Possible reasons why your hair might be falling out

Hair loss, though distressing, is temporary and reversible. It just means that your hair follicles are not scarred or damaged.

The hairs on our head are continually cycling between growing, shedding, and resting phases, and shedding becomes more obvious when an increased number of our hairs synchronize in the resting phase. Three to 6 months later, or possibly 12 months after shedding starts, you should start to notice fine, baby growth as the hairs start growing in again. 

But some of us aren’t patient. Our hair can be part of our identity, our appearance, and our confidence, and we want to get it back faster. What can help?

Clarify the diagnosis

A board-certified dermatologist can assess your scalp and determine whether you have telogen effluvium or another form of hair loss (there are several types, and I find that many women actually have more than one at the same time). They may check lab work, might consider a biopsy if the diagnosis is unclear, and can help to tailor an effective treatment plan to give your hair a boost.

Make lifestyle changes

It makes good sense to take everyday steps to reduce stress, exercise, and eat a healthy diet, with protein. Gentle hair care is a must. That means not-too-tight styles, gentle shampooing, and minimizing harsh heat and chemicals.

Consider treatments and supplements

Dermatologists often recommend over-the-counter minoxidil (Rogaine) 5% solution or foam to the scalp once or twice daily. Some may suggest vitamins, such as Nutrafol or Viviscal, which have been shown in human studies to optimize the nutritional environment to support hair growth. (Discuss with your doctor whether a supplement may be right for you.) 

A cosmetic procedure called platelet-rich plasma (PRP) may stimulate hair growth. That’s where a dermatologist draws your blood from a vein, separates out the growth factors that circulate in your bloodstream, and injects them back into your scalp. The injections take under 5 minutes but can be uncomfortable, it can take weeks to see results (since hair growth takes time), and insurance doesn’t cover the treatment. But many women who try it do notice improvement, especially over three or more sessions.