Hair cosmetics, styling, and processing

Hair cosmetics, styling, and processing play key roles in caring for patients with hair loss. Overall, maintaining a healthy scalp and good haircare practices are imperative to the regimen and clinical counseling of patients with alopecia. Shampooing and conditioning, along with limited heat styling and processing, are particularly important. Creating the illusion of volume or using topical camouflaging agents or alternate hair styles may provide additional benefit to patients with hair-loss. Risks of hair cosmetics include hair breakage, contact dermatitis, folliculitis, and traction alopecia. Good patient-physician communication and education are key to treatment success and patient satisfaction.