Hair on my head has been falling out for the 2nd year now, please help (Photo)

Question

I had laser hair removal on my face I went through 3 sessions after 2 sessions I noticed the hair on my head started to fall out badly I didn't care about the laser and I thought it was Covid went to the doctor I was told it was androgenic hair loss I started using minoxidil everything was fine the hair started to grow and stopped falling out. I recovered laser facial hair removal very sorry I also went through 3 sessions the hair on my head started to fall out I realized that it is laser

Anna Chacon, MD, FAAD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your experience. While it's unusual for laser hair removal to cause hair loss on the scalp, it's important to consider all potential factors. Here are some steps you can take to address and potentially prevent further hair loss:

### 1. **Consult a Dermatologist**
   - **Specialist Evaluation:** See a dermatologist who specializes in hair loss to get a thorough evaluation. They can help determine if there’s a direct link between your laser hair removal treatments and your scalp hair loss.
   - **Scalp Examination:** A detailed examination of your scalp and hair follicles might be necessary to rule out other causes of hair loss.

### 2. **Review Your Laser Treatment Protocol**
   - **Settings and Equipment:** Discuss the settings and type of laser used with your aesthetician or the clinic where you received the treatment. Ensure that the laser settings are appropriate for your skin and hair type.
   - **Alternative Methods:** Consider alternative hair removal methods if the laser treatments are suspected to affect your scalp hair.

### 3. **Continue Proven Treatments**
   - **Minoxidil:** Since you responded well to minoxidil previously, continue using it as prescribed. It’s a well-known treatment for androgenic alopecia.

### 4. **Address Potential Nutritional Deficiencies**
   - **Diet and Supplements:** Ensure you have a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals essential for hair health. Consider supplements like biotin, zinc, iron, and vitamins D and B12, but consult with your healthcare provider before starting any new supplement.

### 5. **Stress Management**
   - **Reduce Stress:** High stress levels can contribute to hair loss. Engage in stress-reducing activities such as yoga, meditation, or regular exercise.

### 6. **Avoid Harsh Hair Treatments**
   - **Gentle Hair Care:** Avoid harsh chemical treatments, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles that can exacerbate hair loss.

### 7. **Monitor and Document**
   - **Track Your Condition:** Keep a diary of your hair loss patterns, treatments used, and any other symptoms. This can help your healthcare provider better understand your condition and its triggers.

### 8. **Consider Medical Treatments**
   - **Prescription Medications:** If minoxidil alone isn’t sufficient, your dermatologist might prescribe other treatments like finasteride.
   - **Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy:** Some patients find PRP therapy helpful for hair regrowth.

### 9. **Investigate Underlying Conditions**
   - **Thyroid and Hormonal Testing:** Ensure that your thyroid function and hormone levels are normal, as imbalances can contribute to hair loss.
   - **Autoimmune Conditions:** Rule out autoimmune conditions that might cause hair loss.

### 10. **Follow-Up**
   - **Regular Check-Ups:** Regular follow-ups with your dermatologist are crucial to monitor your progress and adjust treatments as needed.

### Conclusion
While laser hair removal is generally considered safe, your experience suggests a possible adverse reaction. Collaborate closely with your healthcare providers to identify the exact cause and tailor a comprehensive treatment plan to prevent further hair loss.

Wipawan Vathananai, MD · Answer

I'm sorry to hear about your concern. However, the laser shouldn't affect areas where it was not directly applied. I recommend undergoing further investigation to exclude telogen effluvium by checking your complete blood count, ESR, thyroid hormone levels, and serum vitamin D. Both physical and emotional stress can also lead to hair loss.

Hair on my head has been falling out for the 2nd year now, please help (Photo)

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Hair on my head has been falling out for the 2nd year now, please help (Photo)

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.