Hair Loss & Hair Thinning: Causes, Treatments, and When to Seek Help

Tag Archives: hair growth

Hair Loss Woman

Noticing more hair in your brush or shower drain can be concerning. While some hair shedding is normal, persistent shedding, thinning, a widening part, or noticeable hair loss may warrant an evaluation.

Hair loss can have many causes, and the right treatment depends on identifying what’s causing it.

Common Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can happen for many reasons. Some of the most common include:

  • Genetics — hereditary hair loss is one of the most common causes of gradual thinning.
  • Stress or illness — significant physical or emotional stress, illness, surgery, or major weight loss can trigger increased shedding.
  • Hormonal changes — pregnancy, menopause, and other hormonal changes can affect the hair-growth cycle.
  • Nutrition — not getting enough calories, protein, iron, or other essential nutrients can contribute to hair loss.
  • Medications — certain medications can cause increased shedding as a side effect.
  • Autoimmune conditions — conditions such as alopecia areata can cause sudden or patchy hair loss.
  • Hair styling practices — repeated pulling or tension from tight hairstyles, extensions, or braids can contribute to hair loss.

Sometimes, more than one factor contributes to hair loss.

Signs You May Be Experiencing Hair Loss

Hair loss doesn’t always result in a bald spot. Early signs can include:

  • Increased shedding
  • A widening part
  • A thinner ponytail
  • More visible scalp
  • Thinning on the top of the scalp
  • A receding hairline
  • Patchy areas of hair loss

When Should You Seek Help?

Consider getting it checked out if your hair loss is sudden, persistent, progressive, or patchy, or if you experience scalp itching, redness, scaling, burning, or pain.

Identifying the cause is important because different types of hair loss may require different treatments.

Hair Loss Treatment

Treatment depends on the type and cause of hair loss. Depending on the individual, options may include minoxidil, prescription medications such as finasteride, and hair growth supplements such as Nutrafol or Viviscal PRO.

Treatment may also involve addressing nutritional, hormonal, medication-related, or other underlying factors.

Because hair grows slowly, treatment generally takes months rather than weeks to show noticeable results.

Hair Loss Treatment in Buffalo, NY

At the Neiman Dermatology Building in Buffalo, NY, we have extensive experience evaluating hair loss and hair thinning in both women and men. We can help identify potential causes of hair loss and discuss treatment options based on your individual needs and goals.

If you’ve noticed increased shedding, thinning, a widening part, or a receding hairline, schedule an appointment today.

Woman with good hairWhen it comes to skincare, the majority of our focus usually goes to the face, diligently cleansing, exfoliating, and moisturizing to maintain a healthy glow. But in our quest for flawless skin, there’s one crucial area that often gets overlooked: the scalp. Just as our face needs care and attention, so too does the skin on our scalp. Recognizing this, we adapted the proven effectiveness of the HydraFacial to target scalp health, introducing the HydraScalp exclusively available at our office.

Why the scalp?

The scalp is often subjected to the same environmental pollutants, product buildup, and oil production that can wreak havoc on our face. Considering its role as the base for hair growth, neglecting it can result in a variety of potential issues.

What is the HydraScalp? 

The HydraScalp is a one-of-a-kind treatment that utilizes the HydraFacial to effectively cleanse, stimulate, nourish, and hydrate the scalp.

What are some conditions it can help? 

With the plethora of benefits delivered, it can in turn help with scalp dryness, itchiness, dandruff, and even hair loss.

How often should treatment be done? 

Depending on your scalp, we recommend patients get the treatment once every 3-4 months.

As you can see, scalp health is so important and the HydraScalp is the perfect treatment for just that. Contact Lisa S. Ball, NP today to get a healthier, happier scalp, and unlock the key to luscious, vibrant hair from root to tip.

Viviscal PRO WomanViviscal PRO is an effective supplement that helps to nourish hair and promote existing hair growth. With a variety of high-quality ingredients, results can be seen in as little as three to six months.

Viviscal PRO Ingredients

  • Aminomar Marine Complex. This patented marine complex blend (contains fish and shellfish) provides the body with essential nutrients to nourish thinning hair and encourage hair growth.
  • Apple Extract Powder. Can help increase hair density and diameter.
  • Biotin. A vital ingredient for hair growth and structure that strengthens weakened hair.
  • Vitamin C. As an antioxidant, it is effective in protecting the hair against free radicals.
  • L-Cystine and L-Methionine. Amino acids that are essential in the formation of hair and skin correlating to improved hair growth.

How Viviscal PRO Works

  • Stage 1: Hair follicles are nourished by AminoMar and other nutrients
  • Stage 2: Thin, wispy hair is strengthened through increased nourishment
  • Stage 3: Breakage and thinning declines; growth is encouraged
  • Stage 4: Hair becomes stronger, healthier, and more vibrant from nutrients that are replenished

Things That Can Contribute to Poor Hair Health

  • Age
  • Hair treatments (bleaching, extensions, over-coloring, over-styling)
  • Heredity
  • Hormonal fluctuations
  • Medication
  • Poor Diet
  • Postpartum
  • Stress

Viviscal PRO Recommended Usage

For best results, take Viviscal PRO supplements twice a day for six months (one in the morning, and one at night, with food and water). At that time, take one supplement daily.

With over 25 years of research, Viviscal PRO is an effective option for men and women with all different types of hair. It is exclusively sold through medical practices, get yours today by contacting Lisa S. Ball, NP!

Thinning hair can have a variety of causes with the most common being attributed to stress, aging, or genetics. That’s why Nutrafol is the perfect option for a lot of patients because it was specifically developed to target those causes, in turn helping with hair growth.

Woman holding Nutrafol

What is Nutrafol?

Nutrafol is a natural, 100% drug-free supplement with a proprietary blend of medical-grade ingredients that address the main causes behind compromised hair health.

Who does Nutrafol work for?

It works best for mild to moderate hair thinning caused by stress, aging, and genetics. It’s also a great option for those who are simply looking for healthier hair or trying to prevent hair thinning from happening.

Which Nutrafol supplements are right for me?

There are four different types of Nutrafol supplements and each is developed for different segments of the population.

  • Nutrafol Women. Designed for women 18-44 who are experiencing signs of hair thinning.
  • Nutrafol Postpartum. Formulated for women in the first year after giving birth or breastfeeding. Clinically effective, natural ingredients support whole-body recovery through vital replenishment.
  • Nutrafol Women’s Balance. For peri-and postmenopausal women (45+), targets the root causes of thinning such as hormones, genetics, stress, and medical conditions.
  • Nutrafol Men. Multi-targets the key triggers of poor hair health for men. The result is visibly thicker, fuller hair and scalp coverage (without compromising sexual performance).

How quickly will I see results?

Most patients saw improved hair growth, less shedding, and an overall improvement in just three (3) months.

As you can see, Nutrafol is a great option for all different types of people looking for visibly thicker, fuller, and stronger hair. If you would like to take control of your thinning hair contact the hair loss experts at Lisa S. Ball, FNP.

Source: Nutrafol.com

Man and woman hair loss

Male and female pattern hair loss is a common genetic condition characterized by progressive thinning and follicle miniaturization. In men, it usually presents itself with a recession of the hairline and a well-defined area of baldness. In women, it is usually more diffuse and located centrally on the top of the scalp. Although this condition can have sufferers feeling hopeless, there are some treatments that can help.

  • Minoxidil. An over-the-counter topical treatment that is clinically proven to stimulate follicles and regrow hair. Twice-a-day use yields the best results with progress being seen in 3-6 months.
  • Finasteride (Propecia). FDA-approved for men only, this oral medication prevents testosterone from converting to the hair loss causing hormone DHT (dihydrotestosterone). In doing this, hair loss is effectively slowed.
  • Hair Transplantation. A procedure where hair follicles are taken from an area that is unaffected by pattern loss and moved to the thin or bald areas. Although the results are permanent, it is important to pair with minoxidil and/or finasteride to maintain any hair that was there prior to the transplant.
  • Viviscal PRO. A 100% drug-free supplement that helps promote existing hair growth. Results of thicker, fuller hair can be seen in as little as 3-6 months.
  • Nutrafol. A dietary supplement that uses a whole-body approach to address hair thinning and growth. The proprietary blend of ingredients assists in lowering DHT and reducing stress.

For most dealing with pattern hair loss, it is important to complement each of the above options for the best results. To learn more about which are best to use for your situation, contact the hair loss experts at Lisa S. Ball, NP today.

Viviscal PRO is one of the most popular products at our office. In offering patients an option for hair loss, it’s no wonder why. But what exactly is it, and how effective?

Viviscal Blog

What is Viviscal PRO?

Viviscal PRO is a 100% drug-free dietary supplement that nourishes thinning hair and promotes healthier hair growth from within.

 How does Viviscal PRO work?

Viviscal PRO is scientifically formulated with the proprietary AminoMar marine complex which helps to nourish thinning hair and encourage existing hair growth.

 How often do I need to take it?

Take one tablet twice a day, once in the morning and once at night, with food and water. It is suggested to take that dosage for at least 6 months for the best results.

How long will it take to see progress?

Patients may notice progress in as little as 3 months.

 Will I need to take it forever?

No, it is recommended to take it for 8-9 months (however, most patients continue to take Viviscal beyond that timeframe for their overall hair health). The first 6 months, twice a day. Then in the following 2-3 months, just once a day. After that, if the thinning of the hair starts again, it is recommended for the patient to find out if there is an underlying cause at play. Most of the time, if the underlying reason for hair thinning is not being managed, the excess shedding will continue.

As you can see, Viviscal PRO is an ideal option for patients looking to improve the look and feel of their hair. Contact our office today to get started.

A lot of female celebrities are known for thick, luscious hair, but what’s their secret? We looked into it and found out that it’s most likely attributed to hair growth supplement Viviscal.Woman hair

From Jennifer Aniston to Reese Witherspoon, a number of different celebrities use Viviscal. Gwyneth Paltrow even told Vogue that she believes in the product so much, that she wants to buy stock in the company. Aside from helping hair to grow thicker and faster, it can also help heat-damaged hair. That’s country singer Miranda Lambert’s main reason for using the product. She told Us Weekly, “Because my hair gets styled so often, I need to protect it. Viviscal vitamins help.”

Some of the ingredients of Viviscal include Biotin, Vitamin C, and Aminomar Marine Complex. The AminoMar is derived from marine protein molecules and is proven to nourish thin hair from within. This leads to stronger, healthier, and more vibrant-looking hair. Results can be seen in as little as three months after use, and at least six months to know if it is working for you.

And if you still need convincing about the product, model Molly Sims has this to say, ‘When my hair looks good, I feel good. Viviscal saved my hair and made me love it again.”

So, if you’re struggling with your hair, Viviscal may be for you! Contact our office to order it today.

To the surprise of many, hair loss can be just as much of a concern for women as it is for men. Jennifer Lopez recently brought attention to the issue with a surprising revelation that she uses the hair loss treatment minoxidil.

In a post on her Instagram page, Lopez explained that she learned about minoxidil from her hairstylist early in her career and has continued using it ever since. 

Instagram Jennifer Lopez

Jennifer Lopez applying minoxidil to her scalp.

What Is Minoxidil?

Minoxidil is a medication commonly used to treat thinning hair and certain types of hair loss. The oral form is available by prescription, while topical minoxidil is available over the counter in formulations such as foam and liquid.

This makes topical minoxidil one of the more accessible treatment options for people who are concerned about thinning hair and want to explore an at-home treatment.

Interested in trying topical minoxidil? You can browse over-the-counter foam and liquid options:

[View topical minoxidil options on Amazon →]

When you buy through links on our website, we may earn an affiliate commission. 

How Does Minoxidil Work?

Originally introduced in 1979 as an oral medication for high blood pressure, doctors noticed that some patients experienced increased hair growth. This eventually led to the development of topical minoxidil specifically for treating hair loss.

Minoxidil works by helping to enlarge miniaturized hair follicles and extend the hair growth phase. Over time, this can help individual hairs become thicker and may slow further hair loss.

Can Minoxidil Help With Hair Loss?

For certain types of hair loss, minoxidil can be one of the most effective treatment options. However, it does not work for every cause of hair loss.

Results take time. Some people may begin to notice changes as soon as 3-4 months, but it can take up to a year to see the full benefit.

Because minoxidil works only while it is being used, continued treatment is often necessary to maintain the results.

Is Minoxidil Safe?

Minoxidil is generally well tolerated when used as directed. Some people may experience mild scalp sensitivity, irritation, or dryness. Unwanted facial hair can also occur but is not common.

Temporary increased shedding can occur when treatment is first started and improves with continued use.

Minoxidil should not be used during pregnancy or breastfeeding. If you have a medical condition or are unsure whether minoxidil is appropriate for your type of hair loss, talk with your healthcare provider before starting treatment.

Choosing the Right Hair Loss Treatment

Not all hair loss is the same. Thinning can have many possible causes, and the most appropriate treatment depends on what is causing it.

If you’re experiencing thinning hair or hair loss, determining the cause is an important first step. The earlier hair loss is addressed, the better the opportunity to identify the cause and find an appropriate treatment.

If topical minoxidil is appropriate for you, browse the selection of over-the-counter minoxidil products here:

[Shop topical minoxidil options on Amazon →]