What type of doctor should I see for thinning hair?

Author: Damian Volkman  |  Last update: Wednesday, May 21, 2025

Dermatologists have expertise in diagnosing hair loss and counseling their patients on what may help them regrow their hair. This dermatologist is using a dermatoscope to examine a patient's scalp. Effective treatment for hair loss begins with finding the cause.

What kind of doctor is best for thinning hair?

Dermatologists are the best doctors to see for hair loss(1)(2). They are experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss of all varieties, including male pattern hair loss. They can help determine the cause of hair loss and recommend effective treatments(1)(2).

Can a dermatologist do anything for thinning hair?

A dermatologist may suggest topical treatments like minoxidil or prescription medications to address underlying causes of thinning hair, such as androgenetic alopecia or alopecia areata. They may also recommend lifestyle changes, dietary supplements, or procedures like PRP therapy or microneedling.

Should I see a dermatologist or trichologist for hair loss?

It's best to make an appointment to see a dermatologist. Dermatologists are the experts in diagnosing and treating hair loss. A dermatologist can tell you whether it's FPHR or something else that is causing your hair loss. Other causes of hair loss can look like FPHL, so it's important to rule out these causes.

Which doctor should I go for hair loss?

Dermatologists specializing in alopecia and the scalp

A dermatologist can also provide guidance on additional steps you can take (adapted cosmetics, treatment of food supplements, etc.) to curb this condition. So, consult a dermatologist specializing in hair loss or a doctor specializing in female hair loss.

Mayo Clinic Minute: Expert advice for women with thinning hair

Is hair loss covered by insurance?

Since hair loss doesn't affect your daily activity like a medical injury or illness would, it is considered a cosmetic procedure and not covered. However, there is good news. Your exam and any lab tests may be covered by insurance, and you would be responsible for paying for the actual treatment.

What is a hair loss specialist called?

What Does a Trichologist Do? Specialists working in this field help people with issues such as hair loss, hair breakage, oily scalp, and scalp psoriasis. Some trichologists can also treat problems related to conditions like alopecia and trichotillomania, or hair-pulling disorder.

What vitamins are tested for hair loss?

Common blood tests used to diagnose hair loss include the Complete Blood Picture (CBC), Iron Serum, TSH test, Ferritin Serum, Vitamin B12, Calcium Serum, and Vitamin D (25-Hydroxy). These tests help identify potential deficiencies or underlying health issues that may contribute to hair thinning or loss.

What professional do you see for hair loss?

A trichologist is someone who specialises in hair and scalp health. They are experts in trichology, which is the science and structure of all hair types, as well as hair and scalp conditions. Trichologists can help clients with everything from female and male pattern hair loss to symptoms of alopecia areata.

Why is my hair so thin I can see my scalp?

A visible scalp through your hair can be a sign that it's thinning (but not always). The factors that contribute to thinning hair (and thus a visible scalp) include stress, diet, vitamin deficiency and ageing.

What are the vitamins for hair growth?

Key Vitamins for Hair Growth
  • Biotin. Biotin is a critical vitamin for healthy hair growth, and deficiency will lead to thinning hair. ...
  • Vitamin D. ...
  • Vitamin A. ...
  • Vitamin C. ...
  • Vitamin E. ...
  • Folic Acid. ...
  • Iron. ...
  • Magnesium.

What can a dermatologist do for my thinning hair?

Your physician may recommend one or more of these treatments:
  • Rogaine® (minoxidil)
  • Topical corticosteroids.
  • Topical anthralin.
  • Topical immunotherapy.
  • Corticosteroid injections.
  • Propecia® (finasteride)
  • Oral immunosuppressants.

How much does it cost to fix thinning hair?

Hair transplant surgery can range from $3,000 to more than $15,000. The average cost is $6,000 to $12,000. Hair restoration surgery can be successful for men and women. Your costs will vary based on the type of procedure, where you have the treatment, your surgeon's fees, and other factors.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

What vitamin am I missing if my hair is thinning?

Only riboflavin, biotin, folate, and vitamin B12 deficiencies have been associated with hair loss. Vitamin B2 (riboflavin) is a component of two important coenzymes: flavin mononucleotide (FMN) and flavin adenine dinucleotide (FAD) [22].

What is a full body check up for hair loss?

It includes complete blood count (CBC) to evaluates overall health, revealing potential anemia or infections that may contribute to hair fall; vitamin B12 and D (25-hydroxy) tests for assessing deficiencies essential for hair thickness and hair follicle strength; HbA1c test to detect diabetes or prediabetes, which can ...

What doctor do I go to for hair loss?

Effective treatment for hair loss begins with finding the cause. To get an accurate diagnosis, it helps to see a board-certified dermatologist. These doctors have in-depth knowledge about the many causes of hair loss and experience treating the diverse causes.

What is the main protein that makes up hair?

Chemically, hair is mainly composed of particular proteins (keratins), hard and stable to usual physical and chemical treatment. This characteristic of keratin protein is a result of the high degree of disulfide bonding between polypeptide chains in the molecules.

What does Mayo Clinic recommend for hair loss?

Minoxidil (Rogaine).

Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both. It'll take at least six months of treatment to prevent further hair loss and to start hair regrowth. It may take a few more months to tell whether the treatment is working for you.

Does Nutrafol really work?

Studies show that Nutrafol may improve hair growth, thickness, and shedding over time, but consistency is key - it typically takes at least three to six months to see results.

What does a dermatologist test for hair loss?

Pull Test and Tug Test

This simple test measures the severity of hair loss. During a pull test, a dermatologist grasps small sections of hair, about 40 strands, from different parts of the scalp and gently tugs. If six or more strands fall out, you have what's known as active hair loss.

Does low vitamin D cause hair loss?

Some of the key symptoms signalling low vitamin D levels include hair loss or thinning, fatigue, bone/muscle weakness, frequent sickness, depression and impaired wound healing. If you're experiencing any of these symptoms, it's completely valid to feel concerned.

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