased libido, sexual dysfunction, and a slightly increased risk of prostate cancer. Pregnant women or women who may become pregnant should avoid handling crushed or broken finasteride tablets due to potential risks to a male fetus.
Other Medications: In certain situations, a hair loss doctor might prescribe other oral medications such as spironolactone or oral dutasteride. These medications can be considered depending on the individual’s specific condition and response to other treatments.

Hair Transplant Surgery: A Surgical Option from a Hair Loss Doctor

For permanent hair loss, particularly male pattern baldness where hair loss is concentrated on the top of the head, hair transplant surgery can be a highly effective option. A hair loss doctor or a cosmetic surgeon specializing in hair restoration performs this procedure.

Hair Transplant

During a hair transplant, hair follicles are surgically moved from areas of the scalp with healthy hair growth (donor sites) to bald or thinning areas (recipient sites). Typically, small patches of hair are removed and then meticulously transplanted follicle by follicle into the balding sections. This can involve micrografts or minigrafts, containing one to several hairs each, or larger strips of skin with multiple hair groupings.

Hair transplant surgery is typically an outpatient procedure performed under local anesthesia with sedation to minimize discomfort. Possible risks include bleeding, bruising, swelling, and infection, which are usually manageable. Multiple surgeries may be needed to achieve the desired hair density. It’s important to note that even with a hair transplant, hereditary hair loss may continue to progress in untreated areas. Cosmetic procedures like hair transplants are generally not covered by health insurance.

Laser Therapy for Hair Loss

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as another treatment option for hereditary hair loss. Approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as a treatment for both men and women, laser therapy devices are available for home use. Some small studies suggest that LLLT can improve hair density. While promising, more research is needed to fully understand the long-term effectiveness of laser therapy as a hair loss treatment. Your hair loss doctor can advise if this treatment is suitable for you.

When to See a Hair Loss Doctor

Recognizing when to seek professional help from a hair loss doctor is crucial. While some hair shedding is normal, certain signs warrant a consultation with a specialist. Consider scheduling an appointment with a hair loss doctor if you experience:

Sudden or excessive hair shedding
Patchy hair loss
Rapid hair thinning
Hair loss accompanied by scalp itching, pain, or redness
Concerns about changes in your hairline
Hair loss after starting a new medication
Family history of significant hair loss and you are starting to experience it

Preparing for your appointment with a hair loss doctor can help make the consultation more productive. Here are some steps you can take:

What You Can Do:

Compile Key Personal Information: Be prepared to discuss any major life stresses or recent significant changes in your life, as these can sometimes contribute to hair loss.
Medication List: Create a comprehensive list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements you are currently taking.
Questions to Ask: Prepare a list of questions to ask your hair loss doctor. Prioritize your questions to ensure you address your most important concerns during the appointment.

Questions to Ask Your Hair Loss Doctor:

What is the underlying cause of my hair loss?
Are there any other potential causes?
What specific tests are necessary to confirm the diagnosis?
Is my hair loss likely to be permanent or temporary?
If my hair grows back, what is the expected timeframe, and will the texture be the same?
What treatment plan do you recommend for my specific condition?
Are there any changes I should make to my diet or hair care routine?
Are there any activity restrictions I need to follow during treatment?
Should I consult with any other specialists?
What are the costs associated with treatment, and will my insurance cover them?
Are there generic alternatives to any prescribed medications?
Do you have any informational brochures or websites you recommend for further reading?

What to Expect From Your Hair Loss Doctor:

Your hair loss doctor will ask you detailed questions to understand your hair loss pattern and potential contributing factors. Being ready to answer these questions will help streamline the consultation and allow more time to discuss your concerns. Your doctor may ask:

When did you first notice the hair loss?
Has the hair loss been continuous or intermittent?
Have you observed reduced hair growth, hair breakage, or increased shedding?
Is the hair loss localized or generalized across your scalp?
Have you experienced similar hair loss issues in the past?
Is there a family history of hair loss?
What medications or supplements do you take regularly?
Are there any factors that seem to improve or worsen your hair loss?

Lifestyle and Home Remedies to Manage Hair Loss

In addition to medical treatments, certain lifestyle adjustments and home remedies can help manage the appearance of hair loss and promote scalp health. These approaches can be used alongside medical treatments or as cosmetic solutions to address both temporary and permanent hair loss. Consider these options:

Volumizing Hair Products: Use styling products designed to add volume to your hair, making thinning hair appear fuller.
Hair Coloring: Coloring your hair can create the illusion of thicker hair by swelling the hair shaft.
Hairstyling Techniques: Consult with a hairstylist to explore hairstyles that can make a widening part or thinning areas less noticeable.
Wigs and Hair Extensions: Wigs and extensions are effective ways to conceal hair loss and instantly change your hairstyle.
Scalp Camouflage: Scalp-colored concealers or powders can be used to minimize the contrast between the scalp and thinning hair.
Shaving Your Head: For some individuals, especially men with advanced pattern baldness, shaving the head can be a liberating and stylish choice.

If your hair loss is related to a medical condition, it’s worth checking with your insurance provider, as the cost of a wig may be partially or fully covered.

Conclusion

Dealing with hair loss can be emotionally challenging, but effective solutions are available. Consulting a hair loss doctor is the most crucial step in accurately diagnosing the cause of your hair loss and developing a personalized treatment plan. From medications like minoxidil and finasteride to surgical options like hair transplants and adjunctive therapies like laser treatment, a hair loss doctor can guide you through the best approaches to manage your hair loss and improve your hair health and confidence. Don’t hesitate to seek professional help and take proactive steps towards addressing your hair loss concerns.

Request an appointment

From Mayo Clinic to your inbox

Sign up for free and stay up to date on research advancements, health tips, current health topics, and expertise on managing health. Click here for an email preview.

ErrorEmail field is required

ErrorInclude a valid email address

We use the data you provide to deliver you the content you requested. To provide you with the most relevant and helpful information, we may combine your email and website data with other information we have about you. If you are a Mayo Clinic patient, we will only use your protected health information as outlined in our Notice of Privacy Practices. You may opt out of email communications at any time by clicking on the unsubscribe link in the email.

Thank you for subscribing!

You’ll soon start receiving the latest Mayo Clinic health information you requested in your inbox.

Sorry something went wrong with your subscription

Please, try again in a couple of minutes

Clinical trials

Explore Mayo Clinic studies testing new treatments, interventions and tests as a means to prevent, detect, treat or manage this condition.

References

AskMayoExpert. Alopecia. Mayo Clinic; 2019.
Malki L, et al. Variant PAD13 in central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. New England Journal of Medicine. 2019; doi:10.1056/NEJMoa1816614.
Briggs JK. Hair loss. Triage Protocols for Aging Adults. Waloters Kluwer; 2019.
Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic, Nov. 25, 2019.
Office of Patient Education. Hair replacement surgery. Mayo Clinic; 2017.
Hair loss. American Academy of Dermatology. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/causes/fall-out. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020.
Hair loss. American Cancer Society. https://www.cancer.org/treatment/treatments-and-side-effects/physical-side-effects/hair-loss.html. Accessed Jan. 2, 2020.
Van Zuuren EJ, et al. Interventions for female pattern hair loss. JAMA Dermatology. 2017; doi:10.1001/jamadermatol.2016.5790.
Shapiro J, et al. Evaluation and diagnosis of hair loss. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 2, 2020.
Shapiro J, et al. Alopecia areata: Clinical manifestations and diagnosis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed Jan. 2, 2020.
Hereditary hair loss. Mayo Clinic Health Letter. 2016;4:1.
Cold caps and scalp cooling systems. https://www.breastcancer.org/tips/hair_skin_nails/cold-caps. Accessed Jan. 31, 2020.
Mirmirati P. Age-related hair changes in men: Mechanisms and management of alopecia and graying. Maturitas. 2015; doi.10.1016/j.maturitas.2014.10.008.
Chemotherapy and you: Support for people with cancer. National Cancer Institute. https://www.cancer.gov/publications/patient-education/chemotherapy-and-you.pdf. Accessed Feb. 3, 2020.
Shapiro J. Lichen planopilaris. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed March 26, 2020.
Gibson LE (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. March 26, 2020.