Key points Patients with androgenetic alopecia may be interested in exploring complementary and alternative medicine, including supplements, specialty diets, and essential oils. There is insufficient evidence to support the use of any complementary and alternative medicine as monotherapy for androgenetic…
Key points The role of inflammation, including T cells, mast cells, prostaglandins, and cytokines, in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia has been studied. Different approaches to address this inflammation have been recommended. Use of anti-inflammatory immunotherapy in androgenetic alopecia is…
Key points Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of hair loss and arises from androgen-dependent hair follicle miniaturization on the scalp. Several studies have suggested that follicular microinflammation is implicated in the pathogenesis of androgenetic alopecia, but to date,…
Key points Androgenetic alopecia is the most common cause of alopecia in both men and women; however, approved therapeutic treatment options are limited. Patients should be counseled that treatment of androgenetic alopecia is directed toward prevention of further hair thinning…
Key points Androgenetic alopecia is a frequent cause of hair loss and hair thinning for both men and women, and it has the potential to negatively affect self-esteem, psychosocial functioning, and quality of life. Micropigmentation, also known as medical tattooing…
Key points Patients with androgenetic alopecia and other types of alopecia may turn to hair prosthetics when other medical and procedural interventions have been aesthetically unsatisfying and hair loss negatively affects their quality of life. When recommending a wig style…
Key points Hair cosmetics, styling, and processing play key roles in counseling patients with hair loss. Hair and scalp health must be maintained for medical and aesthetic reasons. This includes regular shampooing, conditioning, and limiting unnecessary heat styling and processing.…
Key points There are shortcomings in U.S. Food & Drug Administration (FDA)–approved treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA) that are currently available. There is a growing body of double-blind, placebo-controlled, randomized studies that demonstrate both qualitative and quantitative benefits of nutritional…
Key points Scarring alopecia is characterized by inflammation that leads to destruction of the pilosebaceous unit and ultimately the replacement of subcutaneous tissue with fibrous tracts. As a result, the hair loss can be disfiguring and cause significant distress in…
Key points Understanding the differences in hair structure and haircare practices in African Americans compared with white, Hispanic, and Asian patients is essential when evaluating and treating hair concerns in this population. Structural characteristics of Afro-textured hair include a retroverted…