In light of our current research study on men’s hair loss, we take a dive on hair loss and when it’s time to visit your dermatologist. What are the signs of excessive hair loss? What can we do to mitigate that? Is it genetic or is it environmental? Hair loss can affect the scalp or the whole body, and can be the result of hormonal changes, medical conditions, aging, or heredity. Stress can cause hair loss, as can certain medications and hair styles. Here, Arlington Dermatology gives you the answers you need to understand hair loss.
The first thing to understand is how hair grows. Hair growth is cyclical, and it is normal to lose hair every day. Usually, it’s not a problem, because new hair grows to replace what has fallen out. Sometimes, though, hair loss can lead to thinning or balding. You may worry when you see hair in the shower or on your hairbrush, but are you really losing too much hair? Here are some signs your hair loss is excessive:
- There is hair on your pillow.: Washing your hair can cause hair to fall out because you’re rubbing the scalp, but hair on your pillow means hair is falling out too easily.
- Your part seems wider than it used to be. Sometimes people lose hair at the crown of the head, and a widening part can mean hair loss from chemical products or your hairstyle.
- Your ponytail seems puny. If your ponytail is smaller than it used to be, it’s because excessive hair loss has diminished your hair’s volume.
- Your normal hair styling techniques don’t seem to be working. When you lose hair, it begins to look different. If you have always needed to straighten your hair to keep it smooth, you may find that your hair looks flat after straightening.
Of course, these are not definitive indicators of problematic hair loss. Generally, people lose about 100 hairs a day, but if you have long hair, 100 hairs can look like more. If you are concerned, examine your head. If your hair looks like it’s thinning or there are patches on your scalp, see a dermatologist.
If you are a male between the ages of 18 to 55, you don’t smoke or use nicotine products, and you are experiencing active hair loss, we would like to hear from you. You may be eligible to participate in a clinical research study of an investigational topical solution, and qualified participants will be paid for their time. Contact Arlington Dermatology (847) 392-5440 to learn more. You can also call us if you need help caring for your skin and hair. For over 40 years, our Board-Certified dermatologists have been serving patients, making the health and welfare of our patients our top priority. We offer innovative methods of treatment, using state of the art medical equipment, in our conveniently located, patient-friendly facility in Rolling Meadows, Illinois. Schedule an appointment through our website or call 847-392-5440.