Online dermatologist for hair loss.
A board-certified dermatologist evaluation of why you are losing hair and what can realistically help. Hair loss has many causes, and treatment works best when the diagnosis is right — a comprehensive visit takes time to understand your history and build a longitudinal plan.
Medically reviewed by Gibran Shaikh, MD, FAAD· Last reviewed September 2026
Board-certified dermatologist · Clinical Instructor, Dermatology, Mount Sinai
4.76/5 from 500+ patient reviews on Zocdoc
Who this consultation is for
- Patterned thinning at the crown, temples, or part
- Diffuse shedding over recent months
- Post-partum or stress-related shedding
- Prior treatments that have not produced results
- Uncertainty about the cause of hair loss
Symptoms and situations
- Widening part or visible scalp
- Recession at the temples or crown
- Increased shedding when washing or brushing
- Scalp itch, tenderness, redness, or scaling
- Changes in hair texture or density
What Dr. Shaikh will review
- Timeline, family history, and pattern of loss
- Medications, medical conditions, and recent stressors
- Nutrition, prior laboratory testing, and hormonal factors
- Scalp symptoms suggestive of inflammation or scarring alopecia
- Prior treatments and how you tolerated them
Potential treatment categories
Treatment is individualized. Categories below may be discussed when clinically appropriate. No prescription or specific outcome is guaranteed.
- Topical and oral minoxidil discussion
- Finasteride or dutasteride evaluation when appropriate
- Spironolactone evaluation in appropriate patients
- Nutritional and laboratory workup guidance
- Referral for in-person evaluation, biopsy, or procedures when needed
When video care may not be appropriate
Some presentations require in-person examination, dermoscopy, biopsy, procedures, or urgent evaluation. If video care is not appropriate, Dr. Shaikh will explain when in-person evaluation is recommended.
- Suspected scarring alopecia that may require a scalp biopsy
- Active scalp infection or severe inflammation
- Findings that require in-person dermoscopy or examination
What the $250 visit includes
A comprehensive live video consultation with Dr. Shaikh — not an asynchronous topical pathway.
- A 30-minute live video visit directly with Dr. Shaikh
- Review of your history, scalp findings on video, and prior treatments
- A written longitudinal plan with realistic expectations
- Prescriptions sent to your pharmacy when clinically appropriate
- Guidance on laboratory testing or in-person referral if needed
Medication, laboratory testing, and follow-up visits are not included unless explicitly stated.
Common questions
- Can hair loss be diagnosed over video?
- Many common causes can be evaluated over video with a good history, close-up views of the scalp on camera, and review of prior treatments. Some presentations require in-person examination or a scalp biopsy to reach a diagnosis.
- Will I be prescribed finasteride or minoxidil?
- When clinically appropriate, treatments such as topical or oral minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride, or spironolactone may be discussed. No prescription is guaranteed at any visit.
- How long before I see results?
- Most hair-loss treatments require 6–12 months of consistent use before meaningful change is visible. Ongoing maintenance is typically required.
- Do you order laboratory testing?
- When indicated, Dr. Shaikh may recommend laboratory testing to evaluate contributing causes. Testing is billed separately from the consultation.
Online dermatology available in 13 states
Eligibility follows the state you are physically located in on the day of the appointment, not your mailing address. See where care is available by state — including New York, Florida, Texas, Illinois and Arizona.
Reviewed by a board-certified dermatologist
This page was written and medically reviewed by Gibran Shaikh, MD, FAAD. Board-certified dermatologist · Fellow of the American Academy of Dermatology. Last reviewed September 2026. This information is educational and does not replace an individual consultation, diagnosis, or treatment plan.