What causes hair loss?

There are multiple causes of hair loss that have to be thoroughly considered. A common form of hair loss that we treat at Hello Alpha is called female pattern hair loss.

How do you treat hair loss?

There are several effective topical options for hair loss (including topical minoxidil). If topical therapies aren't effective, talk to your Hello Alpha provider about adjunctive oral (pill) options.

Will I get hair shedding when I start minoxidil?

During the first eight weeks of minoxidil treatment, it is very common to have hair shedding. If this occurs, you should talk with your Hello Alpha provider before you stop treatment.

Hair Loss

Get treatment for alopecia (hair loss).

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What is Alopecia?

Alopecia is the medical term for hair loss. Hair loss can be hereditary or caused by hormonal changes, medical conditions, or medications. Anyone can experience hair loss but it’s more common in men. Hair loss can affect just your scalp or your entire body. A receding hairline, bald spot, or overall hair thinning is a sign of hair loss. Our bodies continually grow new hair and shed old hair. It’s normal to lose between 50 and 100 hairs a day, and this shedding is not a sign of hair loss.

Get the Treatment You Need

Alpha Providers may prescribe over-the-counter treatment, prescription medications, or refer you to speciality treatment (in-office laser therapy, hair transplant, or injections of platelet-rich plasma or stem cells). With some treatments, you may not see results for 1 year.

Hair Loss Treatments

Spironolactone

Suffering from hair loss? Alpha Providers can help.

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Learn About Hair Loss

Do you have hair loss? What triggers hair loss and when does it happen? Follow tips from our Alpha Providers.

Recognizing Hair Loss

Hair loss tends to appear gradually. The signs can be subtle, so you may have hair loss for months or years before you notice it.
‍For women: a widening part or less fullness to their ponytail.
‍For men: a bald spot on the top of their head or a receding hairline.
Hair loss can develop elsewhere, aside from your scalp. People who have alopecia areata often can also lose part (or all) of their: eyebrows, eyelashes, beard, nose hairs, pubic hair.

Other Symptoms & Triggers

OTHER SYMPTOMS

Burning or stinging before sudden hair loss
Intense itching, burning, and tenderness where you have hair loss, which may indicate an infection
Scaly, bald patches with sores or blisters that may indicate a fungal infection
Scaly patches of psoriasis on your scalp that can cause temporary hair loss

TRIGGERS

Hereditary hair loss (“androgenic alopecia”)
Age
Alopecia areata - an autoimmune disorder that often results in unpredictable hair loss
Cancer treatment
Childbirth, illness, or other stressors
Hair care
Hairstyle pulls on your scalp
Hormonal imbalance
Scalp infection
Medication
Scalp psoriasis
Sexually transmitted infections
Thyroid disease
Too little biotin, iron, protein, or zinc
Friction

Tips & Advice

TIPS TO PREVENT OR REDUCE HAIR LOSS

Avoid tight hairstyles, such as braids, buns or ponytails
Avoid compulsively twisting, rubbing or pulling your hair
Treat your hair gently when washing and brushing. A wide-toothed comb may help prevent pulling out hair, especially wet hair
Avoid harsh treatments such as hot rollers, curling irons, hot oil treatments and permanents
Avoid medications and supplements that could cause hair loss
Protect your hair from sunlight and other sources of ultraviolet light