What Does a Hair Doctor Do & Should You See One?

December 11, 2024 - Reviewed by: Dr. Jae Pak, M.D.

At Jae Pak MD Medical, we know hair loss is a common concern that touches many, but deciphering the myths and facts about hair health can be overwhelming. When your hair starts thinning, who do you turn to? Enter the hair doctor, a hair restoration specialist whose expertise goes beyond general care to diagnose and treat the underlying issues of hair loss.

Whether you’re noticing early signs of balding or experiencing long-term hair thinning, understanding what a hair doctor does can be your first step toward reclaiming your hair’s vitality. So, should you consider seeing one?

Read on as we take a look at what hair doctors do, how they can help, and why booking that appointment might be a game-changer for your hair health.

What Is a Hair Doctor?

A hair doctor, or more formally a dermatologist, trichologist, or physician specializing in hair, is the expert you turn to when you’re losing more than just a few strands in the shower. They’re trained to get to the root of hair loss, whether it’s genetics, hormones, or something more complex like an autoimmune issue.

A hair doctor doesn’t just treat the surface — they’re there to help you figure out what’s really going on with your scalp and hair follicles, offering real solutions to get your hair back on track.

What Qualifications Should a Hair Doctor Have?

When looking for a hair doctor, you want someone who has gone through the extensive training and exams required to specialize in skin, hair, and scalp care. This ensures they know how to diagnose and treat a wide range of hair issues using proven medical techniques.

Dr. Jae Pak takes things a step further. Not only is he an MD, but he’s also an engineer and inventor with a passion for hair restoration.

Bringing 18 years of full-time experience in hair restoration to the table, Dr. Pak has developed patented techniques that blend medical precision with an artistic touch. His goal? To give you the best results possible, whether you’re battling bald spots or looking for fuller, healthier hair.

What Types of Hair Loss Can a Hair Doctor Treat?

Wondering what types of hair loss a hair doctor can help with? There are quite a few. From temporary shedding to more permanent thinning, a hair doctor can diagnose and support various types of hair loss.

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness or female pattern baldness, is one of the most frequent forms of hair loss. It occurs due to a combination of genetics and hormones like androgens, resulting in a receding hairline or thinning hair.

A hair doctor can guide you through hair loss treatments such as Protein-Rich Support with Wharton’s Jelly (PRS/WJ), Scalp MicroPigmentation, and hair transplants to support hair regrowth.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition where the body’s immune system targets hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. This condition can affect any hair on the body, including scalp and facial hair.

A hair doctor might recommend solutions like PRS/WJ or topical treatments to encourage hair growth and maintain healthy follicles.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a temporary type of hair loss often triggered by stress, hormonal shifts, or major life changes. It disrupts the natural hair growth cycle, leading to excessive hair shedding. With the right care and treatment plan, a hair doctor can help restore the natural balance and promote the growth of new hair as the body recovers.

Scarring Alopecia

Scarring alopecia, also called cicatricial alopecia, involves damage to the hair follicles that results in permanent hair loss. It’s essential to catch this early, as a hair doctor can recommend methods to support and maintain hair health, helping to prevent further damage to the scalp. In more advanced cases, hair restoration procedures may be considered.

How Does a Hair Doctor Diagnose Hair Loss?

Now that we’ve covered the types of hair loss a hair doctor can treat, you might be interested in learning how they actually figure out what’s causing your hair to shed in the first place. Diagnosing hair loss isn’t just about a quick glance — it’s a detailed process that digs deep into both your health and hair habits to pinpoint the problem.

Here’s how they go about it:

Detailed Medical History: Your doctor will start by asking about your overall health, medications, family history, and lifestyle habits. Things like hormonal changes, certain medications, or specific hairstyles can give valuable clues about the root causes of your hair loss.
Scalp Examination: A visual check of your scalp helps the doctor assess the condition of your hair follicles, spot signs of conditions like scarring alopecia, and see if there’s a pattern to your thinning hair.
Pull Test: This simple test involves gently pulling on a section of hair to see how much comes out. It helps gauge whether you’re dealing with telogen effluvium or another condition affecting the hair growth cycle.
Scalp Biopsy: If needed, the doctor may take a tiny piece of scalp tissue to examine under a microscope. This helps detect underlying issues like autoimmune conditions or infections that might be impacting your hair.
Blood Tests: Blood work can reveal hidden causes like thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or other imbalances that contribute to hair loss. Identifying these factors is key to putting together a solid treatment plan.

By using these methods, a hair doctor gets a clear view of what’s causing your hair loss and can recommend the best steps to restore your hair’s health.

When Should You See a Hair Doctor?

So, when is the right time to reach out to a hair doctor? If you’re noticing anything beyond the usual few strands in the shower, it might be time to consider booking an appointment. Hair loss often sneaks up on you, but some signs signal that it’s time to bring in a professional.

Ongoing Hair Shedding: If you’ve been shedding more hair than usual for a while and it’s not slowing down, you could be dealing with conditions like telogen effluvium or androgenetic alopecia. A hair doctor can determine whether this is temporary or if there’s a bigger issue at play.
Visible Thinning or Bald Spots: If your hair is thinning in a specific area or you’re noticing bald patches, it’s best to see a hair doctor early. These could be signs of conditions like alopecia areata or scarring alopecia, and early intervention can often help slow or stop the progression.
Scalp Health Concerns: Issues like a dry, itchy scalp or persistent dandruff may not seem related to hair loss, but they can signal underlying problems. Conditions like psoriasis or even infections can affect hair growth if left untreated.
Family History of Hair Loss: If hair loss runs in your family and you’re noticing early signs like a receding hairline or thinning hair, it’s smart to act sooner rather than later. A hair doctor can help develop a personalized treatment plan to manage the issue before it worsens.
Concerns Over Medications or Hormonal Changes: If you’ve started new medications, including birth control pills, or are experiencing hormonal shifts like menopause, these can impact hair health. A hair doctor can guide you through managing the effects on your hair.

In any of these cases, consulting with a hair doctor like Dr. Jae Pak can help you figure out what’s going on and put you on the path to restoring or maintaining healthy hair. The sooner you address hair concerns, the better your chances of finding effective solutions.

How Do I Prepare for My Visit to a Hair Doctor?

Getting ready for your visit to a hair doctor is simple but important. Showing up with the right information can make a big difference in how smoothly the appointment goes and how quickly your doctor can pinpoint the causes of your hair loss.

Here’s what you can do to prepare:

Document Your Hair Loss

Take note of when you first noticed the hair shedding, any patterns of thinning or bald spots, and whether it’s getting worse over time. Photos can help show the progression, which can be useful for your doctor.

Review Your Medical History

Bring a list of any current health conditions or medical treatments you’re undergoing. Conditions like thyroid disease, autoimmune disorders, or recent surgeries can impact hair health. The more your doctor knows about your medical history, the better they can evaluate your hair loss.

List Your Medications and Supplements

Certain medications, including birth control pills or supplements, can affect hair growth. Providing your doctor with this information will help them assess if these are contributing to your hair loss.

Note Any Recent Lifestyle Changes

Sudden changes in diet, stress levels, or hairstyles (like tight braids or ponytails) can play a role in hair loss. Make sure to mention these details, as they can help the doctor get a clearer picture of what might be going on.

Have Your Questions Ready

Think about what you’d like to ask during your visit. Whether it’s about treatment options like PRS therapy, minoxidil, or a potential hair transplant, this is your chance to get expert answers and create a plan tailored to your needs.

Conclusion

Dealing with hair loss can feel overwhelming, but getting professional help from a hair loss specialist like Jae Pak, M.D. can make all the difference. Understanding the causes of hair loss is the first step toward finding the right solutions, and a tailored approach to hair care is key to maintaining healthy hair.

Whether you’re experiencing early signs of thinning or facing more advanced hair loss, seeking expert advice can put you on the path to restoring your hair and confidence. At Jae Pak MD Medical, we combine advanced technology with personalized treatment plans to address your specific needs.

From diagnosing the root cause of your hair loss to offering options like PRS/WJ, hair transplants, and specialized therapies, we’re here to support you every step of the way. Ready to take control of your hair health?

Sources:

Trichologist, Dermatotrichologist, or Trichiatrist? A Global Perspective on a Strictly Medical Discipline | PMC

Androgenetic alopecia | MedlinePlus Genetics

Telogen Effluvium: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment & Regrowth | Cleveland Clinic

Alopecia Areata – Hair loss Causes & Living With It | NIAMS

Scarring (Cicatricial) Alopecia: What It Looks Like & Treatment | Cleveland Clinic