Hair Loss

Hair loss often complicates your ability to feel confident about your appearance. Residents of Silver Spring, Maryland, and Reston, Virginia, who experience hair loss can rely on Kunal Angra, MD, Divya Angra, MD, and the team at Sapphire Dermatology for compassionate care. Book your visit online or by phone today to get started. 

What are some conditions that cause hair loss?

Numerous things can cause or contribute to hair loss. 

Frontal fibrosing alopecia

This condition creates a wide band of thinning hair at the front hairline. Researchers are uncertain of the exact cause, but note that Caucasian women at or nearing menopause are commonly affected. 

Traction alopecia

This form of thinning hair develops as a result of tight hairstyles that place great tension on your hair. Extensions, cornrows, braids, and hair weaves are all linked to traction alopecia. 

Telogen effluvium

This type of hair loss is temporary and occurs as the hair moves through the normal phase of resting before shedding. Stressful scenarios can cause an abnormal percentage of your hair to enter this stage, leading to hair loss. 

Alopecia areata

People with this form of hair loss notice circular patches of balding on their scalp, eyebrows, or beard areas. Many also experience changes in their nails. Hair loss can start or stop randomly. 

Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia

This form of hair loss begins with a circular patch of thinning hair at the crown of the head. It radiates outward, leaving behind scarred skin with no hair follicles, and is a permanent form of hair loss.

Determining the cause of hair loss is the first step in exploring treatment options. 

What can be done to treat hair loss?

There are various ways to treat hair loss. Topical medications are one approach, and medications can also be administered via injection or orally. Medicated shampoos or other hair treatments are also available. 

Drug therapy works to slow hair loss. Some people then notice an increase in new hair development, which takes time to present noticeable improvement. 

There are also light-based therapies for hair loss. Many seek to decrease inflammation in the scalp, which is known to cause or worsen hair loss. 

How can I slow or prevent future hair loss?

Once you address hair loss and begin to grow new hair, you’ll want to do all you can to enhance and maintain those results. Your practitioner helps identify what caused your hair loss. 

If issues like your hairstyle or stress levels lead to thinning hair, altering your habits can go a long way toward preventing further hair loss. Take care to avoid undue strain on your hair when washing, brushing, combing, and styling. 

To discuss your treatment and prevention options, call or click to schedule a visit today.