Frequently Asked Questions

What causes hair loss in men?

Androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness (MPB) is the main cause of hair loss in men. There are many other factors that can cause hair loss such as certain diseases, reaction to medications and stressful life events, however the most common cause is genetic susceptibility. 

What causes hair loss in females?

Hair loss in women can be genetic or caused by psychological stress, a medical condition or medical treatment. Hair loss is common side effect of chemotherapy, and around 50% of women lose more hair than usual after they've given birth.

What is hair growth cycle and how is it affected by hormones?

Each strand of hair is subject to a three-phase growth cycle. These phases are:

• ANAGEN (GROWING) STAGE. During the anagen stage the hair follicle is going through a growth period. This can last between two to six years. The average hair growth is approximately 6 inches in length annually.
• CATAGEN (INTERMEDIATE) STAGE. The catagen stage is the intermediate period of hair life and marks the end of hair growth. 
• TELOGEN (RESTING OR SHEDDING) STAGE. This phase last approximately two to three months before the hair is shed and is replaced by a new hair.

Male pattern baldness affects the hair growth process by making the effects of the catagen, phase more pronounced. DHT, the androgenic hormone that causes male pattern baldness, inhibits and reduces the proper growth of hair follicles in a process called ‘miniaturisation’. ‘Miniaturisation’ affects genetically-susceptible hair follicles resulting in lighter, finer hairs. In time this results in hair follicles shrinking and eventually failing to produce hair growth.

What is normal hair loss?

The average adult head has about 100,000 to 150,000 hairs which loses up to 100 hairs a day

What are the different types of hair loss(alopecia)?

These include:

• Involutional alopecia refers to the natural ageing process of the hair. Our hair gradually thins with age, more hair follicles go into the resting phase, and the remaining hairs become shorter and fewer in number. 
• Androgenic alopecia is a genetic condition that can affect both men and women. Men typically develop male pattern baldness due to hair loss which can start as early as in the teens or early 20s. Male baldness is characterised by a receding hairline and a gradual disappearance of hair from the crown of the head and the front of the scalp. Women develop female pattern baldness usually in their 40s or later. There is a general thinning over the entire scalp, with the most extensive hair loss affecting the crown of the head. 
• Alopecia areata creates patchy hair loss which typically occurs in children and young adults and in some cases can result in complete baldness (alopecia totalis). It is thought to be caused by the immune system damaging the hair follicles. In 90% of individuals affected by the condition hair growth returns within a few years. 
• Alopecia universalis causes all hair on the body to fall out, including the eyebrows, eyelashes, and pubic hair. 
• Trichotillomania is a psychological disorder in which the affected individual compulsively pulls out their own hair. 
• Telogen effluvium is temporary hair thinning condition that occurs because of changes in the growth cycle of hair. 
• Scarring alopecia is permanent hair loss resulting from inflammatory skin conditions and disorders. The scars resulting from these conditions destroy the hairs ability to regenerate. 

How is male hair loss treated?

The cause of hair loss will determine the most suitable treatment for each client. At our clinic we offer the following options: 

• Treatment options for thinning hair include medications such as oral finasteride, topical minoxidil and Platelet Rich Plasma.
• For baldness hair transplant surgery may be indicated. We offer minimally invasive surgery involving the use of FUE hair transplant technology which is currently performed in Manchester. Pre-operative assessment and after care will all be based at our clinic. 
• For female hair loss the likely cause of this will determine what treatment will be most effective. Available treatments include topical medications such as minoxidil or Biohair transplant surgery.

How is Alopecia areata treated?

Typically, individuals affected by alopecia areata hair will experience new hair growth without treatment after approximately a year. In cases where treatment is indicated, injectable steroids can be an effective solution. They prevent the immune system from attacking hair follicles and can also trigger hair regrowth in alopecia patients. Steroids are most suitable for individuals who have small patches of hair loss. Topical steroids can also be used as a short-term treatment.

Who performs the procedure? 

The procedure is performed by Dr Baba, a highly trained and experienced aesthetic doctor who is also a senior trainer for this procedure at London Aesthetic Academy (www.londonaestheticacademy.co.uk)