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Hair loss is a warning sign we cannot ignore

EXPERT DERMATOLOGIST REVEALS ITS REAL CAUSES AND TREATMENT

Newsroom El Comercio de Colorado

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Hair loss is a health issue that affects millions of people, especially women, but it is often complicated by misinformation and ineffective home remedies. Dermatologist Paola Aldana, MD, FAAD, from Epiphany Dermatology, breaks down the real causes and the latest medical advances, debunking common myths to offer clear guidance toward an accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.

For many women, hair loss is more than an aesthetic concern. It represents a blow to their identity and quality of life. Consider the case of Ana, a 35-year-old real estate professional from Fort Collins, who noticed her once-thick hair quickly losing density.

“I started seeing strands in the shower, then on the pillow. I was worried it was work stress, so I tried every ‘miracle’ oil and shampoo I found on social media. Nothing worked,” she recounts with frustration.

Ana’s story echoes the experience of thousands who look for quick fixes online instead of seeking a medical diagnosis. However, the key to stopping hair loss and restoring hair health is not in viral remedies, but in science.

Expert insight

To address this issue rigorously, we consulted Paola Aldana, MD, FAAD, a board-certified dermatologist with expertise in hair health. Dr. Aldana, who practices at Epiphany Dermatology in Cherry Creek, emphasizes the importance of identifying the root cause.

“Hair is a biomarker of our overall health. When we see excessive hair loss, it could potentially be a sign that something else is happening in the body, whether it’s due to hormones, a nutritional deficiency, or a period of high stress,” explains Dr. Aldana.

According to Dr. Aldana, the most common causes of hair loss are complex and interconnected, including factors such as age, genetics, and hormonal changes (postpartum, menopause). It can also be linked to stressors on the body that triggers telogen effluvium, and occasionally nutritional deficiencies such as iron or vitamin D. There are also known medical conditions that can cause hair loss, such as lupus.

The most recent scientific formulas aim to address these root causes. However, Aldana stresses that any treatment must be supervised by specialists to avoid self-medication.

Hair loss is a warning sign we cannot ignore

Caída del cabello representa una alarma que no podemos ignorar

Correct treatment

For Dr. Aldana, the first and most crucial step is a consultation with a dermatologist to rule out underlying conditions such as autoimmune diseases or side effects from medications. “If you are experiencing hair loss, seek clinical testing. Avoid unproven remedies and consult your doctor if you notice any significant changes,” Dr. Aldana advises.

Her recommendation, shared by experts in the field, has helped patients like Ana move away from ineffective products and focus on therapies that actually worked for her specific case.

The future of treatment is promising

Research has advanced in understanding the various causes of hair loss, which could revolutionize therapies in the coming years. In the meantime, personalized treatments—from topical and oral medications like Minoxidil to advanced procedures—are the best option for most patients.

The key is diagnostic precision. Dr. Aldana, with her experience at Epiphany Dermatology, offers advanced diagnostic services and personalized treatment plans for complex hair conditions, helping patients like Ana move from frustration to science-based action.

Her approach focuses on giving patients not only their hair back, but also their self-confidence. If you, like Ana, notice unusual or persistent hair loss, it’s time to leave myths behind and seek guidance from professionals.

Debunking the most common myths

Myth 1: “Wearing caps or hats causes baldness.”

Aldana responds: “This is false. There is no clinical evidence that the pressure or moderate heat from a hat negatively affects hair follicles.”

Myth 2: “Washing your hair daily makes it fall out more.”

Aldana responds: “Also false. The hair that sheds during a shower was already in its natural shedding phase (telogen phase). Washing simply helps it fall out. Proper scalp hygiene is essential to keep follicles healthy.”

Myth 3: “It only affects men due to genetics.”

Aldana responds: “Hair loss in women is extremely common. Unlike the male pattern, women often experience more diffuse thinning or central localized loss. Without a proper diagnosis by a specialist, it’s impossible to determine the real cause and treatment.”

Myth 4: “Supplements and vitamins cure everything.”

Aldana responds: “This is a common myth. If hair loss is due to a specific deficiency (like low iron or vitamin D), although not commonly found, a supplement may be the solution. But if the cause is chronic stress or inflammation due to a chronic condition (such as lupus), a simple supplement won’t be enough. Even advanced formulas must always be supervised by a dermatologist.”