Can a Dermatologist Help with Hair Loss in Beachwood?

Hair loss can affect anyone — men and women, young and old — and while it’s often thought of as a cosmetic issue, it can also signal underlying health concerns. If you’ve noticed thinning hair, bald spots, or excessive shedding, it’s natural to wonder whether professional help can make a difference.

The good news is yes, a dermatologist can absolutely help with hair loss. At Western Reserve Dermatology in Beachwood, OH, our experienced dermatologists specialize in diagnosing and treating a wide range of hair and scalp conditions. Whether your hair loss is temporary, hereditary, or linked to a medical issue, we can identify the cause and develop a personalized plan to help restore your hair — and your confidence.

Why See a Dermatologist for Hair Loss?

Many people try to manage hair loss with over-the-counter products, home remedies, or online solutions. While these might offer short-term relief, they often fail to address the root cause.

Dermatologists are medical doctors trained in diagnosing and treating conditions of the skin, hair, and nails. This makes them uniquely qualified to evaluate your hair loss — because hair health is directly linked to scalp and skin health.

At Western Reserve Dermatology, our dermatologists don’t just look at the symptoms; we look deeper into potential hormonal, nutritional, autoimmune, or genetic causes of hair loss. This comprehensive approach helps ensure you receive the right treatment for your specific condition.

If your hair loss is caused by an inflammatory scalp issue, we may recommend treatments similar to those used for conditions like seborrheic dermatitis, which can often affect both the scalp and hair growth cycles.

Common Types of Hair Loss Dermatologists Treat

Hair loss (also called alopecia) can have several causes, and understanding the type is essential for effective treatment. Our Beachwood dermatologists commonly diagnose and treat the following conditions:

1. Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

This is the most common form of hair loss in both men and women. It’s often hereditary and caused by hormonal sensitivity that leads to gradual thinning along the hairline or crown.

While genetic, it’s highly treatable — especially when addressed early. Dermatologists may recommend topical medications like minoxidil, oral medications such as finasteride (for men), or other therapies that slow hair thinning and promote regrowth.

2. Telogen Effluvium

If you’ve recently experienced a major illness, surgery, or stressful life event, you might notice increased hair shedding a few months later. This temporary form of hair loss occurs when stress or physiological changes push hair follicles into the resting phase.

Our dermatologists can help identify the triggers and guide you through recovery with supportive therapies and lifestyle recommendations. In some cases, we may also examine related conditions such as eczema, which can cause inflammation that impacts scalp health.

3. Alopecia Areata

An autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing round, patchy bald spots. In some cases, it can progress to total scalp or body hair loss.

Dermatologists can offer effective medical treatments like corticosteroid injections, topical immunotherapy, and oral medications to help hair regrow and reduce inflammation.

4. Traction Alopecia

Commonly caused by tight hairstyles such as braids, ponytails, or extensions, traction alopecia can lead to thinning along the hairline. Our team can recommend hair-care adjustments and treatments to restore growth before permanent damage occurs.

5. Scalp Infections and Inflammatory Conditions

Fungal infections, seborrheic dermatitis, and psoriasis can also contribute to hair loss. Treating these underlying conditions is key to promoting healthy regrowth. Learn more about how we manage psoriasis and other chronic inflammatory skin concerns.

What to Expect During Your Hair Loss Evaluation

When you visit Western Reserve Dermatology in Beachwood, OH for hair loss treatment, you can expect a thorough, compassionate, and science-based approach. Our dermatologists take the time to understand your health history, lifestyle, and hair care routine to pinpoint what’s happening beneath the surface.

Your visit may include:

• Detailed consultation: Discussing your symptoms, medical history, and any recent changes in stress, diet, or medications.
  
• Scalp examination: Using a dermatoscope to magnify and assess your scalp and hair follicles.
  
• Blood tests: To check for thyroid issues, hormone imbalances, or nutritional deficiencies.
  
• Scalp biopsy (if needed): A small sample may be taken for lab analysis to confirm the diagnosis.
  

This comprehensive evaluation ensures your treatment plan is accurate, effective, and customized to your needs.

Effective Hair Loss Treatments at Western Reserve Dermatology

Once we’ve identified the cause of your hair loss, our dermatologists create a tailored treatment plan using proven medical and aesthetic options.

Here are some of the most common treatments we offer:

1. Topical and Oral Medications

Prescription and over-the-counter medications can help stimulate hair growth and prevent further loss.

• Minoxidil (Rogaine): Encourages hair regrowth by increasing blood flow to hair follicles.
• Finasteride (Propecia): For male pattern baldness; works by reducing DHT levels (a hormone linked to hair loss).
• Spironolactone: Often prescribed for women with hormonal hair loss.
• Corticosteroids: Reduce inflammation for autoimmune-related hair loss.

These medications are often combined with lifestyle changes for optimal results.

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

PRP is a breakthrough, non-surgical treatment for hair restoration. It uses your own blood, processed to concentrate platelets that contain natural growth factors.

When injected into the scalp, PRP stimulates dormant hair follicles, improves circulation, and encourages new growth. It’s a safe, natural, and minimally invasive option that delivers noticeable improvement in hair density and quality.

3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

Also known as red light therapy, this non-invasive treatment uses light energy to rejuvenate hair follicles and boost growth. It’s often used alongside other therapies for enhanced results.

4. Nutritional and Hormonal Support

Our dermatologists assess your diet and hormone levels to address underlying imbalances that can impact hair growth. Supplementation or hormonal therapy may be recommended when appropriate.

5. Hair Transplant and Restoration Options

For patients with advanced or genetic hair loss, surgical options like hair transplant procedures can provide permanent, natural-looking results. While we focus on medical therapies at Western Reserve Dermatology, we collaborate with trusted specialists for advanced hair replacement in Beachwood, OH, ensuring you have access to the best possible solutions.

If your hair loss is associated with an underlying immune condition, our specialists may also evaluate for concerns such as lichen planus, which can occasionally affect the scalp.

Tips to Prevent Further Hair Loss

While treatment is important, preventive care can make a lasting difference. Our dermatologists recommend:

• Avoiding tight hairstyles that pull on the scalp.
  
• Minimizing heat and chemical treatments.
  
• Using gentle, sulfate-free shampoos.
  
• Managing stress through relaxation techniques or therapy.
  
• Eating a balanced diet rich in protein, iron, and vitamins.

Small, consistent changes in your daily habits can support the long-term health of your hair and scalp.

Your Journey to Healthier Hair Starts Here

Hair loss can feel overwhelming — but you don’t have to face it alone. At Western Reserve Dermatology in Beachwood, OH, our compassionate dermatologists combine medical expertise, advanced technology, and personalized care to help you regain thicker, healthier hair.

Whether you’re just starting to notice shedding or have been struggling with hair thinning for years, we’ll work with you to identify the cause and guide you toward effective, long-lasting results.

Schedule Your Consultation Today

If you’re concerned about hair loss or thinning, it’s time to take the first step. Contact Western Reserve Dermatology in Beachwood, OH, today to schedule your consultation. Our skilled dermatologists will help you understand your options, design a treatment plan tailored to you, and restore not just your hair — but your confidence.