In this deep-dive edition, Ali and Reem unpack everything you think you know about hair loss and a lot you probably don’t. From sudden shedding to subtle thinning, they break down what’s normal, what’s not, and what’s worth your time (and money). Whether you’re dealing with postpartum fallout or just suspicious of your widening part, this one’s for you.

Expect myth-busting, treatment truths, and a few personal confessions, including a certain derm’s failed mayonnaise mask moment.

⏱️ Highlights

00:02 – Welcome back & intro to the deep-dive format

03:30 – Hair anatomy & growth cycle basics

07:15 – Scarring vs non-scarring: the 2 P’s

09:45 – Telogen effluvium (aka the panic shed)

16:00 – Androgenetic alopecia: what to look for & when to treat

23:30 – Are laser caps legit?

27:00 – PRP: pros, cons, and price

29:10 – Alopecia areata & autoimmune triggers

30:45 – Traction alopecia & side part shame

33:00 – NYC recs: burgers and The Hamptons

34:30 – Final thoughts & scalp massage PSA

Ali and Reem are back from vacation and diving headfirst into a summer-themed episode of Derm Next Door. From debunking scalp DIY disasters to decoding laser lingo and sharing the not-so-glamorous realities of NYC in July, this episode blends skin science with real-life derm takes.

They break down the evidence behind polypodium leucotomos supplements, explain why your apple cider vinegar hair rinse probably isn’t doing much (except stinking), and walk through the lasers you’ve seen on TikTok but never truly understood. Also: hypochlorous acid spray—is it just diluted bleach or a post-Pilates lifesaver? And finally, in their signature Ask the Derms segment, they reveal what procedures they actually do, what they’re planning next, and how they stay cool in the city while still looking hot.

00:02 – What’s Hot Polypodium leucotomos 101 — the supplement for sun protection, melasma, and a little extra antioxidant armor. Shout-out to Inner Glow Gummies and our dearly missed Heliocare samples.

06:48 – Bothered: Scalp DIY Disasters From apple cider vinegar to mayonnaise, we unpack the wild kitchen treatments patients bring into the clinic — and why derms are collectively saying: please stop.

14:52 – Still Bothered: Rosemary Oil & Other Scalp Trends. Does rosemary oil actually grow hair? And what about scalp massage, amla oil, and Giselle’s no-brush routine?

19:15 – Derm in the Wild: Tina Fey Said Lasers. We break down the laser lexicon (PDL, Fraxel, IPL/BBL, Halo) and throw in some hot takes on medspas.

25:43 – Science or Scam: Hypochlorous Acid Spray. Our verdict? It’s a win. We explain what it is (dilute bleach, kind of), what it’s good for, and when to definitely not DIY it.

29:32 – Ask the Derms: Summer Survival + Maintenance Routines. Cooling hacks (parasol chic, subway hell), our honest maintenance treatments (Botox, PRP, cycling actives), and why we’re Fraxel-forward this winter.

33:15 – NYC Moments. Our favorite recent recs: Russ & Daughters, Hen House, Cafe Colmado, The Fulton at sunset, Serotonin smoothies, La Crueset cookware, soft girl bookshops, and Reem's love of fusion restaurants and container store (#TaurusCore)

36:35 – Coming Soon + Sign Off. We’re back on a more regular schedule (finally) until later in August when Reem’s off to Qatar to teach derm, and Ali’s off to Ibiza to teach… beach.

• 00:02 – Welcome back to Derm Next Door! Your fave NYC derm duo is back with Episode 5. Let’s get into it.
• 00:55 – HOT: Vitamin C — she’s not new, but she’s still That Girl.
• 03:08 – Favorite serums: Dr. Idriss, CE Ferulic, Silymarin… and some that smell like hot dog water.
• 06:35 – Drugstore dupes, Sephora staples, and why Amazon is the Wild West of skincare.
• 09:50 – Vitamin C fails: oxidized goo, milia, and the great orange face rub incident.
• 12:42 – BOTHERED: Kava (with a K) is trending… and giving people lizard skin. Let’s discuss.
• 15:56 – SIDE-EYEING: Nutrafol. The pills are massive. The price? Offensive. The science? Funded by… Nutrafol.
• 21:10 – Hair analysis testing? Sounds sciency. Is actually a scam. Full stop, period.
• 24:45 – Real talk: how we actually evaluate and treat hair loss (spoiler: it’s not with a $300 supplement). More in-depth discussion in future episode
• 27:05 – Derm in the Wild: Lindsay Lohan’s skincare routine. Is it really just pickled beets and olive oil?
• 30:50 – Science or Scam: The “hair analysis” hustle — we said what we said.
• 33:00 – Ask the Derms:
  • Facial massage: helpful or just TikTok-y?
  • Postpartum stretch marks: what helps and what’s a waste
  • Pregnancy-safe skincare: what’s in, what’s out, and what’ll make your OB panic
• 36:38 – NYC Moments:
  • The duo finally defines their friendship dynamic—Reem is the golden retriever, Ali is the black cat, and somehow it works. Balance, baby.
  • Reem’s full moon sound bath, gelato with figs, viral cinnamon rolls in the rain, and Circle Line sunset cruise 🛥️
  • Ali's LES pizza pockets, Greenpoint drinks and cool moms, Koreatown eats and drinks, and New Yorkers proving (once again) that they’re the friendliest people on Earth 🗽❤️