August is National Hair Loss Awareness Month — and if you’ve noticed more hair in your brush, a widening part, or a thinning crown, you’re far from alone. Hereditary hair loss alone affects an estimated 80 million Americans, men and women alike., men and women alike. Yet many people wait years before seeking help, often because they assume nothing can be done or that it’s “just cosmetic.”
At Frontier Dermatology, we want you to hear this clearly: hair loss is a medical condition, dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing it, and the earlier you get answers, the more hair loss treatment options you have.
Not All Hair Loss Is the Same
The first step in treating hair loss is understanding what’s causing it — because the right treatment depends entirely on the diagnosis. Some of the most common causes we see in our clinics include:
- Hereditary (androgenetic) hair loss — the most common form, often called male- or female-pattern hair loss. It’s gradual, progressive, and strongly influenced by genetics and hormones.
- Telogen effluvium — sudden shedding triggered by significant stress on the body, such as illness, surgery, childbirth, rapid weight change, or emotional stress. The good news: it’s often temporary.
- Alopecia areata — an autoimmune condition in which the immune system attacks hair follicles, causing smooth, round patches of loss. New treatments have transformed care for this condition in recent years.
- Hormonal and medical causes — thyroid conditions, nutritional deficiencies, and certain medications can all contribute to thinning.
- Traction and styling-related loss — tight hairstyles, heat, and chemical processing can damage follicles over time; caught early, this type is often reversible.
Because so many different conditions can look like “thinning hair,” self-diagnosing — or spending months on products that were never going to work for your type of loss — can cost you valuable time. Some forms of hair loss can become permanent if the follicles scar, which is why early evaluation matters so much.
What a Dermatology Visit Looks Like
Hair loss evaluations are thorough but simple. Your provider will review your health history, medications, and family history, examine your scalp closely (often with magnification), and may recommend blood work to check for underlying causes like thyroid dysfunction or low iron. In some cases, a small scalp biopsy helps confirm the diagnosis. From there, you’ll get something the internet can’t give you: a treatment plan built for your specific condition.
Hair Loss Treatments That Actually Work
Hair loss treatment has become one of the most exciting areas of dermatology, and today’s toolkit is deeper than ever:
- Topical minoxidil — a proven over-the-counter option that helps slow loss and stimulate regrowth.
- Prescription medications — including finasteride for men and spironolactone for many women with pattern hair loss.
- Corticosteroid treatments — topical or injected, especially effective for inflammatory conditions like alopecia areata.
- Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy — an innovative in-office treatment that uses concentrated growth factors from your own blood to stimulate follicles.
- Low-level laser therapy and medical-grade supplements — supportive options your provider can help you evaluate honestly, so you invest only in what works.
Most patients do best with a combination approach — and with realistic expectations set by a provider who will track your progress over time.
You Don’t Have to Figure This Out Alone
We know hair loss can affect far more than your scalp. It can touch your confidence, your identity, and how you show up in the world. Our patient-centered team is here to listen first, explain everything clearly, and walk alongside you at every step.
With 100+ expert providers and 40+ locations across Washington and Oregon — and a wide range of accepted insurance carriers — expert hair loss care is closer and more affordable than you might think.
Make This the Month You Get Answers
Hair Loss Awareness Month exists for one reason: to remind people that help is available. If you’ve been watching your hair change and wondering, stop wondering.
SCHEDULE A HAIR LOSS EVALUATION at your nearest Frontier Dermatology location today.