At Aglow Dermatology, led by Dr. Dina Strachan, we provide expert diagnosis and treatment of hair loss, scalp disorders, and nail conditions for patients across New York City, New Jersey, and the greater New York metropolitan area.
Hair and scalp conditions are often complex and require careful evaluation to determine the underlying cause. Early, accurate diagnosis is especially important in hair loss conditions where timing can affect whether regrowth is possible.
While we offer telemedicine consultations for select follow-ups and stable conditions, we emphasize that initial hair loss evaluations are best performed in person to allow for a detailed scalp examination and, when necessary, diagnostic testing.
Hair Loss (Alopecia) Overview
Hair loss, also called alopecia, is one of the most common reasons patients seek dermatologic care. It can present as:
- Gradual thinning
- Sudden shedding
- Patchy hair loss
- Widening part lines
- Overall reduction in hair density
Because many different conditions can look similar, a correct diagnosis is essential before starting treatment.
The Two Main Types of Hair Loss
Hair loss is broadly classified into non-scarring and scarring alopecia. Understanding the difference is critical.
Non-Scarring Hair Loss (Reversible in Many Cases)
Non-scarring hair loss occurs when the hair follicle remains structurally intact. The follicle is still alive, meaning regrowth is often possible once the underlying cause is treated.
Common non-scarring conditions include:
- Androgenetic alopecia (female and male pattern hair loss)
- Telogen effluvium (stress-related or systemic shedding)
- Alopecia areata (autoimmune patchy hair loss)
- Early traction alopecia
- Trichotillomania (hair pulling disorder)
Patients often describe this as hair thinning and shedding, which may be temporary or chronic depending on the cause.
Scarring Hair Loss (Cicatricial Alopecia – Urgent Evaluation Needed)
Scarring alopecia is more serious because it involves inflammation that destroys the hair follicle itself. Once a follicle is destroyed, it cannot regenerate hair.
This is why scarring hair loss is considered a time-sensitive condition in dermatology. Early diagnosis can make the difference between stabilizing hair loss and permanent, irreversible loss.
Common scarring conditions include:
- Central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)
- Lichen planopilaris (LPP)
- Frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA)
- Folliculitis decalvans
Warning symptoms may include:
- Scalp burning or tenderness
- Itching or pain
- Progressive thinning in a defined pattern
- Loss of visible follicular openings
- Persistent scalp inflammation
Because of the risk of permanent follicle destruction, prompt evaluation by a hair loss specialist is essential—not delayed general assessment.
Why Early Expert Evaluation Matters
Delays in diagnosing scarring alopecia can result in irreversible hair loss. For this reason, patients should seek evaluation from a dermatologist with dedicated expertise in hair disorders rather than waiting or relying on non-specialized care.
At Aglow Dermatology, Dr. Dina Strachan focuses on:
- Early differentiation between scarring and non-scarring alopecia
- Scalp examination and diagnostic testing when needed
- Preventing progression of inflammatory hair loss
- Preserving existing hair follicles whenever possible
Hair Thinning and Shedding (What Patients Commonly Notice)
Many patients do not initially present with a medical diagnosis—they describe symptoms such as:
- “My hair is thinning”
- “I’m shedding more than usual”
- “My ponytail feels smaller”
- “My scalp is becoming more visible”
These symptoms may reflect different underlying conditions, including both reversible shedding and early pattern hair loss. Proper evaluation is key to determining the cause.
Scalp Conditions We Treat
Scalp inflammation often overlaps with hair loss and can worsen shedding.
We commonly treat:
- Seborrheic dermatitis (dandruff)
- Scalp psoriasis
- Folliculitis
- Chronic scalp irritation or inflammation
- Itching, flaking, or burning scalp conditions
Hair Loss in All Hair Types (Including Textured Hair)
Aglow Dermatology has a strong clinical focus on hair loss in all hair types, including textured and African American hair, where certain conditions such as CCCA and traction alopecia are more commonly seen.
Care is tailored to:
- Hair styling practices
- Scalp sensitivity patterns
- Cultural and cosmetic factors
- Underlying inflammatory disease risk
Nail Conditions We Treat
We also evaluate and treat a wide range of nail disorders, including:
- Fungal nail infections
- Brittle nails
- Nail psoriasis
- Nail discoloration
- Structural nail abnormalities
Nail changes can sometimes reflect underlying systemic or dermatologic disease.
Diagnostic Approach
Hair loss and scalp disorders may require:
- Detailed medical history
- Scalp examination (dermoscopy/trichoscopy)
- Blood work when indicated
- Scalp biopsy for suspected scarring alopecia
- Culture or laboratory testing for infection
In-Person Visits vs Telemedicine
In-Person Hair Loss Evaluation (Preferred for New Patients)
Initial evaluation is best performed in person because it allows for:
- Direct scalp examination
- Identification of subtle signs of scarring
- Accurate diagnosis
- Immediate in-office testing if needed
This is especially important for new or rapidly progressing hair loss.
Telemedicine Dermatology
Telemedicine is available for:
- Follow-up visits
- Medication management
- Stable, previously diagnosed conditions
- Review of treatment progress
Virtual care provides convenience for patients across New York, Connecticut, and surrounding areas, but is not a replacement for full diagnostic scalp evaluation when hair loss is new or unclear.
When to Seek Evaluation
You should schedule an appointment if you notice:
- Sudden or ongoing hair shedding
- Progressive thinning or widening part
- Patchy hair loss
- Scalp pain, burning, or itching
- Visible scalp changes or smooth shiny areas
- Nail changes with thickening or discoloration
Hair Loss Care Across Greater New York City Area
Patients visit Aglow Dermatology from:
- New York City (Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, Bronx, Staten Island)
- Hoboken and Jersey City
- Northern and Central New Jersey
- Greater New York metropolitan region
Our goal is accessible, expert-level dermatologic care for complex hair, scalp, and nail conditions across the region.
Frequently Asked Questions
Non-scarring hair loss preserves the follicle and may be reversible. Scarring hair loss destroys the follicle and can lead to permanent hair loss.
It is not a hospital emergency, but it is a time-sensitive condition that requires prompt specialist evaluation to prevent permanent hair loss.
It depends on the cause. Some types, like telogen effluvium, often improve, while others require ongoing treatment.
No. Early evaluation improves diagnostic accuracy and treatment outcomes, especially in suspected scarring alopecia.
Yes, telemedicine is available for follow-ups and select stable conditions, but in-person visits are preferred for initial hair loss evaluation.
Schedule a Consultation
If you are experiencing hair thinning, shedding, scalp symptoms, or nail changes, early diagnosis is essential.
Aglow Dermatology, led by Dr. Dina Strachan, provides expert evaluation and treatment for hair, scalp, and nail disorders across New York and New Jersey.
👉 Schedule your consultation today to begin a targeted diagnostic and treatment plan.