Hair Loss Treatment in Calgary
Expert diagnosis. Personalized treatment. Support at home.
Thinning hair, sudden shedding or a new bald patch? Start by finding out why.
Calgary dermatology clinic since 2008 · Led by Dr. Ken Alanen
Find out why your hair is changing, and which treatment makes sense for you.
Hair loss isn't one condition with one solution. A widening part, sudden shedding, a receding hairline and smooth bald patches can each have a different cause. At Derm.ca, our Calgary dermatology team assesses your hair and scalp before recommending treatment, with the clinical evaluation led by dermatologist Dr. Ken Alanen. From there, we tailor your treatment options to your specific diagnosis.
Why Derm.ca
Why choose Derm.ca for hair loss care in Calgary?
Because finding the cause is the first step toward choosing the right treatment.
Derm.ca has cared for Calgary patients with hair loss since 2008. We're a dedicated dermatology clinic led by Dr. Ken Alanen, a board-certified dermatologist. When you come to us for hair loss diagnosis and treatment, we look beyond visible thinning. We assess the pattern of loss, the health of your scalp, and any medical or lifestyle factors that may be contributing.
We look at the whole picture. Depending on your assessment, we may discuss:
- Targeted blood tests
- Prescription treatments
- Corticosteroid injections
- PRP
- At-home hair & scalp routine
Every recommendation is based on your diagnosis and your goals.
We understand that hair loss can affect how you feel about yourself. Our team takes your concerns seriously, explains what each option can and can't do, and reviews your progress so your plan can be adjusted when needed.
YOUR CONSULTATION
A hair loss assessment starts with the cause.
Hair loss can develop gradually or appear suddenly. Here's what to expect when you come in.
01 — Talk it through
Your history
When you first noticed the change, whether you're seeing overall shedding or distinct patches, and any scalp symptoms, health changes, medications or family history that may be relevant.
02 — Take a closer look
Hair & scalp exam
We examine your hair and scalp and may use trichoscopy, a magnified view of the scalp and hair, to look more closely.
03 — Test when indicated
Targeted testing
When indicated, Dr. Alanen may order a targeted blood panel to check for possible medical or nutritional contributors. Some patients may need further investigation, such as a scalp biopsy.
Blood tests are one part of the picture. Your history and scalp exam guide which tests are useful. The goal is to give you a clearer understanding of what's causing your hair loss and which next steps make sense for you.
What we see
Hair and scalp concerns we treat
These symptoms can occur with a number of conditions, including male or female pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), alopecia areata, telogen effluvium (temporary shedding, often after stress or illness) and inflammatory scalp disease.
Because treatments differ, an accurate diagnosis matters, especially when hair loss is rapid, patchy or accompanied by scalp symptoms.
Derm.ca sees women and men concerned about:
- Gradual thinning or a widening part
- A receding hairline, thinning temples or thinning at the crown
- Excessive or sudden shedding
- Round or irregular bald patches
- Hair loss with scalp itching, redness, tenderness or scaling
- Hair changes after illness, childbirth, significant stress, menopause or other health changes
- Shedding during or after rapid weight loss, including while taking GLP-1 medications
Patient results
Treating alopecia areata
Corticosteroid injections
- Diagnosis confirmed by our dermatology team before treatment
- Small injections placed directly into the affected patches
- Progress reviewed at each visit, with the plan adjusted as needed
Individual results vary. Photos are shared with the patient's written permission. Your treatment plan depends on your diagnosis.
Understanding hair loss
What are common causes of hair loss?
Hair loss can have more than one cause. The way it appears, and what was happening in your health before it began, provides important clues.
Inherited pattern hair loss
Gradual thinning at the part, crown or hairline in women or men.
Excessive shedding
More hair may shed after illness, surgery, childbirth, significant stress or rapid weight loss. Often called telogen effluvium.
Hormonal or medical factors
Menopause, thyroid conditions and other health changes may contribute to hair changes in some patients.
Alopecia areata
An immune-related condition that often causes distinct patches of hair loss.
Scalp inflammation or disease
Redness, scaling, itching, pain or tenderness alongside hair loss warrants a closer look. Some inflammatory conditions can lead to permanent hair loss if left untreated.
Breakage or traction
Tight hairstyles and repeated pulling can damage hair or contribute to loss along the hairline.
The same symptom can have different causes. That's why Dr. Alanen considers your history and examines your scalp before recommending tests or treatment.
Treatment
Hair loss treatment options at Derm.ca
Your treatment plan depends on the type of hair loss, your medical history and your goals. We may recommend one treatment or a combination, then review your progress over time.
Prescription
Prescription treatments
For some patients, a topical or oral prescription is an appropriate part of treatment. Dr. Alanen will discuss the options relevant to your diagnosis, how to use them, possible side effects and any follow-up required. A prescription that helps one type of hair loss may not be appropriate for another.
Alopecia areata
Corticosteroid injections for alopecia areata
For suitable patients, Dr. Alanen may recommend intralesional corticosteroid injections, small injections placed directly into the affected patches to reduce inflammation. He'll assess whether injections suit your diagnosis and the extent of your hair loss.
In-clinic
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) for hair loss
PRP is prepared from a sample of your own blood and injected into selected areas of the scalp. It may be considered for certain patients with thinning hair as part of a broader treatment plan. We'll explain the proposed course of treatment, its limitations and what results may be realistic in your case.
In-clinic
In-clinic light therapy
Derm.ca offers TriWave light therapy as an in-clinic option for selected patients. It may be considered alongside other hair loss treatments when it suits your diagnosis and goals. At your consultation, we can discuss whether it belongs in your plan and what a treatment schedule would involve.
HOME CARE
A supportive routine at home.
A consistent hair and scalp care routine can complement your medical plan. The Revoderm Hair Regrowth Routine (shampoo, conditioner and hair serum) is available through Derm.ca for patients who want a gentle, everyday routine.
Our team can help you decide how to use it alongside your treatment, whether that's before, during or after. Home-care products don't replace diagnosis or prescription treatment when these are needed.
Frequently asked questions
Do I need a referral for a hair loss assessment?
For a referred medical dermatology appointment, ask your family doctor to send a referral to Derm.ca. If you don't have a referral, you can book a private hair loss consultation directly. Contact our team for current availability and fees.
What happens at a hair loss consultation?
We discuss your symptoms and medical history, examine your hair and scalp, and consider whether additional testing would help identify the cause. We then go over treatment options suited to your findings.
Does everyone need a blood panel?
No. Dr. Alanen may order targeted blood tests when your history or examination suggests a possible medical or nutritional contributor. The tests selected depend on your individual situation.
Do you assess hair loss in both women and men?
Yes. We assess hair thinning and hair loss in women and men. Your recommended treatment depends on your diagnosis rather than your gender.
What are injections for alopecia areata?
For suitable patients with localized alopecia areata, a dermatologist may inject a corticosteroid into the affected patches. An examination is needed to determine whether this treatment is appropriate for you.
Can I use the Revoderm hair routine with a prescription treatment?
In many cases, yes. A home-care routine can often fit alongside a medical plan. Ask our team how to use the Revoderm Hair Regrowth Routine with any treatment prescribed for your scalp.
Start by finding out why.
Book a hair loss consultation with our Calgary dermatology team.
Derm.ca
4411 16 Ave NW, Suite 242
Calgary, AB T3B 0M3
403-457-1900 (Medical)
Mon–Fri 8:00am–4:45pm
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