Let's Talk About Hair Loss

Written By Samantha Ghiselli

UNDERSTANDING HAIR LOSS: CAUSES, TYPES, & PROVEN TREATMENTS

Noticing more hair in your brush or the shower drain? Wondering why your part looks wider than it used to? Hair loss can be alarming, but it’s more common than you may think. At SKN Dermatology, our board-certified providers are experts in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hair loss conditions. Whether your hair thinning is sudden or gradual, we’re here to help you uncover the cause and create a personalized plan.

In this blog, we’ll explore:

  • The most common types of hair loss and how to recognize them

  • What triggers hair shedding and thinning in men and women

  • Proven treatment options, from prescription medications to in-office procedures

Hair loss doesn’t have to be permanent, and early action can make a big difference. Let’s break it all down.

TYPES OF ALOPECIA

Telogen Effluvium

What it is: A temporary form of hair loss that typically appears 2 to 3 months after a physical or emotional stressor. It occurs when more hair follicles than usual shift from the growth phase into the resting phase, leading to increased shedding across the scalp.

Common Triggers Include:

  • Childbirth

  • Illness or infection (including COVID-19 or high fevers)

  • Major surgery or hospitalization

  • Significant weight loss or dietary changes

  • Lab abnormalities such as iron deficiency or thyroid dysfunction

  • Certain medications

Prognosis and Treatment:

The good news is that telogen effluvium is usually self-limited and often resolves on its own within 6 to 12 months. At SKN, we often recommend:

  • A full lab workup to identify and treat any underlying deficiencies

  • Nutritional support to optimize hair regrowth

  • Topical or oral minoxidil in prolonged or severe cases to encourage faster recovery

Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

What it is: A genetically inherited, hormone-sensitive form of hair loss that progresses gradually over time. It affects both men and women, but the pattern and onset may differ.

In Men:

  • Hair loss typically begins at the temples and crown, often progressing to a receding hairline or thinning at the vertex. This is due to androgens, specifically dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which cause hair follicles to shrink and shorten the growth cycle.

In Women:

  • Female pattern hair loss usually presents as diffuse thinning over the top of the scalp, most often after menopause when estrogen levels decline. Unlike in men, the frontal hairline typically remains intact, but the part may widen, and overall density diminishes.

Prognosis and Treatment:

While this type of alopecia is progressive, treatments can slow or stop hair thinning—and even stimulate regrowth. Options may include:

  • Topical minoxidil (FDA-approved): A daily growth stimulant applied directly to the scalp

  • Oral minoxidil (off-label): A low-dose medication that improves hair density over time

  • Oral finasteride (FDA-approved for men): Blocks DHT to prevent further follicle shrinkage

  • Oral spironolactone (off-label for women): An anti-androgen that can reduce hormone-related hair loss in women

Alopecia Areata

What it is: An autoimmune condition in which the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks healthy hair follicles, leading to sudden and patchy hair loss.

What it looks like:

  • Alopecia areata usually presents as round, smooth patches of baldness on the scalp, although it can also affect the eyebrows, eyelashes, and other areas of the body. It may occur at any age and sometimes progresses into more extensive hair loss.

Prognosis and Treatment:

Treatment often depends on the extent and progression of hair loss. In many cases, hair may regrow on its own, but medical intervention can help jump-start and support the process:

  • Corticosteroid injections into affected areas to calm the immune response

  • Prescription topical treatments, including corticosteroids or immunotherapy agents

  • Oral medications such as JAK inhibitors for more widespread or resistant cases

COMPREHENSIVE HAIR LOSS TREATMENT OPTIONS AT SKN DERMATOLOGY

We take a holistic and results-driven approach to hair restoration, offering both in-office procedures and at-home therapies.

1. Nutritional Support & Supplements

We often recommend professional-grade supplements like Viviscal® Professional or Nutrafol® to improve the foundation for hair health. These formulations target stress, inflammation, and nutritional deficiencies that contribute to thinning.

2. Topical Medications

Topical minoxidil 5% (commonly known as Rogaine®) can be applied daily to help stimulate new growth. It typically takes 3 to 4 months to notice improvement, and it’s safe to continue long-term if results are positive.

3. Prescription Oral Medications

  • Finasteride (Propecia®): FDA-approved for men, this daily tablet blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, the primary hormone responsible for male pattern hair loss.

  • Oral Minoxidil: Increasingly popular for both men and women, this off-label treatment improves blood flow to the scalp and delivers nutrients directly to the follicles.

4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

This innovative in-office procedure uses your body’s own healing cells to boost hair regrowth. We draw a small amount of your blood, isolate the platelet-rich plasma, and inject it into areas of thinning. A series of 3 to 4 treatments over several months can result in improved hair density in up to 70% of patients.

You Don’t Have to Navigate Hair Loss Alone

If you're concerned about hair shedding, thinning, or bald patches, our team is here to help. We offer expert diagnostics, personalized plans, and medical treatments designed to get to the root cause of your hair loss—and support healthy regrowth.

Book your consultation today and take the first step toward feeling confident in your hair again.

 
 
Samantha Ghiselli
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