Hair loss (alopecia) is a common condition that affects both men and women. Although losing 50–100 hairs per day is considered part of the normal hair growth cycle, excessive shedding or progressive thinning may indicate an underlying disorder. Because different types of hair loss have different causes, an accurate diagnosis is essential for selecting the most effective treatment.

Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss worldwide. It is a hereditary condition influenced by genetics and hormones, particularly dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a potent metabolite of testosterone. In genetically susceptible individuals, DHT binds to androgen receptors within hair follicles, causing progressive miniaturization of the follicles. As a result, each new hair becomes finer, shorter, and lighter until the follicle eventually produces only microscopic (vellus) hairs or stops producing visible hair altogether.

Hair Loss in Men

Male pattern hair loss typically follows a predictable pattern and often begins after puberty. It usually presents with:

• Recession of the frontal hairline
• Thinning at the temples
• Progressive hair loss at the crown (vertex)
• Eventual merging of the frontal and crown areas in advanced stages

Hair Loss in Woman

Female pattern hair loss is also genetically influenced but usually presents differently. Rather than developing a receding hairline, women more commonly experience:

• Gradual widening of the central part
• Diffuse thinning over the crown and top of the scalp
• Decreased hair density and ponytail thickness
• Increased scalp visibility while the frontal hairline is often preserved

Unlike men, women rarely develop complete baldness because lower circulating androgen levels produce a different pattern of follicular miniaturization.

Telogen Effluvium (Excessive Hair Shedding)

Telogen effluvium is one of the most common causes of sudden, diffuse hair shedding. Instead of permanent follicle damage, a physiological or emotional stressor causes a larger-than-normal percentage of hair follicles to prematurely enter the resting (telogen) phase of the hair cycle. Approximately two to four months later, these hairs are shed simultaneously.

Common triggers include:

• Major illness or high fever
• Surgery or anesthesia
• Childbirth
• Rapid weight loss or crash dieting
• Emotional stress
• Iron deficiency
• Thyroid disorders
• Vitamin and protein deficiencies
• Certain medications, including retinoids, anticoagulants, antidepressants, beta-blockers, and some hormonal therapies

Unlike androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium usually causes increased shedding without permanent follicle miniaturization. Once the underlying trigger is corrected, normal hair growth often resumes within several months.

Other Causes of Hair Loss

Not all hair loss is hereditary. Additional causes include:

• Alopecia areata: An autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks actively growing hair follicles, resulting in well-defined patches of hair loss.
• Traction alopecia: Hair loss caused by chronic tension from tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or extensions.
• Anagen effluvium: Rapid hair loss resulting from chemotherapy or other medications that interrupt the active growth phase of the hair cycle.
• Scalp disorders: Chronic inflammation from psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis, fungal infections, or scarring alopecias may impair normal hair growth.
• Hormonal disorders: Menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), thyroid disease, and postpartum hormonal changes can all contribute to hair thinning.
• Nutritional deficiencies: Low iron, vitamin D, zinc, vitamin B12, protein deficiency, or malnutrition can adversely affect normal hair follicle function.

Our In-Office Hair Restoration Treatments

PRF Scalp Injections

PRF, or Platelet-Rich Fibrin, is created using your own blood. We spin the blood in a centrifuge to separate and extract the plasma, growth factors, and proteins.

The PRF is then injected directly into areas of the scalp experiencing thinning or decreased density to support hair follicles.

We typically recommend a series of 5 treatments spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart, followed by yearly maintenance to help support ongoing results.

Scalp Microneedling

Scalp microneedling uses tiny, controlled needles to stimulate the scalp and create microchannels that allow us to deliver targeted treatments directly to the area.

Depending on your individual needs, we can customize your treatment with:

PRF

Your own PRF can be applied during microneedling to combine scalp stimulation with the platelet- and growth-factor-rich components naturally found in your blood.

Exosomes

An exosome-based serum made from stem cells can be incorporated to provide additional regenerative support and help promote hair growth.

Hair Vitamin Infusion

We can also infuse a specialized blend of vitamins, nutrients and hair-supportive ingredients directly into the scalp for additional nourishment.

For scalp microneedling, we typically recommend 5 treatments spaced approximately 4–6 weeks apart, with yearly maintenance treatments to help maintain your results.

Supporting Hair From Within: Xtresé Hair Growth Gummies

In-office treatments are only one part of a complete hair-health strategy.

We now also offer Xtresé Hair Growth Gummies, a dermatologist-developed formula designed to support healthier, fuller-looking hair and hair follicle health from within.

Xtresé is sugar-free and biotin-free and contains the proprietary X3 BioActive Blend™, including:

• NAD+
• Ashwagandha
• Pumpkin seed extract
• Taurine
• Saw palmetto
• Turmeric
• Horsetail
• Pea sprout extract

The formula also includes important micronutrients such as:

• Vitamins A, C, B6, D3 and E
• Magnesium
• Zinc
• Niacin
• Folate

The formula is designed to support multiple areas involved in hair health, including nutritional support, oxidative stress, inflammation and age-related changes.

Xtresé can be incorporated into an at-home routine on its own or used alongside treatments such as PRF scalp injections, microneedling with PRF, microneedling with exosomes or our hair vitamin infusions as part of a more comprehensive plan.

Frequently Asked Questions

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