The Private Clinic

Rediscover the most beautiful you

Search for a treatment
02033256555

Hair Loss

Male and Female Hair Loss

by Leave a Comment

What is hair loss?

Hair loss may also be referred to as alopecia or baldness. It is simply when the hair is lost from an area on the scalp and very little or no hair continues to grow in that area. Hair loss can affect both males and females, but it does tend to be more common in men.

What causes hair loss?

The causes of hair loss will vary from person to person. They can range from something temporary such as deficiency or stress to something more complex like an underlying health condition.

In most cases hair loss is a result of ageing and predetermined genetic factors that are unavoidable. Other causes can include stress, illness, trauma, diet and hormonal changes such as pregnancy and the menopause in females. Health conditions that can impact hair loss include anaemia and thyroid disease.

Who can treat hair loss?

Your GP may be the first place you visit to get treatment for hair loss. In most cases they may take a look at your medical background and potentially suggest some blood tests to rule out any underlying conditions. Treatment via your GP however may be limited so when it comes to treating hair loss in particular, we would highly recommend visiting a trichologist or dermatologist. A trichologist specialises in scalp issues and hair loss. They can help with hair loss, scalp problems and even hair texture issues and are able to treat any type of hair. During a trichologist consultation they will go through your medical health, lifestyle choices, allergies, nutrition, medications and family history before performing a thorough hair and scalp examination. A trichologist will then be able to determine a diagnosis or cause of hair loss and discuss a treatment plan. At The Private Clinic, we are the first to offer an advanced hair loss DNA test known as the Fagron TrichoTest™. This test helps to support healthcare professionals to personalise their hair loss treatments. It is a genetic test that just requires taking a saliva sample and filling out a questionnaire. The results will then be able to identify the genetic gene mutation that is carried and how any lifestyle factors may be contributing to hair loss. The rest is also able to provide several treatment recommendations to help tackle the gene mutation and protect the existing hair.

The hair loss DNA Tricho test is available in our London Harley Street, Leeds, Northampton, Bristol and Manchester clinics with Hair Transplant surgeons Mr Michael Mouzakis and Dr Luca De Fazio.

Another option is to see a dermatologist who are doctors that specialise in problems with the skin, nails and hair/scalp. A dermatologist will be able to offer a more advanced diagnosis for hair loss compared to a GP and offer patients a more bespoke treatment plan depending on the specific type of hair loss.

What are the different types of hair loss?

When it comes to diagnosing hair loss, there are a lot of different variations and conditions. A scalp examination will show if the hair loss is due to the destruction and loss of hair follicles which usually is categoristic of scarring or cicatricial alopecia. If the scalp appears normal, then this is known as non-scarring hair loss as the hair follicles remain in the area of loss but are just empty.

The next symptom to look for is if the hair loss is patchy and specific to one area or if it is affecting a larger area of the scalp which is known as diffuse hair loss.

Common types of patchy hair loss include;

  • Trichotillomania – This occurs when the hair is repeatedly twisted or pulled out.
  • Alopecia Areata – This appears as small circular patches on the scalp which are usually temporary.
  • Traction Alopecia – This occurs when the hair is repeatedly pulled back into tight ponytails or braids.
  • Tinea Capitis – This is caused by a fungal infection.

Common types of diffuse hair loss include;

  • Protein Malnutrition – Hair loss that is caused by a lack of protein in the diet.
  • Drug-Induced Alopecia – Hair loss that is caused by medication such as beta-blockers, warfarin and antidepressants.
  • Pattern Alopecia – Hair loss that follows male pattern hair loss and can be predicted using the Norwood scale. Female pattern hair loss also exists and is classified using the Ludwig scale.
  • Systemic Disease-Induced Alopecia – Hair loss that is caused by conditions endocrine disease.

What treatments are available for hair loss?

Treating hair loss can be difficult and there is a big market of products that all claim to help with hair regrowth. At The Private Clinic we recommend a few different variations of medication that have shown to be effective at slowing down hair loss but without surgery, it is unlikely that anything can reverse hair loss.

Treatment Description
Finasteride Propecia is FDA approved for men with androgenic hair loss to use. More commonly known as Propecia, the medication helps to reduce hair loss by reducing the levels of DHT (dihydrotestosterone) in the body. DHT is a leading cause for male pattern baldness and over time can result in long-term hair loss. Finasteride’s purpose is to maintain the hair that remains rather than restore lost hair and is to be used long-term. Finasteride is not suitable for women as their hair loss is not caused by male hormone testosterone.
Minoxidil Minoxidil is FDA approved to be used for hair loss in both men and women. Also known as Regaine it comes as a liquid or a foam which must be applied the scalp twice a day. Although the scientific mechanism behind Minoxidil is not fully understand, it is known to be effective at increasing the blood flow around hair follicles, reversing the miniaturisation of follicles, stimulating the follicle moment to the growth phase and extending the growth phase. Minoxidil is designed to be used long term and can take several months of use before results are noticed.

 
Hair Transplant A hair transplant is a great option for those looking to restore their hair loss. Healthy hair follicles are taken from the back of the scalp which is resistant to DHT and they are replaced into the areas of balding including the hairline, temples and crown. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) Hair transplants involve taking each hair follicle individually using a punch device and Follicular unit transplant (FUT) hair transplants involve cutting and removing a strip of the scalp and taking the hair follicles from this section. Hair transplants will not stop hair loss from progressing in other areas and multiple treatments may be required. Hair transplants are more common in males as only a small percentage of women are suitable.

 

Other options to help conceal hair loss include a change of hair style, hair-fibre powders or sprays and hair pieces or wigs. These are all temporary measures but for those only experiencing temporary hair loss it is enough to avoid any unwanted attention or feeling uncomfortable with the appearance of hair loss.

Is hair loss different for men and women?

As mentioned above, hair loss can affect both men and women. Female hair loss tends to affect the whole head and is better described as hair thinning. Hair loss in women is more likely to be down to an underlying cause than compared to men. Underlying causes that can affect female hair loss include anaemia, polycystic ovary syndrome and thyroid disease. Female hair loss of thinning can also be a result of hair styles that cause the hair to be pulled back tightly which is less common in men.

Hair Loss treatment at The Private Clinic

At The Private Clinic we pride ourselves in our selection of expert staff, with over 35 years of experience, you can rest assured that you’re in the hands of professionals. Our Trichologists are all qualified members of the Institute of Trichologists;

We also have an expert Consultant dermatologist, Dr Rishika Sinha MB BChir, MA, MRCP; GMC Number: 6092256 who consults from our London Harley Street clinic.

Our team of Hair Transplant Doctors and Surgeons

To find out more about hair loss treatments or to book an appointment, please call 0333 920 2471 or use or hair loss online contact form.

What are the signs for thinning hair?

by Leave a Comment

With the recent emotional outpouring from Nadia Sawalha from Loose Women regarding her hair loss fears and the confession from Ronnie Wood refusing chemotherapy in case he lost his hair, it seems that the fear of losing one’s locks is still a very emotive issue for many.  And one that is being increasingly thrust into the spotlight. This is good news for many as those suffering with hair loss or thinning may have felt alone in their struggles before.

What should you do if you feel you are losing hair?” The important thing here is not to fear the worst!” says Jane Mayhead, Senior Trichologist.

Top signs for thinning hair can include;

Hair Clumps – We are all prone to some natural ‘hair fall’ and you will probably notice this as your brush your hair or in the shower after washing your hair, but in some cases you may notice a little more than your normal level of hair loss. If you run your fingers through your hair and come away with clumps of hair rather than a few strands then your hair is likely to be thinning.

Bald Patches – If you are experiencing what you feel is more than a natural hair fall then another sign to look for is areas of concentrated hair loss than may be creating thin areas of hair or even bald patches.

Weight – If you have thicker hair then the weight of your hair is a big giveaway for any changes that may be occurring. If you notice your hair feeling lighter, then this could be due to thinning.

Visible Scalp – Traditionally women tend to loose hair from the top of their heads near their partings unlike men who usually start to lose it from the front initially. If you have noticed that the width of your parting has changed or that your scalp is more visible than normal then you may be experiencing hair thinning.

Styling Problems – If you usually wear your hair in a ponytail then you may notice it starting to feel thinner than normal. You may also find you have to take more turns of your hair tie to secure it

“Thinning hair for both men and women can be a very emotional and often difficult to predict but just because you see an increase of shedding hair or feel your hair is not as thick as it was there’s no reason to feel in despair, talking to a Trichologist can be of great benefit in many ways”, advises Jane.

“In most cases hair loss or thinning is not serious. Indeed, even with chemotherapy hair loss, the hair returns to how it was after the treatment has finished in the vast majority of cases. There is also a new type of cold cap on the horizon making hair loss even less likely”

“We are here for emotional support and provide practical solutions for a varied range of hair loss issues with reassurance being the most common. Every case is different but in the vast majority of cases treatment or stability can be achieved if proper diagnosis is found in good time. Certainly, prevention is better than cure so checking the issue in the early stages is crucial! “

We only work with highly recognised, Trichology professionals certified by the Institute of Trichologists to get the best results for your needs.

Beginning with a thorough medical examination, your personal trichologist will analyse your hair problem and diagnose what the underlying issue is. They will advise on the most suitable treatment for your needs; be it medication, topical creams, nutritional rebalancing, or referral to one of The Private Clinic’s in-house Hair Transplant Surgeons or Dermatologists and will help you make sure your results are worthwhile and long-lasting.

Hair loss consultations are available in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.

Is balding negatively affecting your work life?

by Leave a Comment

Did you know the average person can shed anywhere up to 100 strands of hair each day? Knowing this result makes finding hair strands at the bottom of your shower, or on your hairbrush seems like nothing to raise an eyebrow about – but what happens when you start noticing a few more extra strands?

When your hair follicles become damaged or stressed it can cause them to essentially die and become inactive for long periods of time. This means that any hair loss is no longer replaced and with your existing strands falling out in larger quantities, this may be the time to seek guidance.

Male pattern baldness is the most common type of hair loss in men and is often referred to as androgenic alopecia. By the time you reach fifty you will notice a significant change in your hair with your hair line naturally receding and your hair being thinner. For some however, these changes can happen as early as the age of twenty-one which is not unusual for someone suffering from male pattern baldness.

So with younger men finding themselves faced with this problem, what effect is it having on their work life?

The most common side effect of hair loss and baldness is loss of confidence. It can make the most outgoing person feel more restrained or withdrawn for the sake of not wanting to draw attention to their appearance. Whilst your co-workers, managers or clients are unlikely to be judging you based on your thinning hair – it is likely to be your own feelings about your hair loss that may affect you in a work place environment.

Media and culture have created some really negative feelings over hair loss and over appearances in general. Hair is something that men as well as women use and style in their own personal ways to make themselves feel more attractive and/or well-presented in the office for example.  Hair loss is associated with ageing and sometimes even poor health and as a result these connotations can cause some psychological effects with many businessmen and executives who find themselves dealing with self-esteem issues.

In many industries confidence is key so this can have a devastating effect on your work. Hair loss and balding are not likely to directly affect your job but feelings of anxiety and low self-esteem can. You may find yourself missing work days, lacking confidence in meetings and not putting yourself forward for promotions or additional work and unfortunately, it is not uncommon for men to find themselves changing their career paths because of their hair loss.

So what can be done?

If it is apparent that hair loss is negatively affecting your professional life then it is time to take action.

An FUE Hair Transplant involves removing healthy hair follicles from your donor area of healthy hair (which is usually at the back of the head )where the hair is plentiful and grafting them into the balding or thinning areas.

BBC Business News Reporter, Theo Leggett visited us to discuss a hair transplant to help fix his hair loss.

Unfortunately Theo was not a suitable candidate for hair loss at his stage of hair loss but in the radio interview which can be found here; http://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/p058zhr0 at 12 minutes in.

Theo is not alone however with 75-80% of people are not actually suitable for a hair transplant and this usually comes down to how healthy your donor hair is.

Theo interestingly goes on to comment how there is a surge in bald celebrities that make the appearance of baldness more accepted and many have succeeded in becoming icons of cool despite their lack of locks. Nick Carvell, associate style editor at GQ magazine has also said that there are plenty of men in the public eye who don’t have a single hair on their head and that there are plenty of role models for bald men out there who have been so successful in different fields of work.

We are big supports of this, after all our motto is “it’s your body” so if you find a way to be comfortable and thrive in it then that is the route for you. However if you know that a hair transplant is going to give you that confidence boost and complete your look then we are here to offer you conscientious and personalised medical treatment.

If you are experiencing hair loss and it is in its early stages the best thing is to visit one of our highly recommended trichologists who will be able to assess and diagnose the extent of your hair loss and recommend further action.

As proven by Theo’s visit, sometimes waiting too long can inhibit your chances of being accepted for a hair transplant so we think it’s better to come in early and have more options open to you.

Hair Loss DNA Test

The Fagron Tricho test is a genetic hair loss DNA test that combines the analysis of genetic variations, lifestyle factors to help patients understand the cause of their hair loss. Once the cause of hair loss is known, it is easier to protect the existing hair follicles through topical, oral or surgical treatment options. One of our hair loss experts will work with you to put together a personal treatment plan to offer you the to help preserve your hair.

The Private Clinic

  • Minimally invasive treatment, carried out under local anaesthetic.
  • We use the finest instruments, resulting in as minimal trauma to your scalp as possible.
  • Highly experienced Hair Transplant Surgeons who have many years of experience in FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and treat hundreds of patients every year.
  • No stitches are required after treatment meaning recovery time is reduced compared to Strip (FUT) surgery.
  • Our advanced skills, methods and techniques mean results can be undetectable.
  • Minimal scarring post-surgery means you’ll be free to wear your hair long or short afterwards.
  • We ensure that only the strongest, healthiest follicles are selected for your transplant procedure by working by hair, not per graft.
  • Hair is implanted in the direction that matches your hair growth meaning your results will look natural, with denser packing.
  • 24 hour patient helpline.
  • Comprehensive patient information.
  • Outstanding clinic facilities.
  • Excellent reputation for patient safety and satisfaction, honest advice and outstanding care means your journey with The Private Clinic will be an exciting experience to a newfound head of hair.
  • Our surgeons are the only surgeons in the UK offering the Unshaven Hair Transplant (U-FUE) to those who prefer not to shave beforehand. At your consultation, we will be able to advise you on whether an unshaven procedure is suitable for you.
  • View our before and after results gallery
  • Find out more information in our blogs
  • Read our extensive FAQs
  • Hear from previous Hair Transplant patients in our patient stories and videos
  • We have clinics nationwide in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Leeds, Manchester and Northampton.

Our specialist hair transplant surgeons

To book a consultation or get some more information on hair transplants please call 0333-920-2471 or use our hair transplant online contact form.

What you need to know about female pattern baldness

by Leave a Comment

Did you know that about one-third of women will experience hair loss at some time in their lives? Female hair loss and baldness can be very distressing for women who find themselves with the condition. The quicker you realise and get treated, the sooner you will be able to stop the loss and potentially even regrow the hair.

What is female pattern baldness?

Female pattern baldness can also be referred to as androgenetic alopecia which is hair loss in women. Hair loss is normal and expected for women especially as you age with the majority of women experiencing it after menopause.

What cause female pattern baldness?

Hair loss is usually in your genetics with many parents passing their hair loss issues down to their children so if your mother or grandmother experienced hair loss then it is highly likely that you will too at some point in your life. Female pattern baldness can also be as result of hormones with many women experiencing hair loss after menopause.

Causes for hair loss can vary between women, a trichologist will be able to run a series of tests and look at your lifestyle to reveal what the potential causes of your hair loss may be.

What does female pattern baldness look like? 

Female pattern baldness can be defined into three stages which forms the Ludwig Classification system;

Stage 1; Thinning around your parting
Stage 2; Increased thinning of the parting resulting in a wider parting appearance
Stage 3; Thinning throughout the head of hear with a noticeable see-through area around the crown of the head

Women are much less likely to go completely bald, but you will notice thinning throughout the hair as your hair follicles start to shrink resulting in thin and fragile hair that is susceptible to breakage. A usual loss of 50 to 100 hairs a day is surprisingly normal for women but if you are experiencing hair loss then this will be much more.

Can it be treated?

Although female pattern baldness is not treatable, proper treatment will be able to stop the hair loss and potentially help to regrow lost hair too. The majority of treatments usually require you to stay on them long-term otherwise your hair will eventually return to its previous state once you stop.

There are a variety of medications such as Minoxidil, Finasteride and Spironolactone that may be prescribed to you which aim to help regrow and thicken hair in women. These will be discussed with you by your prescriber as some do come with their own side effects which you certainly need to be aware of before taking a course of them.

On seeing a trichologist they will take information about your lifestyle making notes on the potential aspects that are not helping your hair loss so things like quitting smoking, reducing treatments that damage your hair such as straightening and eating healthily will all help to reduce the scale of your hair loss.

In some cases your trichologist may suggest that the best way of resolving your hair loss issues is to undergo a hair transplant. Here at The Private Clinic we have some of the most experienced Hair Transplant Surgeons in Europe who are able to offer the most advanced method of hair restoration called FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) and they will be able to assess your suitability and what results to expect from the procedure.

Is it possible to prevent female pattern baldness?

Unfortunately it is not always possible to prevent female pattern baldness, especially if it is genetic. There are a few ways you can help keep your hair healthy however and prevent it from excessive breakage and loss. These include; eating a healthy diet which includes plenty of iron, don’t smoke, ask your doctor if any medications you are taken have hair loss as a side effect, restricting sun exposure and avoiding treatments such as bleaching, perming and straightening that can break and damage the hair.

 

The Private Clinic
We only work with highly recognised Trichology professionals certified by the Institute of Trichologists to get the best results for your needs. Our elite team has advanced knowledge of hair loss and are able to utilise years of experience to ensure they find the best treatment plan for you. They work in collaboration with our industry-leading hair surgeons and renowned dermatologists, to ensure results are not only noticeable, but also long-lasting.

Hair loss consultations are available in London Harley Street, Birmingham, Bristol, Manchester, Leeds and Glasgow.

What is the Male Pattern Hair Loss Norwood Scale? Part 1

by Leave a Comment

If you are looking into hair transplant procedures especially here at The Private Clinic you may have heard of the Norwood scale being referenced. If you are suffering with hair loss then you may already be familiar with the Norwood scale but for others this may be an unfamiliar way of defining the stage of your hair loss.

Male Pattern Hair Loss Norwood Scale

We have spoken to experienced Hair Restoration doctor, Dr Mark Tam who deals with stages 1 – 3 of the Norwood scale.

Dr Tam’s Quick Fact: Norwood scale was actually one of the many classifications of pattern hair loss, and you know, it has been there since 1975. Yup 42 years ago!!  OK, Norwood scale has 1-7, today let’s have a look at the first 3 stages, where it is likely to have the most noticeable changes to the way that you look at yourself.

Norwood Scale 1 Hair Loss
This is the earliest stage of the Norwood scale to classify a normal or minimal recession of the hairline.

If you have just noticed your hairline has gone back slightly or if it is starting to look thinner then you will most likely be in this stage

A trichologist will be able to check your pattern of hair loss and recommend appropriate treatments which will most likely be topical medication or non-surgical therapy. Take note, if you know that you have a strong family history of hair loss and you take no actions now, it is possible that you will continue proceed to next stages of the Norwood scale. Prevention is always better, so they say…

Noorwood Scale 2 Hair Loss
At this stage you will have noticed triangular and normally symmetrical areas of hairline recession at the frontal (front of the head) and temporal (on your temples) sections of your hairline.

This is when you start to notice that your facial framing ratio has started to changed. A trichologist will be able to advice you on therapies of controlling future hair loss. The history of hair loss that runs in the family will determine your likelihood of significant future hair loss. A consultation with a hair transplant doctor may be useful to see if you are suitable for a hair transplant procedure but only if you feel strongly about restoring your temples or hairline at this stage. Don’t be surprised if some doctors say that it is too early for a hair transplant and may not achieve the best results.

Noorwood Scale 3 Hair Loss
If you are at Norwood scale 3 you will see very clearly that your temples have receded deeper. It is likely that your hairline and temples have receded past an imaginary line between your ear canal and over your scalp.

You may find that you are not able to style your hair how you used to and hopefully no one has mentioned it to you in an insensitive way. If you are happy with the way it is and wish to keep your hair as it is, a trichologist is your friend. If you are looking to restore the temples or have your hairline filled in then a visit to the hair transplant doctor should be able to help you with your restoration project! If you have a particular hairline that you are looking for, you can bring a photo too, but the doctor may advice a different one base on your shape of forehead, availability of donor hairs and naturalness of the design, (yes, keeping it natural is equally important!!) I like to say that if you are in doubt ask your mum, mums know best!

hair transplant before after photo results

The Private Clinic
Our specialist hair transplant surgeons – Dr. Raghu Reddy and Dr Luca De Fazio in London Harley Street , Dr. Mark Tam in Leeds and Bristol, Dr. Michael Mouzakis in Birmingham, Manchester, Bristol, Leeds and Northampton and Mr Doraisami Mohan in Birmingham and Leeds offer the most advanced, minimally invasive Hair Transplant techniques available today – leaving no visible scarring or linear scar at the back of the head. You can wear your hair however you want after your procedure and get back to your daily life as quickly as possible with minimal fuss and discomfort.

Female Hair Loss and Treatment Options

by Leave a Comment

When it comes to issues with the female hair, the instinct is usually to speak to your hairdresser. But did you know that that often the source too many hair problems, especially hair loss can normally be down to the lifestyle you lead rather than the type of shampoo and conditioner you are using.

This is why we highly recommend seeing one of our trichologist from our specialist team here at The Private Clinic.

We have spoken to Jane Mayhead, Senior Trichology Consultant at The Private Clinic to get her views on a few common questions.

How does hair loss for women differ from hair loss in men?
Women’s hair loss tends to be far more complicated and varied in its types and causes than what is seen in men. In most cases the cause of male hair loss is down to ‘Male Pattern Baldness’. Of course women can also suffer with the equivalent problem, which is termed ‘Female Pattern Hair Loss’ but the difference between them is the type of ‘pattern’ it takes and it does not generally occur until after the menopause. In women overall a variety of other influences can be present and therefore need to be excluded.

As many as 1 in 3 women can suffer a type of hair loss or fall at some point in their life. This does not always indicate baldness or a severe loss of hair and can in most cases be considered recoverable. This type of hair fall tends to manifest as an increase in hair fall and a decrease in all over density rather than areas of thinning or baldness.

What treatments other than FUE Hair Transplants are offered for women with thinning hair or hair loss?

Treatment for women’s hair loss must start with determining the presence of underlying factors first. So much can influence healthy hair growth patterns that this must be where treatment begins.

Once underlying factors have been established the next area of treatment is nutritional. It has long been said that “A healthy balanced diet is essential for good hair growth”. The situation can often be made worse by a poor diet whatever the main underlying issue is. Supplements can be helpful but there are so many, with such differing ingredients it is so difficult to decide on the best for you without proper guidance.

Other treatments for women can include clinical treatments and topical lotions. These options need to be applied with guidance for the individuals need and for the best results.

Hair Loss DNA Test

The Fagron Tricho test is a hair loss DNA test that is designed to support healthcare professionals in being able to personalise hair loss treatments for their patients. The test which is suitable for both men and women will combine the analysis of genetic variations, lifestyle factors and literature related to hair loss treatment before recommending appropriate treatment options through topical, oral or surgical solutions. The TrichoTest is a great way to help you understand your hair loss and have one of our experts put together a personal treatment plant to attempt to preserve your hair.

Why would seeing a trichologist benefit me?
Advice on hair loss, its causes and treatments are in abundance however, what might work for one may not work well for another. This is where a Trichologist can be of great benefit. They will be able to help you with establishing your type of hair loss, any underlying factors and how to deal with the problem in the most effective way.

The Private Clinic
Jane graduated from the Institute of Trichologists in 1993 and has since worked at some of the UK’s most respected hair clinics and makes up part of our skilled team of trichologists here at The Private Clinic;

Jane Mayhead based at our London Harley Street Clinic
Denise Knight in Leeds