Misdiagnosis of hair loss type leads to wrong treatment in approximately 28% of cases, which is why a dermatologist visit is one of the most important steps you can take when you notice thinning. Going in prepared with the right questions ensures you get an accurate diagnosis and a treatment plan that actually matches your condition.
This list covers the essential questions to ask, organized by topic, so you leave your appointment with clear answers and a path forward.
Questions About Diagnosis
1. "Is my hair loss actually androgenetic alopecia, or could it be something else?"
This should be your first question. Hair loss has many causes, including telogen effluvium (stress-related shedding), alopecia areata (autoimmune patchy loss), thyroid disorders, and nutritional deficiencies. Each requires a different treatment approach. Your dermatologist may perform a pull test, scalp biopsy, or blood work to confirm the diagnosis.
2. "What Norwood stage am I at right now?"
The Norwood scale classifies male pattern baldness from stage 1 (no significant loss) to stage 7 (most extensive loss). Knowing your stage helps set realistic expectations for treatment outcomes. Each stage has a different graft requirement if you pursue transplant surgery later:
| Norwood Stage | Grafts Needed | Description |
|---|---|---|
| 2 | 800 to 1,500 | Slight temple recession |
| 3 | 1,500 to 2,200 | Deep temple recession, M-shape |
| 3V | 2,000 to 2,800 | Temple recession plus vertex thinning |
| 4 | 2,500 to 3,500 | Further recession, enlarged vertex area |
| 5 | 3,000 to 4,500 | Front and vertex areas narrowing |
| 6 | 4,000 to 6,000 | Bridge between areas lost |
| 7 | 5,500 to 7,500 | Most extensive loss |
3. "How quickly is my hair loss progressing?"
Rate of progression varies significantly. Some men stabilize at Norwood 3 for decades; others progress from Norwood 2 to 5 within a few years. Your dermatologist can use clinical photography and trichoscopy (scalp microscopy) to establish a baseline and track changes over time.
Questions About Medication
4. "Should I start finasteride, and what side effects should I know about?"
Finasteride (1mg daily) is the most effective single medication for androgenetic alopecia. It halts further loss in 80 to 90% of users and produces regrowth in 65% of users. Sexual side effects occur in 2 to 4% of users and are reversible when the medication is discontinued. Ask your dermatologist about your specific risk profile.
5. "Is minoxidil right for my situation, and which concentration?"
Minoxidil is available in 2% and 5% concentrations, applied twice daily. It produces moderate regrowth in 40 to 60% of users, with visible results typically appearing at 4 to 6 months. Common side effects include scalp irritation, initial shedding, and occasional facial hair growth. Ask whether topical or oral minoxidil is better for your pattern.
6. "Would a combination approach work better for me?"
Combining finasteride and minoxidil often produces better results than either medication alone. Ask your dermatologist about adding PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy, which has been shown to increase hair density by 30 to 40% in clinical studies. PRP sessions cost $500 to $2,000 each and typically require 3 to 4 initial sessions.
Questions About Procedures
7. "Am I a good candidate for a hair transplant right now, or should I wait?"
Timing matters. If you are under 25 and still losing hair rapidly, most surgeons recommend stabilizing your loss with medication first. A hair transplant candidacy assessment depends on your donor area density, current Norwood stage, and expected future progression.
8. "Which transplant method would you recommend for my case?"
The three main methods are FUE (up to 5,000 grafts per session, 7 to 10 days recovery), FUT (up to 4,000 grafts, 10 to 14 days recovery), and DHI (up to 3,500 grafts, 7 to 10 days recovery). All achieve 90 to 95% graft survival. Ask which technique best suits your hair type, loss pattern, and lifestyle.
9. "What is the safe extraction limit for my donor area?"
The safe donor extraction limit is 45% of available follicles. Exceeding this threshold risks permanent visible thinning in the donor zone. With an average of 2.2 hairs per graft, your dermatologist can calculate how many grafts are realistically available and whether that is enough to meet your goals.
Questions About Expectations
10. "What results can I realistically expect in 6 months and 12 months?"
Finasteride takes 3 to 6 months to show results. Minoxidil takes 4 to 6 months. Hair transplant results take 9 to 12 months for full growth. Set clear timelines with your dermatologist so you can evaluate whether your treatment plan is working and make adjustments if needed.
How to Prepare for Your Appointment
Bring the following to your visit:
- Family history: Note which relatives experienced hair loss and at what age
- Photos: Take clear photos of your hairline and crown under consistent lighting, monthly for at least 3 months if possible
- Medication list: Include all current supplements and medications
- Timeline: Note when you first noticed thinning and how it has changed
Understanding your hair loss type before your appointment makes the conversation more productive. An AI analysis can give you a preliminary assessment of your causes of androgenetic alopecia and Norwood stage, which you can then verify with your dermatologist.
Medical Disclaimer
This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult a board-certified dermatologist or hair restoration specialist for diagnosis and treatment recommendations specific to your situation.
Get your free AI hair analysis at myhairline.ai/analyze