The absence or loss of hair is known as alopecia. If hair loss is affecting your quality of life, you should see a specialist to learn about treatment strategies. Hair loss is one of the common problems men and women encounter. Different types of hair loss include scarring alopecia, nonscarring alopecia, and patterned hair loss. In addition to this, there are hair shaft disorders, drug-induced hair loss, and telogen effluvium. Those who notice progressive thinning of the hair should seek out a hair loss specialist.
Hair loss treatment can help those struggling with self-esteem. Those struggling with hair loss may recognize several associated symptoms. If you experience localized hair loss, burning, scaling, itching, or shedding, it is time for you to see a hair loss specialist who can provide you with treatment options.
When Should You See a Hair Loss Specialist?
Hair loss can happen for a number of reasons. Hair loss may occur due to breakage or loss from the roots. If you are experiencing symptoms associated with hair loss such as pain or discomfort of the scalp, see a physician who specializes in diagnosing the cause of alopecia.
When hair loss is reported by patients, the two common complaints are excess hair shedding and progressive thinning. With patterned hair loss, progressive thinning takes place. Hair breakage is seen in hair shaft disorders or from improper hair care practices.
Causes of Hair Loss
According to the National Library of Medicine, there are a variety of reasons hair loss can occur. Some of the causes of hair loss consist of the following:
- Drug-induced hair loss
- Scarring
- Metabolic disorders
- Dermatological conditions such as seborrheic dermatitis or psoriasis
- Endocrine disorders
- Trichotillomania
- Autoimmune disorders
- Nutritional deficiencies
- Eating disorders such as bulimia and anorexia nervosa
- Stress-induced hair loss
- Hair shaft damage due to chemical factors or improper care
- Excessive treatments to the hair
Because there are a variety of reasons a person may experience hair loss, individuals experiencing any of the above should see a hair loss specialist right away. A hair loss specialist can help determine the cause of the hair loss and form a treatment plan based on their findings during an examination.
Types of Tests
To determine the type of hair loss and to learn about treatment options, hair loss specialists must perform different types of tests. There are several types of tests, including:
- Hair pull test – A group of 50 to 60 hairs are grasped together. Then, a gentle pull from the scalp takes place to determine if any hairs were removed during the process.
- Hair mount – During this process, a microscopic hair exam can differentiate between disorders of the hair and abnormalities of hair growth.
- Tug test – To determine the fragility of the hair, a tug test is performed by providing a pulling force. Fragile hair is indicated if breakage of the hair shaft occurs during this process.
- Card test – A small card is placed on the scalp against the hair shafts in the affected area. This test can reveal broken hairs, hairs with tapered ends, and hairs with blunt ends.
- Trichoscopy – This noninvasive tool can help diagnose alopecia in individuals.
Scalp biopsy – A biopsy specimen with a few hair follicles may be removed to evaluate the entire follicle.
For those experiencing hair loss, speak with a specialist today who can help determine the reason for the hair loss and how to treat the condition.
Find Treatment
At Denver Hair Surgery, we can help patients who are experiencing hair loss. We understand the restoration process and offer minimally invasive techniques that provide natural results. Our hair loss specialists offer full hair restoration with NeoGraft.
Contact our hair transplant center today to sit down with our professionals and learn more about our forms of treatment. Schedule a consultation and ensure your highest chance of a successful hair transplant.
