Losing your hair can be a devastating experience. Whether you wake up to a clump in the sink, or you slowly start to notice a receding hairline, many people will experience some form of hair loss during their lives. The first step is always to seek help, and thankfully, that’s easier than ever.
No more waiting weeks for a dermatology appointment, or feeling self-conscious in the waiting room. With modern telehealth solutions, you can be connected to a hair loss specialist from your couch within days. Virtual consultations are here to help, with easy to use platforms like Omnia Telehealth.
Know What’s Happening to Your Hair
The first step in getting control of your hair loss is understanding what is happening. There are various reasons for hair loss, ranging from pattern baldness that slowly progresses over a person’s lifetime, to patchy loss or thinning after an illness or period of high stress.
The most common form of hair loss is androgenetic alopecia, which is hereditary and hormone-based. Men and women experience this differently, with men more likely to have a receding hairline or thinned crown of the head, while women experience widening of hair parts and an overall thinner look, but generally do not go bald.
Another form is telogen effluvium, where a change in hormonal balance, a stressful life event, or another medical condition can push hair follicles into a resting state, causing shedding. This can occur suddenly, but is generally temporary.
It is important to keep in mind that there are factors that may not immediately seem connected to hair loss that can influence your hair health. These include nutritional deficiencies, specifically iron and vitamin D, hair style (tight ponytails and buns can damage the hair shafts), excessive chemical treatments, and even certain medications.
Telehealth consultations work in ways you may not expect
Virtual consultations are surprisingly comprehensive. In your first appointment, you can expect your hair loss provider to ask you detailed questions about your medical and family history of hair loss, and the symptoms you’re experiencing. They will also have you take photos of your scalp from multiple angles using your phone’s camera, then upload them to the platform. The combination of this information can help the specialists provide you with a thorough diagnosis.
Your telehealth provider is able to give you targeted solutions based on what is happening with your hair. This may include prescriptions for FDA-approved hair loss medications, as well as specific recommendations for OTC products and lifestyle changes that can improve your hair’s health.
If you are already on a treatment regimen, telehealth also allows for your provider to easily adjust your treatment based on your results without having you take a day off work or arrange childcare to visit in person.
One of the most appreciated parts of telehealth services is the ability to message back and forth securely between appointments when you have questions, concerns, or want to ask how to mitigate side effects. Most platforms such as https: //www.omniatelehealth.com/, offer this kind of messaging as a free service included in your membership. Ongoing support can be key in patients deciding to continue treatment long enough to start seeing real results.
Treatment options for hair loss
Let’s talk about what is available to you when it comes to treatment options. The over the counter topical solution Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a common first treatment for hair loss, which works by stimulating hair follicles. It comes in foam and liquid form, and has to be applied consistently every day. Results are usually seen in three to six months, though people do have widely varying experiences with this medication.
For those with hormone-induced hair loss, the medication finasteride has been proven to be incredibly effective. This oral medication blocks the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, or DHT, the hormone that shrinks hair follicles and causes baldness in androgenetic alopecia. Finasteride has been used for decades by men, but is also used by women in some cases.
There are also various supplements and topical solutions to improve hair health and strength, like biotin or vitamin D, that can be added into treatment plans when deficiencies have been diagnosed. Some people find benefit in using low-level laser therapy caps or plates, or platelet-rich plasma, though this is more individualized and discussed case by case with your provider.
None of these treatments are a silver bullet, and most people will need a combination of medication, lifestyle changes, and treatments to make progress. That is why telehealth has become such a valuable tool, as patients can work with specialists to figure out a solution specific to their situation and type of hair loss.
Take the First Step
If you are ready to start your hair loss treatment journey, gathering your records is a good first step. Take note of any prescriptions you’re on, and try to remember when you first noticed changes in your hair, and get photos of your scalp ready to upload. Your first appointment should be comprehensive, and will guide you from there.
One important thing to keep in mind with hair loss treatments is that hair growth is a slow process. Most products take three to four months at minimum before you will see results, and six months to a year before you will see more substantial results. It’s important to stay consistent and show up for follow-ups so that your treatment plan can be tweaked for maximum effectiveness.
Thankfully, with telehealth, all the barriers have been removed to get you the help you deserve for hair loss. With easy to use, on demand services, there is no more waiting or making excuses. Don’t wait any longer, take control of your hair loss and book an appointment today.
FAQs
Can I get hair loss medications prescribed through telehealth?
Yes, licensed physicians can prescribe FDA-approved hair loss medications like finasteride and minoxidil through most telehealth platforms after an evaluation. They will review your medical history, evaluate your scalp, and prescribe the treatment options they think are best for your specific situation.
How much does a virtual consultation for hair loss cost?
Initial consultations will usually cost between $40 and $150, and there are many telehealth providers that offer ongoing care, medication refills, and unlimited messaging with a medical provider for a monthly fee.
How long until I see results from hair loss treatment?
It will take at least three to four months to start to see results. Major change should be noticed between six and twelve months. Hair growth is a slow process, so be consistent in your care, and you should see positive results with the right treatment plan.
Will telehealth work for all types of hair loss?
Telehealth is effective for most types, especially for common forms such as androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium, however, certain conditions may require in person medical appointments or scalp evaluations, such as hair transplant surgery. Your provider can help you determine whether virtual care is an option.
Do I need a referral to use telehealth for hair loss?
Most telehealth services do not require referrals, and instead allow you to schedule a consultation and be connected directly to a specialist that focuses on hair restoration. This can make it easier and faster to get care, rather than navigating traditional healthcare routes.