Hair loss is a common condition, impacting more than 80 million people in the U.S. Even though hair thinning and loss are very common, many people still try to hide their hair loss or don’t think there’s any way to prevent or reverse hair loss. Luckily, there are actually numerous options to slow down or reverse hair loss and thinning. In this blog, we’ll discuss the causes, mechanisms, and modern solutions for hair loss.

Deciphering the Mystique of Hair Loss

When people hear hair loss, they often think of male-pattern baldness. While this is a common form of hair loss, anyone may experience hair loss or thinning for a variety of reasons. Men, women, and even children can struggle with hair loss, and it’s important to understand that there doesn’t need to be shame or embarrassment attached to hair loss or thinning. While men do experience hair loss most often, women make up a surprising 40% of people struggling with hair loss and thinning. Children can also struggle with hair loss caused by scalp infections, compulsive hair pulling, nutritional deficiencies, hypothyroidism, and medical treatments like chemotherapy.

Why Does Hair Loss Occur?

Understanding the underlying cause of hair loss is the first step toward finding the right treatment to prevent or reverse hair thinning and loss. For men, hair loss typically occurs due to a genetic predisposition for male-pattern baldness. In women, hair loss is often triggered by hormonal fluctuations. Health concerns, stress, poor nutrition, and age can also lead to hair loss or thinning. It’s important to take action to prevent hair loss and thinning or work toward stimulating hair regrowth in the earliest stages of hair loss.

In addition to these common underlying causes of hair loss, there are also different types of hair loss, including:

• Alopecia areata – This type of hair loss leads to clumps of hair falling out, leaving behind circular bald patches. Alopecia areata is often a symptom of medical conditions.
• Androgenetic alopecia – Male and female-pattern baldness are technically called androgenetic alopecia. It’s a genetic condition, so having other members of your family with hair loss significantly increases your own risk.
• Telogen effluvium – This is actually a normal part of the hair growth and regrowth process. Telogen effluvium is the part of the hair growth cycle where hair is dormant and doesn’t grow. The form of hair loss connected with this part of the hair growth cycle is typically linked to a serious underlying trigger like malnutrition, stress, chronic illness, or disordered eating that causes the body to become stuck in the dormant part of the hair growth cycle.
• Traction alopecia – Hairstyles, hair care products, damaged hair follicles, or repeated irritation of the scalp can all lead to this form of hair loss that is related to damaged hair follicles that aren’t able to produce hair as expected.

Modern Solutions for Hair Revival

Treatment for hair loss and thinning may involve some combination of topical treatments, oral medications, and dermatologic procedures. Below, you can explore top dermatologist recommendations for how to stop hair loss:

• Topical treatments – Usually, a minoxidil formula (Rogaine) is applied to the scalp to prevent further hair loss and stimulate hair regrowth.
• Oral medications – Finasteride for male-pattern baldness and antiandrogens for female-pattern baldness are the two most common medications recommended for hair loss. For non-hormonal causes of balding, physicians may prescribe oral steroids, antibiotics, or antifungals as needed to address the underlying causes. Natural supplements like Nutrafol have also been proven effective in preventing and reversing hair loss.
• Injected medications – Corticosteroids injected monthly will slow down or reverse hair loss.
• Low-level laser treatment – These mild laser and light treatments are beneficial to halt hair loss and stimulate regrowth. Laser and LED light treatments like the Revian Red Hair Growth System can also improve the results of hair transplants and other more advanced solutions.
• Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy – This treatment uses the body’s own plasma injected into the scalp to stimulate healing.
• Microneedling – Microscopic injuries are inflicted on the scalp. This jumpstarts the healing process and encourages hair growth.
• Hair transplant – This is the most direct way to replace lost hair and restore a healthier, fuller hairline. Hair is transplanted to replace the lost hair. While hair transplants are complex, invasive procedures, the good news is that the results are usually permanent.

The Promise of Nutrafol and Revian

Nutrafol and Revian are two of the most innovative and modern solutions to slow or reverse hair loss. Nutrafol for hair loss offers a range of products each focused on addressing an underlying cause of hair loss or thinning. Nutrafol’s product line includes supplements for men and women, hair growth activating serums, and shampoo and conditioner for daily hair care. Each product is meticulously formulated and clinically tested to ensure efficacy and safety.

Perhaps the most innovative new hair loss treatment on the market is the Revian Red Hair Growth System. This treatment for hair loss is completed in just ten minutes a day. Patients wear a wireless cap to deliver LED light to the scalp to stimulate hair growth. Using the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) cleared Revian hair growth cap and smartphone app, patients have the power to receive an advanced dermatologic treatment to stimulate hair growth in the comfort of their own homes.

Navigating the Path to Healthier Hair

Hair loss, like many skin health issues, is best addressed with early intervention. Working to prevent hair loss or thinning before it begins is essential. During a dermatologic consultation at any stage of hair loss, you can learn more about your treatment options and product recommendations. You can also find the best treatments tailored to the unique needs of the individual.

Learn More About Hair & Skincare

Whether you’re interested in learning more about Nutrafol, Revian, or other treatments for hair loss and thinning, a dermatologist can guide you to the best products for your unique needs. They can also help you understand the benefits of various skincare techniques, changes in lifestyle, and dermatologic treatments that can improve hair health and fullness. If you’re interested in finding out more about your options to address hair loss and thinning, reach out to a dermatologist to schedule a consultation. You can also come back to read the DermSkincare blog regularly to learn more about skin health.