Hair loss is a very common problem among both men and women.  For women, hair loss can begin during the child bearing years and peak again during early menopause. Some men are predisposed to male pattern baldness and begin losing their hair in their early twenties.

Hair loss can be subtle at first; a good stylist or barber who is well acquainted with your hair patterns can notice small changes. Additionally, consider the effect of medications and co-existing medical problems such as lupus or anemia.  Overactive or underactive thyroid and vitamin and dietary deficiencies can also masquerade as hair loss.

For women, dermatologists recommend examining lifestyle and hair styling habits. Excessive combing, coloring, and blow drying can wreak havoc on delicate hair. The addition of chemical straightening can compound the damage to vulnerable hair and aggravate existing hair loss. A word of caution for women: avoid tight pony tails and hairstyles that create tension by pulling on the hair. An absolute must – have coloring, relaxers and other chemical straighteners performed by a professional.

Men – take notice. If there is a known history of early hair loss or receding hairlines, be aggressive. Minoxidil, commonly known as Rogaine ®, can be started early and produce good results.  Coupled with Propecia ®, an oral medication which can be prescribed by your dermatologist, these two medications used together may produce even better results. Side affects are minor but both medications should only be initiated after consultation with your dermatologist. 

Sometimes there’s no way to stop hair loss completely.   A good treatment regimen can slow it down. Your dermatologist will play an important role in making a diagnosis and determining the correct treatment. 

Hair Transplantation

Hair transplantation, the medical process of relocating hair from the lower back and sides of the head, has been used to permanently restore natural living, growing hair to the balding top or front of the head. Initially used for male pattern baldness, increasing numbers of women are experiencing hair loss and hair transplants are becoming more popular with women.

Newer techniques utilize many smaller grafts with varying numbers of hair follicles to create a fuller, more natural appearance. Micrografting and minigrafting allow surgeons to transplant new hair between existing hair follicles without any hair being removed.  Hair transplants can be effective for thinning hair as well.  Those interested in hair transplants should keep in mind that transplanting hair is still surgery.  For more information about the hair restoration process, consult your dermatologist to see if you are a candidate.