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

Tag Archives: minoxidil

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.

What 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.

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.

Looking for the best gifts this holiday? We put together a list of some of our favorite products and treatments related to skincare.

SKINCEUTICALS C E FERULIC // One of the most popular skincare products out there. A perfect option for combatting the signs of aging and protecting against environmental damage.
PCA SKIN HYALURONIC ACID BOOSTING SERUM // Patients love the way this product feels on their skin. Instantly hydrating. An essential for every skincare regimen.
MICRO-NEEDLING // A great treatment for someone dealing with acne scars or fine lines. In just a few treatments, the skin will show noticeable improvement.
HYDRAFACIAL // If you know someone who wants to freshen up their skin and wants to see the results immediately, then this is the perfect gift! This pampering treatment cleanses, extracts, and hydrates the skin in only three steps.
VIVISCAL PRO DIETARY SUPPLEMENTS // A 100% drug-free supplement that helps with hair growth. Thicker, fuller hair can be seen in as little as three months.
REGENEPURE 5% MINOXIDIL SPRAY // One of the best treatments available for hair loss. An easy-to-use spray helps to thicken and regrow hair in only a few months.
SUBLATIVE RF SKIN TIGHTENING // A rejuvenation treatment that treats fine lines, wrinkles, and acne scarring. One of our favorite things about the treatment is the drastic results paired with minimal downtime.
VELASHAPE III BODY CONTOURING // Simply put, this is the best non-invasive treatment for minimizing the appearance of cellulite. A great option for stubborn areas that diet and exercise won’t address.

Hopefully, this list will help simplify your search for the perfect gift and make the season a little less stressful!

With ‘stay at home’ orders in place for much of the country, many people have a lot of free time on their hands (no pun intended). This newfound free time offers the perfect opportunity for those struggling with hair loss to give minoxidil a try.

As discussed in a previous blog entry, minoxidil is a topical treatment that is used to address hair loss. There are three different formulations: solution, foam, and spray. With each of them, regular application (twice-daily) and continued use are necessary for the best results. If you do not apply it appropriately or discontinue use at any point, progress will be lost and the hair loss will begin again.

It is a common misconception that minoxidil can only be applied to the crown (back top part of the scalp). That is not true, as a number of our patients have used it on other areas of the scalp with great success (there have even been some men who have applied it to their beards). Some patients can see results as soon as 3-4 months after starting it, with full results being seen anywhere from 6 months to a year.

Again, regular twice-daily application of minoxidil is crucial to the progress and results. This is why now is the best time to start the treatment. Your extra free time will provide you with an ample opportunity to get into the routine of using it.

If you are interested in learning more about minoxidil and if it may be right for you, contact our office today. It is important to note, that if you are experiencing hair loss and do not know the cause, minoxidil may not help.

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 proved that point with a shocking revelation that she uses a hair loss treatment called minoxidil. In a post on her Instagram page, she wrote, “When I was coming up, I didn’t know how to take proper care of my hair when I first started working in television and film — I had to learn about minoxidil from my hairstylist! And I’ve been using it ever since.”

Jennifer Lopez applying minoxidil to her scalp.

Minoxidil is a vasodilator that is commonly used topically to treat thinning hair and hair loss. First introduced in 1979, it was initially used as an oral medication for high blood pressure. Shortly after introduction however, it was noticed that some individuals began growing hair everywhere. Therefore, the manufacturer of minoxidil came up with a topical version of it. In 1988, it was approved by the FDA for treating hair loss in men. Three years after that, it was approved for women. Then in 1996, it became available over the counter.

Although minoxidil is known to be a vasodilator, not all medications that dilate blood vessels can stimulate hair growth. Minoxidil is believed to work in part by partially enlarging miniaturized hair follicles and reversing the miniaturization process. This can prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle, allowing the hair to become thicker and longer.

Side effects associated with minoxidil are minimal. The most common is an itchy, irritation of the scalp. This side effect is not too prevalent however and will cease upon discontinuation. Well-controlled clinical studies have not been conducted in pregnant or nursing women. Therefore, it should not be used while pregnant or breastfeeding. Patients with heart disease should consult with our office before using minoxidil.

Best used in the early stages of hair loss, minoxidil is massaged into the scalp twice a day (morning and evening – spacing each application about 12 hours apart). A much easier to use “spray” form is available at our office.