Hair Loss Assessment & Treatment

Male pattern hair loss is the most common cause of hair loss in men. It occurs when genetically susceptible hair follicles become sensitive to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to progressive miniaturisation of the follicles over time.

Female pattern hair loss is also extremely common and often presents as diffuse thinning over the crown and central scalp rather than a receding hairline. Hormonal changes, genetics and age-related factors can all contribute.

Telogen effluvium is a form of hair shedding that may occur following illness, significant stress, surgery, rapid weight loss, pregnancy, GLP-1 treatment or other physiological stressors. Unlike hereditary hair loss, this often presents as diffuse shedding rather than progressive thinning.

Changes in hormone levels during the perimenopause and menopause can contribute to progressive thinning and reduced hair density. Assessment of hormonal health and wider health factors can be helpful in selected patients.

Polycystic Ovary Syndrome can contribute to hair thinning through hormonal mechanisms and may occur alongside other symptoms such as irregular periods, acne and excess hair growth.

Iron deficiency, low ferritin, vitamin D deficiency, vitamin B12 deficiency and other nutritional issues can contribute to hair loss and excessive shedding.

Hormonal imbalance can contribute to hair loss in both men and women. Potential contributors include thyroid disease, testosterone imbalance, menopause, PCOS and other endocrine conditions.

Certain inflammatory scalp conditions can permanently damage hair follicles if not identified early. Prompt assessment is important where scarring alopecia is suspected.

Blood tests may assess iron and ferritin, vitamin D, vitamin B12 and folate, thyroid function, hormonal health and inflammatory markers. This naturally links to our Blood Testing & Biomarker Assessment service.

For selected patients, more detailed hormone testing may be useful, particularly where hormonal factors are suspected.

Assessment of the scalp and pattern of hair loss can often provide valuable diagnostic information and help determine which treatments are most likely to be successful.

A detailed review of medications, recent illnesses, stress, weight loss, family history and lifestyle factors can often reveal important clues regarding the cause of hair loss.

Finasteride remains one of the most effective treatments for male pattern hair loss. It works by reducing DHT levels and slowing follicle miniaturisation.

Topical finasteride aims to reduce scalp DHT whilst potentially limiting systemic exposure. It may be suitable for selected patients who prefer not to take oral medication.

Low-dose oral minoxidil has become an increasingly popular treatment for both male and female pattern hair loss. It works through a different mechanism and is frequently combined with DHT-blocking treatments.

Topical minoxidil remains a well-established treatment option and can be used alone or in combination with other therapies.

Dutasteride is a more potent DHT blocker than finasteride and may be considered in selected patients where greater suppression of DHT is required.

Increasingly, patients achieve the best outcomes through combination treatment approaches. Examples include finasteride plus minoxidil, dutasteride plus minoxidil, PRP plus medical therapy, mesotherapy plus medical therapy, and hair transplant plus medical therapy.

Dutasteride Mesotherapy involves delivering dutasteride directly into the scalp using a series of superficial injections. The aim is to reduce DHT activity within the scalp and support hair preservation and regrowth.

PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) uses a concentrated preparation of the patient’s own platelets. The growth factors contained within platelets may help stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density in selected patients.

Mesotherapy involves delivering nutrients, vitamins and other therapeutic compounds directly into the scalp. It may be used alongside other hair restoration treatments as part of a broader treatment programme.

Exosome therapy is an emerging regenerative treatment that may support cellular communication and follicular health. The evidence base continues to evolve and treatment decisions should be individualised.

For some patients, hair transplantation may ultimately provide the best cosmetic outcome. A consultation can help determine whether transplantation should be considered and whether medical therapy should be initiated before surgery.

Genetic testing may help assess inherited susceptibility to hair loss and, in some cases, provide insight into likely treatment responses. Emerging pharmacogenomic testing aims to support a more personalised approach to treatment selection, helping identify which therapies may be most appropriate for an individual.

Laser devices and laser caps have become increasingly popular. Whilst generally not considered a replacement for medical treatment, they may have a supportive role in selected patients.

A number of novel treatments are currently being investigated, including new topical anti-androgen therapies, follicle-reactivation treatments and next-generation regenerative therapies. Whilst many remain experimental, the field continues to evolve rapidly.

Dutasteride blocks both subtypes of the enzyme involved and produces a more powerful reduction in scalp DHT than finasteride. For patients who haven’t responded adequately to finasteride, or who want to avoid systemic oral treatment, mesotherapy with dutasteride is a well-evidenced alternative.

Because the medication is delivered locally into the scalp rather than taken orally, systemic absorption is significantly lower than with oral dutasteride. Mild, temporary decreases in libido or erectile function are possible but are much less common than with oral treatment.

PRP uses growth factors derived from your own blood to stimulate follicles, while dutasteride mesotherapy acts on the hormonal mechanism driving follicle miniaturisation. They address different aspects of hair loss and can be used together.

Suitability for women is assessed on an individual basis, and Dr Dan will discuss the evidence and any specific considerations during your consultation.

Hair growth is gradual; most patients see measurable changes in density and thickness within three to six months, with full results requiring a year or more.

After the initial three monthly sessions, a maintenance injection every 90 days is recommended to sustain results. Hair loss will gradually resume if treatment is stopped.

Yes. It can be combined with topical minoxidil, oral treatments where appropriate, and nutritional support.

No, this treatment is available only through private clinics, including The Wright Practice.

A full course of dutasteride mesotherapy is £2,400.

Local anaesthetic cream is applied before the fine-needle injections, so most patients experience only mild discomfort, with some temporary numbness and pinkness in the treated area afterwards.