Hair loss (alopecia) is any thinning or shedding of hair beyond the normal cycle, and it is one of the most common reasons adults see a dermatologist. Most hair loss falls into a few patterns: androgenetic alopecia (hereditary pattern thinning), telogen effluvium (diffuse shedding after illness, stress, childbirth, or a new medication), alopecia areata (patchy loss from an autoimmune process), and scarring alopecias such as CCCA and lichen planopilaris. Because each pattern is treated differently, an accurate diagnosis is the most important step.

What causes hair loss?

Genetics and hormones drive pattern thinning in both men and women. Sudden shedding is usually a response to a trigger two to three months earlier: surgery, high fever, rapid weight loss, iron deficiency, thyroid change, or starting or stopping certain medications. Patchy loss with smooth bald spots points to alopecia areata. Loss with itching, scaling, or tenderness of the scalp can indicate a scarring alopecia, which needs prompt treatment because lost follicles do not regrow.

What are the signs of hair loss that need evaluation?

Widening of the part or a receding hairline, more hair than usual on the pillow or in the shower drain, round bald patches, a scalp that is itchy or sore, or thinning that started after a new medication. Photographs of your part line and hairline over time help your dermatologist track change.

How is hair loss treated?

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Pattern thinning responds to topical or oral minoxidil, finasteride or spironolactone where appropriate, and in-office options. Telogen effluvium usually resolves once the trigger is addressed, and labs for iron, thyroid, and vitamin D are often part of the workup. Alopecia areata is treated with topical or injected steroids and, for extensive disease, JAK inhibitors. Scarring alopecias are treated with anti-inflammatory therapy to stop progression.

How Tono treats hair loss

Tono's board-certified dermatologists see patients with hair loss within days, not months, by video visit in 33 states and in person at Tono clinical centers. Our dermatologists include subspecialists in hair and scalp disease and in hair loss in skin of color, including CCCA and traction alopecia. Labs can be ordered before your first visit so treatment starts sooner. Your visit ends with a written plan, prescriptions sent to your pharmacy, and follow-up scheduled with the same dermatologist. Most insurance is accepted and no referral is required.

When should I see a dermatologist for hair loss?

See a dermatologist if shedding lasts more than three months, if you notice bald patches, if your scalp itches, burns, or scars, or if over-the-counter minoxidil has not helped after six months. Early treatment matters most for scarring alopecias and alopecia areata.