Hair Loss & Thinning

Hair grows in cycles, and at any moment most follicles are actively growing while a minority rest and shed. Thinning becomes visible when more follicles shift into the resting phase, or when follicles miniaturise and produce progressively finer, shorter hairs.

Patterns matter. Androgenetic loss usually widens the part or recedes the temples, telogen effluvium sheds diffusely across the scalp a few months after a trigger, and scarring alopecias cause patchy loss with changes to the scalp surface itself. Identifying the pattern is the first step of treatment.

Genetics and hormonal sensitivity to DHT drive most pattern hair loss in both men and women. Other common contributors include thyroid disease, iron deficiency, postpartum hormonal shifts, rapid weight loss, illness, high stress, certain medications and traction from tight styling.

Several factors often overlap. A genetic predisposition can sit quietly for years and then become obvious after a stressful period or a nutritional deficiency pushes more follicles into shedding at once.

Earlier is better. Follicles that have miniaturised can often be revived, but follicles that have been dormant for years may not respond. If your part is widening, your ponytail feels thinner, or you are seeing noticeably more hair in the shower for longer than three months, it is worth an assessment.

Sudden patchy loss, scalp pain, burning, scaling or redness deserves prompt medical review, as scarring alopecias need different and more urgent treatment.

We begin with a scalp and hair assessment, a review of your medical and family history and, where indicated, bloodwork to look for treatable causes such as iron or thyroid abnormalities. Treating the underlying driver is often as important as treating the scalp.

From there we build a plan that may include in-clinic scalp treatments such as microneedling and injectable therapies to stimulate follicles, alongside topical and, where appropriate, prescription support. Everything is chosen for your pattern rather than applied as a standard package.

A typical protocol runs as an initial series over several months followed by maintenance. Consistency is what produces results here: hair responds to sustained stimulation, not to occasional sessions.

Home care is part of the protocol. Gentle handling, an appropriate shampoo routine, adequate protein and iron intake, and treating any scalp inflammation all support what we do in clinic.

Because of the growth cycle, nothing visible happens quickly. Reduced shedding is usually the first sign, often around two to three months. Visible density typically takes six months or more to appear in photographs.

Treatment aims to slow loss, thicken existing hair and reactivate miniaturised follicles. It does not create new follicles, and areas that have been bare for many years generally need surgical options. We will be honest at consultation about which category your scalp falls into.