Hair loss evaluation and treatment

Your MinuteClinic provider can discuss your symptoms and health history. They can perform a visual exam of the affected areas. They can provide remedies that may include over-the-counter products and prescribe medication if necessary. They can also develop a personalized treatment plan and advise on hair loss prevention.

1. You may have to answer a few questions about symptoms to help us prepare for your visit prior to scheduling your appointment.

2. Check-in varies depending on how you scheduled your appointment:

   If you made your appointment online:
   Check in using the email or text message we sent to confirm your appointment. If you prefer to check in using the electronic kiosk, make sure you have your confirmation code.

   If you made your appointment in the clinic:
   Sign in at the electronic kiosk.

   If you made a MinuteClinic Virtual Care® appointment:
   To join your virtual visit, use the link in the email or text message we sent you to confirm your appointment. Please join 15 minutes before your scheduled visit time. You will need your date of birth and zip code to join the visit.

3. When it's time for your appointment, a provider will call your name.
4. Your provider will conduct a thorough examination based on your reason for visit, presenting symptoms and health history. Charges will be based on examination and services provided during the visit.
5. At the end of your visit, you are provided with a visit summary, receipt and educational material about your diagnosis. At your request, we can send your primary care provider information about your visit.

In many cases, hair loss such as male- and female-pattern baldness comes from genetic factors. Hereditary baldness is the most common cause of hair loss in men. Other possible causes include:

• Overuse or incorrect application of chemical-based hair products: These include dyes, gels, perms, relaxer and sprays.
• Hormonal changes: These include the use of birth control medication.
• Nutritional deficiencies: These can be related to a lack of vitamins, protein or iron.
• Medical conditions, medications and treatments: These can include chemotherapy.
• COVID-19: After a COVID-19 infection, some people may experience hair-loss symptoms that last weeks to months. This is sometimes called long COVID-19 or post-COVID-19 syndrome. If you’ve had COVID-19 and have new or ongoing symptoms weeks to months after your initial recovery, a MinuteClinic® provider can help.

With some conditions like patchy hair loss (alopecia areata), the hair may reestablish on its own without treatment within a year. If the hair loss is due to an underlying health issue, that condition is treated first. Treatment may involve drugs that reduce inflammation and suppress the immune system, such as prednisone. The following medications may stop or slow the process. In some cases, they may even promote regeneration and reverse hair loss:

• Minoxidil: An over-the-counter medication that is approved for men and women. At least 6 months of treatment is required to take effect, and the product must be applied daily to maintain its benefits.
• Finasteride: An oral prescription drug approved for men. It may slow hair loss, and some men may experience new hair growth. The medication must be taken daily to keep its beneficial effects.

Although you cannot prevent hair loss from genetic causes, the following tips may help you eliminate avoidable factors that contribute to hair loss:

• Avoid hairstyles that put tension on the follicles and scalp: These include braids, buns or ponytails.
• Check your medications and supplements: These could cause hair loss.
• If you are undergoing chemotherapy, wear a cooling cap: It may reduce the risk of hair loss when receiving treatment.
• Minimize or avoid treatments that are tough on the follicles: These include curling irons, hot rollers, hot oil treatments and perms.
• Protect hair from the sun: Also protect hair from other sources of ultraviolet light.
• Treat hair gently: Do this while grooming and washing.
• Quit smoking: Some studies show cigarette smoke may accelerate hair loss and premature graying.