Dermatologist-led hair-loss programme: find the cause before treating
Hair loss is not only hereditary. We examine the scalp under magnification and run blood tests to find the cause, then plan treatment with medication, PRP-LED, low-level laser and hair mesotherapy under medical follow-up, and tell you clearly when a transplant becomes the right choice.
Why find the cause first
Hereditary and hormonal hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause in both men and women, but there is also diffuse shedding (telogen effluvium) after illness, rapid weight loss, childbirth, surgery or severe stress, which usually begins 2–3 months after the event and resolves on its own. Other causes include low iron, thyroid disorders, sex-hormone imbalance (such as PCOS), autoimmune patchy hair loss, scalp inflammation from fungal infection or seborrhoeic dermatitis, and side effects of certain medications. Each cause is treated differently. Using hair-growth medication without testing can waste months while follicles continue to miniaturise.
The examination
Treatment options
| Method | How it works | Frequency | Suited to |
|---|---|---|---|
| Topical or oral minoxidil | Dilates blood vessels and prolongs the growth phase of the hair; low-dose oral minoxidil must be prescribed by a doctor | Daily, ongoing | Hereditary thinning in men and women |
| Finasteride / dutasteride | Lowers DHT, the hormone that miniaturises follicles; the doctor explains side effects and follows up | Daily, ongoing | Men with hereditary thinning (women only in selected post-menopausal cases) |
| PRP-LED™ | Concentrated platelets from your own blood are injected into the thinning area, followed by LED light | Monthly for 3–4 sessions, then every 3–6 months | Alongside medication for those who want faster results or cannot take medication |
| Low-level laser (LLLT) | Red light at 650–670 nm stimulates follicle cell activity | 2–3 times a week | Those who want a pain-free option, used alongside medication |
| Hair mesotherapy | Vitamins, peptides and follicle nutrients injected superficially across the scalp | Every 2–4 weeks for 6–8 sessions | Diffuse shedding, post-partum loss and fine hair |
How women and men differ
Men
Usually a patterned loss with a receding hairline and thinning crown. Responds well to finasteride with minoxidil, and suits a transplant once baldness is established
Women
Usually diffuse thinning with a widening parting while the hairline is preserved. Blood tests for iron, thyroid and hormones come first; main treatments are minoxidil, hair mesotherapy, PRP-LED or PureCells™
After childbirth and while breastfeeding
Heavy shedding 2–6 months after delivery is normal and usually improves on its own. Many medications cannot be used while breastfeeding, so the doctor chooses a suitable approach
Timeline to expect
A transplant should be considered once an area has no remaining follicles, hair loss has been stable for at least 6–12 months and the donor area has enough grafts. Symptoms that need prompt medical attention include sudden round patches of loss, and a scalp that is red, itchy, scaly, painful or scarred, because some conditions cause irreversible follicle loss if treatment is delayed
Prices
| Scalp examination under magnification and doctor consultation History, trichoscopy, photographic record and treatment plan | [ ] |
| Blood tests for the cause of hair loss Ferritin, CBC, thyroid, vitamin D and hormones as indicated | [ ] |
| PRP-LED™ per session Blood draw, platelet separation, injection across the thinning area and LED light | [ ] |
| Hair mesotherapy per session Topical anaesthetic and follicle-nutrient injections across the scalp | [ ] |
Related
PureCells™ follicle-cell injection
A single-session option for diffuse thinning where follicles are still present
Read more →No-shave FUE hair transplant
When an area no longer has follicles
Read more →PRP for skin and hair
Details of how concentrated platelets are prepared from your own blood
Read more →Frequently Asked Questions
Does finasteride really cause sexual dysfunction?
Sexual side effects occur in a minority of users (most studies report around 1–4%) and usually resolve on stopping the medication. The doctor explains this before prescribing, monitors symptoms and offers alternatives if you prefer not to take it.
How many hairs a day is abnormal?
Losing 50–100 hairs a day is normal. If you lose more than that for over 2–3 months, your scalp becomes more visible or your parting widens, it is worth coming in for an examination.
Do I have to take medication for life?
For hereditary hair loss, medication only works while you use it; when you stop, the hair gradually returns to its previous thinness within 6–12 months. Hair loss from temporary causes usually needs no ongoing medication once the cause is corrected.
Are blood tests necessary if my father is bald too?
If the pattern is clearly hereditary in a man, extensive testing may not be needed. In women, in diffuse loss or in unusually rapid loss, blood tests help find treatable causes and avoid wasting time.
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