Hair Loss

Hair loss can affect men and women of all ages.

We offer specialized treatment for people who lose their hair due to aging, hereditary conditions, and hair damage. Our specialists will treat the root causes of hair loss and offer treatment options to promote hair regrowth and restoration, including hair transplants for severe, lasting hair loss.  

Hair loss due to aging

Losing hair is a natural part of growing older. Young people lose hair every day, but the hair is quickly replaced by the hair follicles, which are sacs from which new hairs grow. 
Hair loss due to aging – involutional alopecia – happens when many of these follicles stop growing new hair. People with involutional alopecia find their hair becoming thinner and shorter. We can offer treatment and cosmetic solutions for people with hair loss due to aging.

Hereditary hair loss disorders

Several disorders linked to genetics can cause hair loss in people of all ages.

Androgenic alopecia

This genetic condition, commonly known as male and female pattern baldness, accelerates hair loss in men and women. Men with androgenic alopecia may experience thinning hair and a receding hairline in their late teens or early 20s. Women often don’t notice thinning hair until their 40s. Androgenic alopecia causes hair to thin in the center of the scalp, often extending toward the hairline. Because the hair follicles are not damaged in this form of hair loss, medications may help promote hair regrowth.

Alopecia areata

This rare autoimmune disease attacks hair roots, causing hair loss on the scalp and in some cases on the body, such as the arms, legs, and face. Those with a family history of the condition are at higher risk for developing alopecia areata.

Hair loss due to damaged or naturally tight hair

Coiling, styling, and pulling hair too tightly can cause hair loss. This type of hair loss is more common among women. Two conditions that develop due to tightly coiled hair or damaging styling techniques include central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia and traction alopecia. 

In both conditions, the hair follicles become damaged or are destroyed and scar tissue forms, preventing hair from growing back. This damage is usually caused by:

• Hair relaxers
• Hot combs
• Tight rollers or curlers that pull the hair
• Braids with extensions or weaves

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)

CCCA occurs in men and women of all races, though it is most common among African-American women. This condition often begins at the crown or central scalp, causing scarring and permanent hair loss if left untreated. We treat CCCA with oral or topical antibiotics as well as topical cortisone to decrease inflammation in the hair follicles and improve scalp health. 

We may use other medications to stimulate hair growth. Diagnosing and treating CCCA early is key to hair restoration.  

Traction alopecia

Continuously pulling the hair can result in traction alopecia. This condition can lead to destruction of hair follicles and permanent hair loss. Traction alopecia can cause the scalp to become sore, hair to break, and hair follicles to become inflamed and damaged. Thin hair or bald spots can develop along the hairline and above the ears, and small bumps (folliculitis) may appear. 
If traction alopecia is discovered early, hair can grow back. It’s important to reduce pulling on the hair by changing hairstyles or reducing the weight of extensions, if necessary. 

Hair loss treatment

We use oral or topical antibiotics and topical cortisone to decrease inflammation in the hair follicles and improve scalp health. Your doctor may recommend other medications to stimulate hair growth. 

If you’ve experienced severe damage or scarring, your hair may not grow back completely. We offer hair transplants in these cases. 

We also provide specialized treatment options for the unique hair care needs of people of African, Asian, East Indian, Hispanic, and Middle Eastern descent. The dermatologists in our multicultural dermatology clinic are specially trained to care for thick, curly hair that may react differently to medications and treatments than thin, straight hair.