3 Surprising Signs Your Hair Loss Needs a Dermatologist's Attention

Finding a few extra hairs in your brush or the shower drain isn’t necessarily cause for concern. Hair naturally goes through cycles of growth and shedding, so some daily hair loss is normal.

When shedding increases, your scalp becomes more visible, or your hair starts disappearing in an unusual pattern, it may be time to look beyond your shampoo or styling routine.

At Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, we diagnose the cause of hair loss and offer treatments for men and women.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, FAAD, evaluates changes in your hair and scalp, identifies potential causes, and recommends treatments to help you maintain healthier, fuller-looking hair.

Signs that your hair loss deserves a dermatologist’s attention.

Hair loss isn’t always as obvious as a bald spot or handfuls of hair coming out at once. Sometimes, the first sign is a subtle change in the way your hair looks.

1. Your part is getting wider

You might notice that your usual part appears wider, your ponytail feels thinner, or more of your scalp is noticeable under bright light.

Gradual hair thinning can signal androgenetic alopecia, commonly called male- or female-pattern hair loss. Because this type of hair loss tends to progress over time, recognizing the early signs matters.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, FAAD, examines the pattern of thinning and determines whether genetics, aging, hormonal factors, or another issue may be contributing.

2. Your hair is coming out in patches

Gradual hair thinning is common with age, but hair loss that leaves behind distinct round or irregular patches needs a closer look.

Patchy hair loss can have several causes. Alopecia areata, for example, occurs when the immune system attacks hair follicles and can cause smooth, round areas of hair loss. Certain infections and inflammatory scalp conditions can also affect hair growth.

Pay attention to what’s happening on the skin as well as the hair itself. Redness, itching, scaling, tenderness, sores, or other changes to your scalp can provide important clues about the cause of your hair loss.

Rather than trying to treat patchy hair loss with over-the-counter products, meet with Dr. Bushore to get an accurate diagnosis. Treating the underlying condition properly can prevent additional hair loss and, depending on the cause, support regrowth.

3. Your hair loss started suddenly

Hair loss that seems to accelerate over a short period can be especially alarming. You may notice significantly more hair than usual on your pillow, in the shower, or in your brush.

Sudden, excessive shedding can occur for reasons like:

Major physical or emotional stress
Illness
Surgery
Significant weight loss
Hormonal changes
Nutritional deficiencies
Certain medications

The increased shedding may not begin until weeks or even months after the triggering event, so you might not make the connection right away.

Board-certified dermatologist David A. Bushore, MD, FAAD, determines whether your sudden hair loss fits this pattern or is the result of another medical or dermatological condition.

Finding the right treatment for hair loss

Effective hair loss treatment starts with understanding why you’re losing hair. During a dermatological evaluation, Dr. Bushore examines your hair and scalp and reviews your medical history, medications, family history, and other factors that may be contributing to hair loss symptoms.

Treatment depends on the cause and extent of your hair loss. Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics offers platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy for appropriate adults experiencing thinning hair. PRP uses a concentration of platelets from your own blood to stimulate hair follicles and encourage stronger, healthier hair growth.

Call Balcones Dermatology & Aesthetics in Austin, Texas, if you’re noticing unexpected changes in the thickness, growth, or shedding of your hair. You can also schedule a diagnostic evaluation online.