Many people struggle with hair loss, but here's what they should know

The Sunday night “scaries.” The mandatory work dinner party. Going to the DMV. There are few things worse than that feeling of dread. One of the most dread-inducing moments? Realizing that your hair is falling out. 

While nothing can be done about Monday eventually rolling around, maintaining your professional relationships, and renewing your driver’s license – there are steps you can take to combat hair loss. We spoke with Dr. Mary Alice Mina, a double-board certified dermatologist and dermatologic surgeon practicing at Baucom & Mina Derm Surgery, LLC in Atlanta, Georgia, and host of THE SKIN REAL podcast to learn more about the causes of hair loss and what can be done to ease some of the dread. 

Why is my hair falling out?

The reasons why hair falls out are complex. 

“There are many conditions that can cause hair loss so the reason for someone's hair loss can be complicated and not always obvious,” says Mina. She adds that there are a few things that need to be weighed for everyone experiencing hair loss. “First things first, an in-person evaluation by your dermatologist will be helpful to assess whether you have actual hair loss vs. hair breakage. Next, a thorough medical history needs to be taken including current medications and any big stressors in the past six months like a baby, divorce, new job, move, etc.,” Mina explains. 

It is also important to identify what kind of hair loss is occurring. “Some hair loss is non-scarring, meaning that it will come back but some hair loss is scarring and it's very important to act quickly on these to maintain as much hair as possible,” emphasizes Mina. 

Why is SO much of my hair falling out?

If you are noticing more hair on your hair brush or pillow – you could be experiencing hair loss. Or you could be experiencing an increase in shedding. The American Academy of Dermatology Association emphasizes that there’s a difference between the two. 

The medical term for excessive shedding is called telogen effluvium, and it tends to occur after a stressor like: 

• Childbirth
• Major illness
• Weight loss
• A surgery 

This condition usually stops on its own after about six to nine months. 

A condition that stops hair from growing is different. This is called anagen effluvium, and some of its causes include:

• Genetics
• An immune system issue
• Medications 
• Some types of hair products

It’s important to see a physician who can help you determine the type of hair loss you're experiencing so that they can best treat it. 

How do I stop my hair from falling out? 

Mina says, “The treatment for hair loss depends on the cause. Sometimes a hair pull test is required to look at the hair follicles that are coming out versus a biopsy or even blood work.” 

Some common treatments for hair loss include: 

• Topical Minoxidil (Rogaine)
• Platelet-rich plasma (plasma is separated from other parts of your blood and injected into the scalp) 
• Laser therapy
• Corticosteroid injections
• A hair transplant

Dread, as a whole, may be inevitable – but hair loss is something that can be treated. 

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