Top Causes Of Hair Loss & Proven Solutions

Dr. Andrea Suarez, dermatologist, advises:

From the top…

There are a number of different (common!) causes of hair loss, and sometimes they require different treatments.

For example:

• Androgenetic alopecia: genetic and hormone-driven follicle sensitivity to DHT causes gradual miniaturization, thinning, and density loss, with treatments including minoxidil (topical or oral), hormone therapies like spironolactone, finasteride, or dutasteride, PRP injections, and low-level laser therapy, where early intervention and a consistent multimodal approach provide the best outcomes.
• Traction alopecia: repeated tension from tight hairstyles, extensions, or styling practices leads to hair breakage and inflammation that can progress to permanent scarring if not addressed early, with treatment focused on removing tension, and (ideally) also using minoxidil or steroid injections to support regrowth.
• Alopecia areata: an autoimmune condition causes sudden patchy or widespread hair loss across the scalp and body, sometimes resolving spontaneously but often recurring, with treatments including steroid injections, topical immunotherapy, and JAK inhibitors, and (per Dr. Suarez) requiring professional dermatology care (due to recurrence risk and associations with other autoimmune diseases).
• Telogen effluvium: a temporary shedding condition triggered by stressors such as illness, hormonal changes, medications, rapid weight loss, or major life events can cause a large shift of hairs into the shedding phase about 3 months later, which typically resolves once the trigger is removed. Good things to know include that it can unmask underlying androgenetic alopecia, and can be supported by treatments like minoxidil or laser therapy while addressing the root cause.

One of the few things that will at least help for most forms of hair loss is red light therapy (RLT); this is because specific light wavelengths stimulate follicle metabolism, improve circulation, reduce inflammation, and push hairs back into the growth phase. Still, it requires consistent daily use over months, and still is often best used alongside other treatments like minoxidil and/or hormone therapy (as applicable).

For more on all of this plus some visual demonstrations, enjoy:

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Take care!