Often dismissed as a cosmetic issue, hair loss can in fact carry a deep emotional and psychological burden for individuals of all ages, while also signaling complex health concerns that intersect with dermatology, endocrinology, immunology and mental wellbeing.

Fortunately, with continuous advancements in medical science, particularly in dermatology, there is a growing understanding of the diverse causes of hair loss and, more importantly, how to diagnose and treat them effectively.

Facilitating interdisciplinary collaboration, and knowledge exchange, to help advance medicine and patient care, the Department of Dermatology at the LAU Gilbert and Rose-Marie Chagoury School of Medicine convened a wide network of local and international experts, alumni, and clinicians in a symposium on May 3, 2025, at the LAU Medical Center–Rizk Hospital. The event, titled Advances in Hair Disorders, featured specialists in cosmetic, medical and surgical dermatology in children and adults, and dermatopathology—the microscopic study of skin diseases.

The symposium highlighted how hair disorders are increasingly recognized not only as dermatological conditions but also as indicators of broader systemic and psychological health.

From common forms like androgenetic alopecia—baldness or hair thinning— to rarer, more complex presentations such as scarring alopecia and genodermatoses—genetic skin disorders that often involve hair abnormalities—speakers highlighted both diagnostic advancements and therapeutic innovations.

The program unfolded across a rich spectrum of topics, from trichoscopy (a non-invasive technique for examining the scalp and hair) and histopathology (the microscopic study of tissue to aid diagnosis) to pediatric hair disorders, laser therapies, and the latest in hair restoration.

“Some people think hair disorders are trivial, but they’re actually very important—not only for a patient’s physical health, but also for their psychological wellbeing,” said Dr. Zeina Tannous, professor, chair of Dermatology at the school of medicine, and the symposium’s director, emphasizing the profound emotional and social impact of hair loss. Hence, the importance of interdisciplinary collaboration, particularly between dermatology, endocrinology, and immunology, which can reveal hidden connections and lead to earlier, more accurate diagnoses.

In a session dedicated to understanding different types of alopecia, Dr. Elie Saliba, clinical assistant professor at the school unpacked a comprehensive diagnostic approach, differentiating between scarring and non-scarring alopecia.

“Hair loss is considered scarring when the openings where hairs grow are no longer visible,” he explained. Drawing from real-life examples, Dr. Saliba noted that scalp biopsies can uncover important clues about the underlying issue. “You need to understand what’s happening beneath the surface,” he said, which requires technical accuracy and thoughtful analysis.

Adding a global research perspective, Dr. Carlos Gustavo Wambier, associate professor of dermatology and clinician educator in the Department of Dermatology at the Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University, US, delivered a focused update on alopecia areata—hair loss due to an autoimmune condition and the use of Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitors. These are targeted medications that block specific enzymes involved in the body’s inflammatory and immune responses.

To underline the need for early intervention, particularly for patients with over 50 percent scalp hair loss, Dr. Wambier shared compelling cases where patients experienced full regrowth within 12 weeks. Alopecia areata, he noted, was an immune-mediated disease, debunking common misconceptions that it is caused by stress.

Within emerging therapies, Dr. Bader Zimmo, clinical assistant professor and head of the department of dermatology at King Abdulaziz University, discussed the regenerative promise of exosomes in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA)—the most prevalent form of hair loss. These cell-free treatments offer a novel alternative to traditional options, although their widespread use still faces clinical and regulatory hurdles.

On the therapeutic front, Dr. Marc Avram, clinical professor of dermatology at Weill Cornell, reviewed recent medical and surgical advances in treating pattern hair loss, highlighting the benefits of combining therapies like minoxidil, finasteride, PRP, and hair transplants for lasting results.

Turning to more complex cases, Dr. Lynne Goldberg of Boston University provided a detailed update on scarring alopecias, drawing on her leadership of a specialized hair clinic. Her talk emphasized advances in diagnosis and management, reinforcing the need for early detection to prevent permanent follicular damage.

Among the presenters, alumna Dr. Joelle El Hakim (MD ’22) discussed the clinical applications of trichoscopy— a non-invasive diagnostic method that uses a magnifying lens and light—across various conditions, such as androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and scarring alopecia. This method, she said, improves diagnostic accuracy and reduces the need for invasive procedures.

Another notable contribution to genetic hair disorders in children came from Dr. Jinia El-Feghaly (MD ’19), also an alumna, who is a pediatric dermatology specialist at the University of Rochester, US. Dr. El-Feghaly put forward a practical approach to identifying these often-complex conditions, noting that hair can serve as an important indicator of underlying genetic or multisystem diseases linked to embryologic development.

Alumna Dr. Remie Chrabieh (MD ’17), assistant professor of dermatology and pediatrics at the University of Cincinnati and pediatric dermatologist at Cincinnati Children’s Hospital, US, highlighted common hair disorders in children and their impact on both physical and emotional wellbeing and shared practical strategies for diagnosis and treatment.

Dr. Tannous, in turn, stressed the importance of tailored approaches in pediatric cases. “While genetic disorders can certainly manifest through hair in children, the more common causes of hair loss in this age group are usually fungal infections or nutritional deficiencies,” she said. “That’s why it’s critical to approach pediatric hair disorders differently—factoring in not just medical treatment, but also the involvement of family and mental health professionals to support the child holistically.”

With its cross-disciplinary depth and forward-looking discussions, the symposium made a compelling case for recognizing hair disorders as a window into broader health issues and approaching them with scientific rigor and compassion.