As featured in Who What Wear, by Kaitlyn McLintock, September 29, 2026
Noticing more hair in the shower drain or a ponytail that feels thinner than it used to? You're not alone, and you're not out of options. Dr. Morgana Colombo, MD, FAAD, board-certified dermatologist at Integrated Dermatology of Reston and founder of Vidaderma, was one of the dermatologists Who What Wear consulted for its guide to thinning hair. Here's a deeper look at what she shared about why it happens and what actually helps.
Read the full Who What Wear article
What causes thinning hair in women?
In the feature, Dr. Colombo pointed to a range of causes, from genetics to hormonal shifts. For women, hormones play an especially large role during perimenopause, menopause, postpartum recovery, and with thyroid conditions.
She also pointed to a common trigger that many women never connect to their shedding:
"We also commonly see increased shedding after significant physical or emotional stress, illness, surgery, rapid weight loss, nutritional deficiencies, or certain medications. This type of shedding (telogen effluvium) often becomes noticeable two to three months after the triggering event." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Who What Wear
Is seasonal hair shedding real?
Yes. Dr. Colombo explained that hair naturally cycles through growth, transition, and resting phases, so some variation through the year is normal:
"There is evidence that hair shedding can fluctuate seasonally. Some people notice increased shedding in late summer and fall and sometimes another smaller increase in the spring." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Who What Wear
How long does it take to see results?
This is where most people give up too early.
"Hair requires patience because its growth cycle is slow." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Who What Wear
Dr. Colombo's advice for anyone starting an evidence-based treatment like topical minoxidil:
"I generally tell patients not to judge the results after a few weeks. It often takes approximately three to six months to begin seeing a meaningful difference, and continued improvement may occur beyond that. Some people also experience a temporary increase in shedding when they begin minoxidil. That can be alarming, but it can occur as follicles transition into a new growth cycle." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Who What Wear
The takeaway: consistency matters most. Hair treatments generally need to be used continuously to keep their benefit.
What treatments actually help thinning hair?
Dr. Colombo's guidance centered on options with real evidence behind them.
Topical minoxidil, an FDA-approved over-the-counter treatment, was recommended by both dermatologists in the feature. Dr. Colombo noted that it can prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle and increase hair density and thickness. She also pointed to ketoconazole shampoo as a helpful option:
"Ketoconazole shampoo, which has anti-androgenic properties, can be helpful in treating hair thinning related to androgenetic alopecia. It also treats dandruff, which can cause or aggravate hair loss or thinning." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Who What Wear
On scalp serums, she's honest about where they fall:
"Some may help support scalp and hair health, but I would not put them in the same evidence category as minoxidil." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Who What Wear
And she drew an important line between hair that looks fuller and hair that's actually being treated:
"A volumizing shampoo can make hair appear fuller, for example, but it isn't necessarily treating the biological cause of thinning." Dr. Morgana Colombo, via Who What Wear
A longevity approach to hair health
At Vidaderma, we think about hair the same way we think about skin: consistent, evidence-based care beats quick fixes. Learn more in The Skin Longevity Framework.
Considering an at-home device? Read Dr. Colombo's take on red light therapy for hair growth, as featured in Vogue.
When should you see a dermatologist for thinning hair?
If shedding is persistent or you notice visible changes in your part, hairline, or overall density, a dermatologist can pinpoint the cause and recommend the right treatment.
Book an appointment with Dr. Colombo
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to see results from hair loss treatment?
With an evidence-based treatment like topical minoxidil, Dr. Colombo says it often takes about three to six months to begin seeing a meaningful difference, with continued improvement possible after that.
Is it normal to shed more when starting minoxidil?
It can be. As noted in the Who What Wear feature, a temporary increase in shedding can happen as follicles shift into a new growth cycle.
Do volumizing shampoos help hair grow?
They can make hair look fuller, but as Dr. Colombo notes, they aren't necessarily treating the biological cause of thinning.
