Common Causes of Hair Loss in Men & Women

Tag Archives: Hair Transplant

Hair loss and thinning are common concerns affecting both men and women. At the Neiman Dermatology Building, we evaluate a variety of causes of hair loss and thinning, including androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, hormonal hair loss, scalp conditions, and medication-related shedding.

Because some forms of hair loss can progress over time, early evaluation is often important for determining the most effective treatment approach.

Woman Inspecting Hair Loss

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia or pattern hair loss is the most common cause of hair thinning in both men and women and is influenced by genetics and hormones.

Common signs include:

  • Receding hairline
  • Thinning at the crown
  • Widening of the part
  • Diffuse thinning throughout the scalp

Treatment options include:

  • Minoxidil
  • Finasteride
  • Hair transplantation

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium or stress-induced hair loss is a temporary form of hair shedding that can be caused by illness, surgery, childbirth, rapid weight loss, and/or nutritional deficiencies.

Common signs include:

  • Increased shedding
  • Hair coming out excessively during brushing or washing
  • Diffuse thinning throughout the scalp

Hormonal, Nutritional, and Medical Causes

Hair thinning may also be associated with:

  • Menopause
  • Thyroid disorders
  • PCOS
  • Iron deficiency
  • Low vitamin D
  • Certain medications
  • Scalp conditions

Symptoms may include itching, burning, flaking, scalp tenderness, or progressive thinning.

When Should You Seek a Hair Loss Evaluation?

It may be time to schedule an appointment if you notice:

  • Sudden increased shedding
  • Progressive thinning
  • Bald patches
  • Receding hairline
  • Widening of the part
  • Changes in hair density

The team at the Neiman Dermatology Building provides personalized hair loss evaluations for men and women throughout Buffalo and Western New York.

Hair Health WomanWhat is Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss?

Male and female pattern hair loss is a common condition caused by genetics. It is characterized by the gradual thinning and miniaturization of hair follicles over time. In men, it usually presents as a receding hairline with well-defined bald areas. Conversely, in women, hair thinning tends to be more diffuse, affecting a broader area of the scalp and resulting in a general decrease in hair density rather than distinct bald patches.

Effective Treatment Options for Hair Loss

Navigating the challenges of hair loss can be difficult, but there are a variety of effective treatment options to help manage and improve the condition. We commonly recommend several approaches to our patients, each tailored to address specific aspects of hair loss:

  • Minoxidil. This over-the-counter topical medication is applied directly to the scalp. Minoxidil works by enhancing blood flow to the hair follicles, which helps to deliver essential nutrients and oxygen necessary for hair growth. By stimulating these follicles, Minoxidil encourages the regrowth of hair and can slow the progression of hair loss.
  • Finasteride. An FDA-approved oral medication, Finasteride works by inhibiting the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss. By reducing DHT levels, Finasteride helps to slow down hair loss and promote the growth of new hair.
  • Viviscal PRO. This 100% drug-free supplement is formulated to support hair growth and enhance overall hair health. It contains a potent blend of marine protein extracts, vitamins, and minerals that nourish hair follicles and strengthen hair. Viviscal PRO is a more concentrated version of the standard Viviscal products, offering enhanced support for hair health.
  • Nutrafol. A dietary supplement designed to combat hair thinning with a unique blend of natural ingredients. Its formula includes various vitamins, minerals, and botanical extracts that address factors like inflammation and oxidative stress, which can contribute to hair loss. Nutrafol aims to improve hair health from within and promote more robust hair growth.
  • Hair Transplantation. Typically considered a last resort after other treatments have been considered or tried, hair transplantation involves the surgical removal of hair follicles from a donor site (usually the back of the scalp) that is genetically resistant to hair loss. These follicles are then transplanted to areas of thinning or baldness. Because of where the hair is harvested from, it is the only one on this list that is a permanent solution.

Male and female pattern hair loss is a common issue, but effective treatments are available. At Lisa S. Ball, FNP, we offer a range of solutions tailored to individual needs. By consulting with one of our experienced providers, you can explore these options and work towards achieving improved hair health.

Hair Transplantation is a cosmetic procedure that was first performed in the US in 1952. Typically, the process is done by taking hair follicles from the back of the scalp and moving them to thinning or bald areas on top of the scalp.

Since its inception, the procedure has evolved significantly over the years. During that time however, some misconceptions developed as well. We decided to set the record straight and debunk some of the more common ones.

Neiman Hair Transplant Procedure

Dr. Thomas Chu harvesting from the donor area in an FUT procedure.

1) The results of a hair transplant are not permanent.

Actually, since the hair is taken from an area that is genetically programmed to never fall out, the transplanted hair will be there for a lifetime. It is currently the only permanent solution for male or female pattern hair loss.

2) Hair transplants are not cost effective.

When considering the long-term benefits of the procedure, you must understand once you have it done, it’s permanent. Relatively speaking, having a hair transplant can be cheaper than years of products and/or treatments done in an attempt to keep or re-grow hair.

3) The FUE method does not leave behind a scar.

Not the case. FUE simply does not leave behind a linear scar in the donor area (like FUT). The scarring left behind with FUE presents itself in the form of tiny little dots in the areas of extraction.

4) After the procedure is done, there is a lot of maintenance and up keep with the transplanted hair.

Once the transplanted hair begins to grow, there is no special upkeep needed. It’s your own hair, just moved to a different area.

5) It’s easy to tell if someone has had a hair transplant.

Though in the past this may have been true, with new advancements and techniques it’s now virtually undetectable.

6) Anyone with hair loss is a candidate for hair transplantation.

Not true. There can be a number of contributing factors causing someone’s hair loss. This is especially true with female patients, as they may have uncontrolled thyroid issues which can contribute to their hair loss. This is why we have all our patients undergo extensive blood work prior to moving forward with a hair transplant procedure.

Hopefully this list provided you with a little reassurance when it comes to hair transplants and if you have any additional questions contact our office today!

Tiger Woods’ epic comeback victory at the Masters yesterday captivated the nation. With it being his first win in a major since 2008, it’s been an incredible journey back to the top for golf’s biggest star. Despite all that he has endured, his hair loss has been something he has not been able to overcome.

Tiger Woods Hair Loss
Tiger Woods raises his hat showing off hair loss after winning the Masters

Showing signs of hair loss throughout the top of his scalp, he has somewhat retained his frontal hairline. This pattern is not typical and could possibly be the result of a prior hair transplant procedure. If that is the case, it looks as though proper consideration was not given towards future hair loss.

Either way, his situation looks to be perfect for the FUT hair transplant method. This is where a strip of hair bearing skin is removed from the back of the scalp, dissected into hair grafts, and then transplanted to areas of thinning or hair loss. With patients that have existing hair on top of their scalp like Tiger, it is important to take into account potential further loss. So, when transplanting to the recipient sites, it is crucial to place the grafts closely around and within the existing hairs (this must be done very carefully, as to not disturb them). In regards to hair transplantation, it is not only about how it looks in the present but how it will look in the future as well.

With Tiger’s recent improved play, it seems likely we will be seeing more of him without a hat raising a trophy, so why not improve the look of those victory pictures with a hair transplant.

With the overwhelming recent success of singer Ariana Grande’s new single, “Thank U, Next,” things couldn’t be going any better for the pop singer. One thing she may want to change though is her signature hairstyle, the high ponytail. The hairstyle she regularly wears can actually lead to a form of hair loss called traction alopecia.

Traction alopecia is a gradual form of hair loss that occurs when hair follicles in the scalp become irritated due to a continual pulling force. This causes loss of hair in patchy areas, usually residing in the front of the hairline and behind the ears. Hairstyles that place a constant strain on the scalp (such as braids, extensions, and ponytails) are generally responsible for it.

Psoriasis_Treatment
Ariana Grande wearing her signature high ponytail.

Like any type of hair loss, the effects of traction alopecia can not only be physical, but emotional too. Back in 2007, Britney Spears was believed to have been suffering from it (due to her reliance on extensions) and the resulting frustration is what was believed to cause her to shave her head.

Although traction alopecia is categorized as a temporary form of hair loss, it can be permanent, depending on the amount of damage done to the follicles. If that’s the case, the only option to address it may be a hair transplant procedure. If you believe you may be suffering from traction alopecia contact our office right away as early diagnosis is important.