Hair loss and thinning can affect men and women at any age. It may appear as increased shedding, a widening parting, a receding hairline, thinning at the crown, reduced ponytail volume or more visible scalp.
Although hereditary pattern hair loss is common, not every case of shedding is caused by genetics. Hair loss may also develop following illness, emotional or physical stress, nutritional deficiency, hormonal change, medication, childbirth, rapid weight loss, scalp inflammation or an autoimmune condition.
Correct diagnosis is therefore essential before starting treatment. The NHS recommends obtaining a medical assessment to establish the likely cause of hair loss before attending a commercial hair clinic.
At Skin and Scar Care Clinic, we provide a medically led assessment and personalised non-surgical treatment plan. Depending on the diagnosis, your programme may include:
- Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP
- Platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF
- 658 nm low-level light therapy
- 1550 nm fractional Erbium Glass laser
- Topical minoxidil
- Topical or oral finasteride in medically suitable male patients
- Medical scalp treatment
- Selected combination protocols
- Carefully governed polynucleotide treatment
- Discussion of exosome-based products as an experimental intervention only
The aim is to reduce excessive shedding where possible, preserve existing follicles, improve hair density and support healthier scalp conditions. No non-surgical treatment can create new follicles where follicles are permanently absent or destroyed.
Hair Shedding or Hair Thinning: What Is the Difference?
Hair shedding and progressive thinning are related but different concerns.
Excessive Hair Shedding
Excessive shedding usually involves a noticeable increase in hairs:
- In the shower
- On a pillow
- In a hairbrush
- On clothing
- When washing or running fingers through the hair
Diffuse shedding may occur several weeks or months after a trigger such as illness, surgery, fever, psychological stress, childbirth, nutritional deficiency or rapid weight loss.
Progressive Hair Thinning
Progressive thinning usually develops gradually and may present as:
- Widening of the central parting
- Reduced density over the crown
- Recession at the temples
- A receding frontal hairline
- Thinning over the top of the scalp
- Reduced hair-shaft diameter
- Increasing visibility of the scalp
This pattern is commonly associated with androgenetic alopecia, also known as male or female pattern hair loss.
Hair Breakage
Hair breakage can resemble shedding but occurs when the hair shaft snaps rather than falling from the follicle.
Possible contributors include:
- Repeated bleaching
- Excessive heat styling
- Chemical straightening
- Tight hairstyles
- Fragile or weathered hair shafts
- Friction from extensions or hairpieces
Treatments designed to stimulate the follicle will not correct hair-shaft damage unless the underlying styling or chemical cause is addressed.
What Causes Hair Loss and Thinning?
Male Pattern Hair Loss
Male androgenetic alopecia is a genetically influenced condition in which susceptible follicles gradually become smaller under the influence of dihydrotestosterone, or DHT.
It may cause:
- Temple recession
- A receding frontal hairline
- Crown thinning
- Reduced hair-shaft thickness
- Progressive thinning across the top of the scalp
Hair follicles are usually still present during the earlier stages, making early intervention important.
Female Pattern Hair Loss
Female pattern hair loss often causes gradual thinning over the central and upper scalp.
Common features include:
- Widening of the central parting
- Reduced density behind the frontal hairline
- Increasing scalp visibility
- Reduced ponytail volume
- Preservation of the frontal hairline in many patients
Women with sudden hair loss, menstrual irregularity, acne, increased facial hair or other signs of hormonal imbalance may require further medical investigation.
Telogen Effluvium
Telogen effluvium is a diffuse shedding condition that can occur after disruption of the normal hair-growth cycle.
Possible triggers include:
- Acute illness or high fever
- Surgery
- Psychological stress
- Childbirth
- Rapid weight loss
- Restricted diets
- Iron deficiency
- Medication changes
- Hormonal disturbance
Treatment involves identifying and addressing the trigger. Procedures alone should not replace appropriate medical investigation.
Menopause and Hormonal Changes
Changes in oestrogen, progesterone and androgen activity during perimenopause and menopause may affect:
- Hair density
- Hair-shaft diameter
- Scalp oil production
- Hair-cycle duration
- The proportion of growing and resting hairs
Some women develop both female pattern hair loss and increased diffuse shedding during this stage.
Nutritional Deficiency
Hair growth can be affected by inadequate nutrition, including insufficient:
- Protein
- Iron
- Zinc
- Vitamin B12
- Folate
- Vitamin D
Supplements should not be recommended automatically. Excessive supplementation can be unnecessary or harmful, and treatment should be based on dietary assessment and appropriate blood-test results.
Thyroid and Other Medical Conditions
Thyroid disease, anaemia, inflammatory illness and other systemic conditions may contribute to diffuse shedding.
Targeted GP assessment and blood tests may be recommended when the history or examination suggests an underlying medical cause.
Rapid Weight Loss
Rapid weight loss, highly restrictive diets and inadequate protein intake can interrupt the normal hair cycle.
Hair shedding may begin several weeks or months after the initial weight change. Patients using weight-management medication may also experience shedding, particularly where weight loss is rapid or nutritional intake becomes inadequate.
Pregnancy and Postpartum Hair Loss
Hormonal changes after childbirth commonly cause temporary diffuse shedding.
Minoxidil, finasteride and elective injectable or energy-based treatments may not be appropriate during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Medical advice should be obtained before beginning treatment.
Alopecia Areata
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that commonly causes smooth, defined patches of hair loss.
Traction Alopecia
Traction alopecia results from repeated pulling on the hair follicles.
Common causes include:
- Tight braids
- Cornrows
- Tight ponytails
- Hair extensions
- Weaves
- Repeated use of tightly secured hairpieces
Early traction alopecia may improve when tension is stopped. Long-standing traction can permanently damage follicles.
Scarring Alopecia
Scarring alopecia is a group of inflammatory conditions in which follicles may be permanently destroyed and replaced by scar tissue.
Possible warning signs include:
- Burning
- Pain
- Persistent itching
- Redness
- Scaling around follicles
- Pustules
- Smooth shiny areas without follicular openings
- Rapid or uneven progression
Suspected scarring alopecia requires prompt specialist assessment. PRP, laser or regenerative treatment should not delay diagnosis and anti-inflammatory medical treatment.
Scalp Inflammation
Seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, folliculitis and other inflammatory scalp conditions can contribute to discomfort, scaling and shedding.
Active scalp disease should be controlled before injectable or laser treatment.
Medication and Medical Treatment
Some medicines and treatments may contribute to hair shedding. These can include certain:
- Anticoagulants
- Retinoids
- Hormonal medicines
- Antidepressants
- Blood-pressure medicines
- Thyroid medicines
- Cancer treatments
Prescribed medication should never be stopped without advice from the prescribing clinician.
Genetics, Ageing and Hair Miniaturisation
Ageing may reduce hair density, growth rate and shaft diameter even without a clearly defined disease.
Genetics influence:
- Age of onset
- Pattern of thinning
- Rate of progression
- Follicular sensitivity to androgens
- Response to treatment
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
GP or dermatology assessment is recommended where hair loss is:
- Sudden
- Patchy
- Rapidly progressive
- Associated with pain or burning
- Accompanied by redness, crusting or pustules
- Associated with a smooth or shiny scalp
- Occurring with unexplained weight loss or illness
- Accompanied by menstrual or hormonal changes
- Affecting the eyebrows or eyelashes
- Beginning during childhood
- Occurring during pregnancy or soon after childbirth
- Associated with a new medication
- Causing significant emotional distress
Aesthetic treatment should not proceed until concerning or unexplained hair loss has been appropriately assessed.
Comprehensive Hair and Scalp Assessment
During your consultation, we may assess:
- The pattern and duration of hair loss
- Whether the concern is shedding, thinning or breakage
- Family history
- Recent illness, surgery or emotional stress
- Weight changes and dietary intake
- Pregnancy, menopause and menstrual history
- Medication and supplement use
- Hair-care and styling practices
- Scalp inflammation or infection
- Hair density and shaft variation
- Whether follicular openings remain visible
- Previous hair-loss treatments
- Your expectations and commitment to maintenance
Clinical photography and magnified scalp assessment may be used to establish a baseline and monitor progress.
Where appropriate, we may recommend GP assessment, blood tests or specialist dermatology referral before treatment.
Conditions We Assess and Treat
Our non-surgical hair-restoration plans may be considered for:
- Male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern hair loss
- Early androgenetic alopecia
- Diffuse hair thinning
- Reduced hair density
- Widening of the central parting
- Crown thinning
- Reduced scalp and follicular support
- Maintenance following hair transplantation
- Patients seeking to preserve existing hair
Hair transplantation or hair-replacement systems may be more appropriate where follicles are no longer present or the area of established baldness is extensive.
Recommended Hair-Loss Treatments
Topical Minoxidil
Topical minoxidil is one of the most established non-surgical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss.
It may help by:
- Extending the active growth phase
- Increasing hair-shaft diameter
- Supporting the transition of resting follicles into growth
- Slowing progression in responsive patients
- Improving visible scalp coverage over time
Licensed UK formulations are available for androgenetic alopecia in men and women, although the concentration, dosing schedule and approved age range vary between products. Current UK product information states that visible benefit commonly requires approximately 12 to 24 weeks in women and two to four months or longer in men. Continued use is normally necessary to maintain the benefit.
Who May Be Suitable?
Topical minoxidil may be considered for:
- Male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern hair loss
- Early or moderate follicular miniaturisation
- Patients able to apply treatment consistently
- Patients seeking an established home-based treatment
- Use alongside PRP, PRF, light therapy or selected laser treatment
Possible Side Effects
Potential effects include:
- Scalp dryness
- Itching
- Irritation
- Flaking
- Contact dermatitis
- Temporary increased shedding
- Unwanted facial or body hair
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Palpitations
- Fluid retention or ankle swelling
Temporary shedding may occur during the first two to six weeks as follicles move into a new growth cycle. Persistent or severe shedding requires review.
When Minoxidil May Not Be Suitable
Minoxidil should not be used without medical assessment where:
- The cause of hair loss is unknown
- Hair loss is sudden or patchy
- The scalp is red, infected, painful or inflamed
- There is significant scalp scarring
- The patient has cardiovascular disease or arrhythmia requiring review
- There is treated or untreated hypertension where the selected product lists this as a contraindication
- The patient is pregnant or breastfeeding
- Another scalp medicine is being used
- Previous minoxidil caused a significant reaction
Patients should stop treatment and seek medical advice if they develop chest pain, faintness, significant dizziness, rapid heartbeat, sudden weight gain or swelling of the hands or feet.
Finasteride
Finasteride reduces the conversion of testosterone into DHT by inhibiting type II 5-alpha-reductase.
Oral finasteride 1 mg is licensed in the UK for male pattern hair loss. It is not indicated for women, children or adolescents. Evidence of stabilisation generally requires three to six months, and continuous treatment is needed to maintain benefit.
Potential Benefits
Finasteride may help to:
- Slow progressive male pattern hair loss
- Stabilise follicular miniaturisation
- Preserve existing hair
- Improve density in some responsive patients
- Complement minoxidil or procedural treatment
Important Safety Information
Finasteride requires an individual medical assessment and informed consent.
Potential adverse effects include:
- Reduced libido
- Erectile dysfunction
- Ejaculatory problems
- Reduced semen volume
- Breast tenderness or enlargement
- Mood changes
- Depression
- Suicidal thoughts
The MHRA states that finasteride is associated with depression, suicidal ideation and sexual dysfunction, which may persist after treatment has stopped. Patients must be informed of these risks and monitored appropriately.
Patients taking finasteride 1 mg should stop it and contact their prescriber promptly if depression or suicidal thoughts develop.
When Finasteride May Not Be Suitable
Finasteride may not be appropriate for:
- Women
- Children or adolescents
- Pregnancy or potential pregnancy exposure
- Patients already taking another 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor
- Patients with previous hypersensitivity
- Patients with significant sexual side effects
- Patients with depression or suicidal ideation requiring further assessment
- Patients unwilling to accept the potential adverse effects
Women who are or may be pregnant should not handle crushed or broken finasteride tablets because of potential risk to a male foetus.
Topical Finasteride
Topical finasteride aims to reduce DHT activity within the scalp while limiting systemic exposure.
A European phase III randomised trial involving 458 men found that topical finasteride improved target-area hair count at 24 weeks compared with placebo. Systemic finasteride exposure was substantially lower than with oral treatment, although serum DHT was still reduced.
Important Limitations
Topical finasteride should not be described as risk-free.
Important considerations include:
- Some systemic absorption still occurs
- Sexual or psychiatric adverse effects cannot be considered impossible
- Accidental transfer to another person must be avoided
- Pregnancy exposure is a significant concern
- The UK licensing status depends on the exact formulation
- Compounded or specially manufactured products may be unlicensed
- Unlicensed medicine requires lawful prescribing and supply for an individual patient
The MHRA states that unlicensed medicines have not received a UK marketing authorisation and may not have undergone the same regulatory assessment as licensed medicines.
Topical finasteride is therefore only considered following medical consultation, product verification and informed consent.
PRP Hair-Restoration Treatment
Platelet-rich plasma is prepared from a sample of the patient’s own blood.
The blood is centrifuged to separate a platelet-concentrated plasma fraction, which is then injected into selected areas of the scalp.
Platelets release growth factors and signalling proteins that may support:
- Follicular activity
- Hair-shaft thickness
- Blood-vessel support
- The active growth phase
- Scalp tissue repair
What Can PRP Improve?
PRP may be considered for:
- Male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern hair loss
- Early or moderate thinning
- Reduced hair density
- Miniaturised but still active follicles
- Patients unable to tolerate some medical treatments
- Combination treatment with minoxidil
- Maintenance after hair transplantation
Randomised trials have reported improvements in density or photographic appearance in some male and female patients, although results and protocols vary. One female trial reported greater photographic improvement with PRP than saline at 24 weeks, while another split-scalp trial found improvement from baseline but no statistically significant difference from placebo.
This variation highlights the importance of honest expectations and standardised preparation.
When Should You Seek Medical Advice?
A commonly used initial programme includes:
- Three treatments
- Approximately four weeks apart
- Clinical and photographic review after three to six months
- Maintenance treatment every six to twelve months where beneficial
A randomised protocol study found that three monthly sessions followed by a later booster produced a greater six-month increase in hair count than two treatments spaced three months apart.
The precise number of treatments depends on:
- Diagnosis
- Severity
- Baseline density
- Response to medical treatment
- Platelet quality
- Treatment protocol
- Individual goals
Typical PRP Course
During your consultation, we may assess:
- The pattern and duration of hair loss
- Whether the concern is shedding, thinning or breakage
- Family history
- Recent illness, surgery or emotional stress
- Weight changes and dietary intake
- Pregnancy, menopause and menstrual history
- Medication and supplement use
- Hair-care and styling practices
- Scalp inflammation or infection
- Hair density and shaft variation
- Whether follicular openings remain visible
- Previous hair-loss treatments
- Your expectations and commitment to maintenance
Clinical photography and magnified scalp assessment may be used to establish a baseline and monitor progress.
Where appropriate, we may recommend GP assessment, blood tests or specialist dermatology referral before treatment.
PRP Recovery
Temporary effects may include:
- Scalp tenderness
- Redness
- Pinpoint bleeding
- Bruising
- Swelling
- Headache
- Tightness
- Temporary increased shedding
PRP cannot restore hair in a smooth, fully bald or scarred area where viable follicles are absent.
Who May Not Be Suitable for PRP?
PRP may not be appropriate where there is:
- Active scalp infection
- Active inflammatory or scarring alopecia
- Significant platelet dysfunction
- Severe thrombocytopenia
- Uncontrolled bleeding disorder
- Anticoagulant treatment requiring medical review
- Severe anaemia
- Active malignancy or systemic illness requiring specialist advice
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Unrealistic expectations
PRP for hair loss is not a substitute for investigating sudden, patchy or medically unexplained shedding.
PRF Hair-Restoration Treatment
Platelet-rich fibrin is another autologous treatment prepared from the patient’s blood.
PRF generally forms a fibrin matrix that may provide a slower release of platelet-associated growth factors.
Potential Uses
PRF may be considered for:
- Early androgenetic alopecia
- Diffuse thinning after medical assessment
- Patients seeking an autologous treatment
- Patients who prefer a fibrin-based platelet concentrate
- Combination with established medical treatment
Typical PRF Course
A potential programme may include:
- Three initial sessions
- Approximately four weeks apart
- Review at three and six months
- Maintenance according to response
Contraindications and Recovery
PRF has broadly similar precautions to PRP because it requires blood collection and scalp injections.
Temporary tenderness, swelling, bruising, pinpoint bleeding and headache may occur.
658 nm Low-Level Light Therapy
Low-level light therapy, also known as LLLT or photobiomodulation, uses non-thermal red light to stimulate cellular activity within the scalp.
The clinic’s 658 nm wavelength lies within the red-light range evaluated in hair-growth studies, commonly around 630 to 660 nm.
How May 658 nm Light Support Hair Growth?
Photobiomodulation may:
- Support cellular energy production
- Improve the follicular environment
- Encourage follicles to enter or remain in the growth phase
- Improve hair density and shaft thickness in responsive patients
- Complement medical and injectable treatment
Who May Be Suitable?
LLLT may be considered for:
- Early male pattern hair loss
- Female pattern hair loss
- Diffuse thinning after diagnosis
- Patients seeking a non-invasive adjunct
- Patients unable to tolerate injectable treatment
- Maintenance between PRP or PRF sessions
- Combination with topical minoxidil
- Support following hair transplantation
Typical Course
A treatment programme may involve:
- Two to four sessions each week
- Approximately 15 to 30 minutes per session, depending on the device
- An initial course of four to six months
- Longer-term maintenance where a benefit is seen
Consistency is essential. Occasional treatment is unlikely to provide a meaningful result.
Possible Side Effects
LLLT is generally well tolerated, but possible effects include:
- Temporary scalp warmth
- Dryness
- Itching
- Headache
- Mild redness
- Temporary shedding
When LLLT May Not Be Suitable
Treatment may require caution where there is:
- An active photosensitive disorder
- Use of photosensitising medication
- Active scalp infection
- A suspicious scalp lesion
- A history of light-triggered seizures
- An untreated inflammatory or scarring alopecia
- An implanted device requiring manufacturer guidance
Protective eyewear and device-specific safety procedures should be followed.
1550 nm Erbium Glass Laser for Hair Thinning
The 1550 nm Erbium Glass laser is a non-ablative fractional laser.
It creates controlled microscopic thermal zones within the scalp while preserving the surrounding surface tissue. This may stimulate wound-healing signals and create temporary channels that enhance delivery of selected topical treatment.
Potential Benefits
The 1550 nm Erbium Glass laser may help to:
- Support follicular stimulation
- Improve the scalp environment
- Complement topical minoxidil
- Increase penetration of selected topical treatment
- Improve hair density and shaft diameter in responsive patients
- Support early or moderate androgenetic alopecia
Typical Course
A potential treatment programme may include:
- Three to six laser sessions
- Approximately two to four weeks apart
- Topical treatment as prescribed
- Review after three and six months
The exact settings and intervals depend on:
- Skin type
- Scalp sensitivity
- Hair density
- Concurrent medication
- Risk of pigmentation
- Treatment response
Recovery
Temporary effects may include:
- Redness
- Warmth
- Mild swelling
- Tenderness
- Dryness
- Flaking
- Pinpoint crusting
- Temporary shedding
Who May Not Be Suitable?
Erbium Glass laser may not be suitable where there is:
- Active scalp infection
- Open wounds
- Inflamed psoriasis or dermatitis
- Active scarring alopecia
- Significant photosensitivity
- Recent tanning or sunburn of the scalp
- Poor wound healing
- Uncontrolled diabetes
- Immunosuppression
- A strong history of abnormal scarring
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- A suspicious scalp lesion
Minoxidil or other active topical treatment may need to be paused for a specified period around the laser appointment to reduce irritation and unpredictable absorption.
Microneedling
Medical microneedling creates controlled microchannels in the scalp.
It may stimulate wound-healing signals and improve the penetration of selected topical products.
Microneedling may be considered:
- Alongside topical minoxidil
- For early or moderate pattern thinning
- Where Erbium Glass laser is not suitable
- As part of selected PRP protocols
It should not be performed over infected, inflamed or scarred scalp tissue. Applying unapproved or non-sterile products immediately after needling may increase irritation, contamination and systemic absorption.
Exosomes for Hair Loss: An Experimental Treatment
Exosomes are small extracellular vesicles involved in cell-to-cell communication. Laboratory studies suggest that they may carry proteins, lipids and genetic signals capable of influencing follicular cells.
Interest in exosome-based hair treatment has grown rapidly, but the marketing of these products has moved ahead of the quality of evidence and regulatory standardisation.
Regulatory and Safety Caution
The US Food and Drug Administration states that there are currently no FDA-approved exosome products and has reported serious adverse events associated with unapproved products marketed as containing exosomes.
Within the UK, any product intended to treat a medical condition may fall within medicines or biological-product regulation. Unlicensed products have not received a UK marketing authorisation and may not have undergone full assessment of quality, safety and efficacy.
Our Position on Exosomes
Exosome treatment should currently be regarded as experimental rather than established first-line hair-loss therapy.
It should not:
- Replace minoxidil or licensed medical treatment
- Delay investigation of unexplained hair loss
- Be offered without product traceability
- Be injected solely on the basis of marketing claims
- Be described as stem-cell treatment
- Be claimed to permanently regenerate lost follicles
- Be used without appropriate regulatory and clinical governance
Patients considering exosomes should receive clear written information about:
- Product source
- Manufacturing standards
- Sterility
- Regulatory status
- Whether the product is licensed
- Available human evidence
- Known and unknown risks
- Alternative established treatments
Polynucleotides for Hair Thinning: Early Evidence
Our Position on Polynucleotides
Polynucleotide treatment may be considered as an early, adjunctive intervention for carefully selected patients who:
- Have a confirmed diagnosis
- Understand that evidence is limited
- Have viable miniaturised follicles
- Are continuing appropriate established treatment
- Accept that the use may be off-label
- Have realistic expectations
Polynucleotides should not replace medical investigation, minoxidil, finasteride in suitable men or other established care.
Possible Risks
Potential effects may include:
- Pain
- Swelling
- Bruising
- Itching
- Redness
- Infection
- Inflammatory reaction
- Nodules
- Product hypersensitivity
- Unsatisfactory or variable results
Patients with fish allergy or sensitivity to the source material require specific product assessment.
Combination Hair-Restoration Treatments
Hair loss is often progressive and multifactorial. A combination approach may therefore be more effective than relying on one procedure alone.
The treatment plan should remain manageable. Using several treatments simultaneously can increase cost, irritation and difficulty determining which intervention is working.
PRP or PRF and 658 nm LLLT
This combination may be considered for patients who want:
- An autologous injectable treatment
- Non-invasive maintenance between appointments
- Reduced reliance on frequent procedures
- Support alongside established medication
Example Timeline
Weeks 0, 4 and 8: PRP or PRF
Throughout Months 0–6: LLLT according to the device protocol
Month 3: Early photographic review
Month 6: Formal reassessment
Erbium Glass Laser and Minoxidil
This combination has direct, although limited, randomised trial evidence.
- Erbium Glass creates controlled fractional thermal zones.
- Minoxidil provides ongoing topical follicular stimulation.
Example Timeline
Week 0: First laser session
Weeks 2–4: Second session
Further sessions: According to scalp response
Months 3 and 6: Density and photographic review
Minoxidil timing around each laser session must be directed by the practitioner. Applying it too soon to freshly treated skin may increase irritation or absorption.
PRP and Minoxidil with 658 nm LLLT
A three-part programme may be considered for progressive pattern hair loss where the patient can commit to maintenance.
PRP: initial intensive treatment
Minoxidil: daily home treatment
LLLT: repeated photobiomodulation
Not every patient needs all three. The additional cost and treatment burden should be justified by the diagnosis and response.
Erbium Glass Laser with PRP or PRF
This combination may be considered where:
- Hair is miniaturised but follicles remain
- The scalp is healthy
- The patient wants a procedural programme
- Medical treatment alone has produced an incomplete response
The procedures may be staged rather than performed together to reduce inflammation and allow clear assessment of the response.
Example Comprehensive Treatment Timeline
Month 0: Diagnosis and Baseline Assessment
- Medical and scalp history
- Magnified scalp examination
- Standardised photographs
- GP blood tests or referral where required
- Start of prescribed home treatment
Months 0–2: Initial Intensive Phase
A selected programme may include:
- PRP or PRF every four weeks
- Regular 658 nm LLLT
- Topical minoxidil
- Finasteride for suitable men
- Scalp-inflammatory treatment where required
Months 3–4: Early Review
We assess:
- Change in shedding
- Treatment tolerance
- Scalp health
- Adherence
- Early photographic change
Some patients notice less shedding before visible improvement in density.
Months 4–6: Growth and Stabilisation Phase
Hair density, coverage and shaft quality may begin to show more meaningful change.
An Erbium Glass laser course or another adjunct may be considered where the response is incomplete and the scalp is suitable.
Months 6–12: Consolidation and Maintenance
- Continue effective home treatment
- Repeat photography
- Consider PRP or PRF maintenance
- Continue LLLT where useful
- Review medication side effects
- Discuss transplantation if medical stabilisation is achieved but density remains inadequate
Realistic Hair-Growth Timeline
First 2–8 Weeks
- Minoxidil may temporarily increase shedding
- The scalp may adjust to topical treatment
- PRP or PRF tenderness settles
- Visible regrowth is usually limited
Months 2–3
- Shedding may begin to reduce
- Early short hairs may appear
- Existing hairs may feel stronger
- Clinical photography may show subtle change
Months 4–6
- Hair density and shaft diameter may improve
- Scalp coverage may appear better
- Response to the treatment plan becomes easier to assess
Months 6–12
- Further maturation and thickening may occur
- Maintenance planning becomes important
- Non-responders should be reassessed for diagnosis, adherence and alternative treatment
Hair cycles vary, and not every patient responds.
Who Is a Good Candidate?
Suitable candidates are generally:
- Diagnosed with a treatable non-scarring alopecia
- In the early or moderate stages of thinning
- Affected by miniaturised but viable follicles
- In good general health
- Willing to follow a long-term plan
- Realistic about gradual improvement
- Prepared to use maintenance treatment
- Free from active scalp infection
- Willing to undergo medical investigation where needed
Who May Not Be Suitable?
Treatment may need to be postponed or avoided where there is:
- Undiagnosed sudden or patchy hair loss
- Suspected scarring alopecia
- Active scalp infection
- Severe uncontrolled dermatitis or psoriasis
- A suspicious scalp lesion
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding
- Significant bleeding or platelet disorder
- Uncontrolled cardiovascular disease
- Unstable medical illness
- Current cancer treatment without specialist approval
- A smooth bald area without viable follicles
- Unrealistic expectations
- Inability to commit to maintenance
Frequently Asked Questions
Which Hair-Loss Treatment Is Best?
The best option depends on the diagnosis.
- Male pattern hair loss: minoxidil, finasteride where medically suitable, LLLT and selected adjunctive procedures.
- Female pattern hair loss: minoxidil, medical assessment, selected PRP or PRF and LLLT.
- Diffuse shedding: identify and treat the trigger before cosmetic procedures.
- Scarring alopecia: urgent medical or dermatology management.
Established baldness: hair transplantation or a hair-replacement system may be more appropriate.
Is PRP Better Than PRF?
There is more clinical evidence for PRP. PRF is promising, but its evidence base and protocols are less established.
Neither can guarantee regrowth, and neither creates new follicles.
Does 658 nm Light Regrow Hair?
Red-light photobiomodulation in the approximate 630–660 nm range has improved hair density in several sham-controlled trials.
The result depends on the device, dose, consistency and diagnosis. LLLT is usually best considered an adjunct rather than a cure.
Can Erbium Glass Laser Treat Hair Loss?
The 1550 nm Erbium Glass laser may support hair growth and improve the response to topical minoxidil in selected androgenetic alopecia patients.
Evidence is encouraging but limited, so it should not replace established medical treatment.
Can I Stop Minoxidil Once My Hair Improves?
The benefit usually depends on continued treatment. Stopping minoxidil commonly allows the underlying hair-loss process to resume.
Is Topical Finasteride Free from Sexual Side Effects?
No. Topical treatment produces lower systemic exposure than oral finasteride in clinical studies, but some absorption and reduction in serum DHT still occur.
The possibility of systemic effects must still be discussed.
Are Exosomes Better Than PRP/PRF?
There is not enough high-quality evidence to conclude that exosomes are safer or more effective than PRP, minoxidil or finasteride.
Exosome products vary substantially and are not standardised. They should currently be considered experimental.
Are Polynucleotides Proven for Hair Loss?
Early small studies are encouraging, but polynucleotides are not yet supported by the same level of evidence as established medical treatment.
They may be considered as an adjunct with clear consent regarding limited evidence and off-label use.
Can Hair Grow Back on a Completely Bald Area?
A smooth, established bald area may contain too few viable follicles to respond meaningfully to non-surgical treatment.
Hair transplantation, scalp micropigmentation or a hair-replacement system may be more appropriate.
Can Hair GrHow Many PRP/PRF Sessions Will I Need? ow Back on a Completely Bald Area?
A common initial programme is three sessions approximately four weeks apart, followed by review and optional maintenance.
The schedule varies because PRP preparation and clinical protocols are not standardised.
Are Results Permanent?
Start with the Correct Diagnosis
Successful hair-restoration treatment begins with identifying why the hair is shedding or thinning.
At Skin and Scar Care Clinic, we provide personalised, medically led plans using:
- PRP
- PRF
- 658 nm low-level light therapy
- 1550 nm Erbium Glass laser
- Topical minoxidil
- Finasteride for medically suitable men
- Carefully selected combination treatment
- Cautious assessment of emerging regenerative options
Our approach focuses on:
- Diagnosis before treatment
- Preserving viable follicles
- Evidence-based first-line care
- Honest discussion of emerging treatments
- Realistic timelines
- Standardised photography
- Long-term maintenance
- Appropriate medical referral
Book a consultation at our Altrincham clinic to discuss treatment for hair fall, thinning hair, male pattern hair loss or female pattern hair loss.
Important Disclaimer
The information on this page is intended for general education and does not replace medical diagnosis, prescribing advice or an individual consultation.
Hair loss may be caused by an underlying medical, nutritional, hormonal, inflammatory or autoimmune condition. Blood tests, GP assessment or specialist dermatology referral may be required before aesthetic treatment.
All medicines, injections, light devices and laser treatments carry risks. Potential complications include:
- Pain
- Bruising
- Bleeding
- Infection
- Scalp inflammation
- Allergic or inflammatory reactions
- Headache
- Dizziness
- Changes in blood pressure
- Palpitations
- Unwanted facial or body hair
- Sexual side effects
- Psychiatric side effects
- Pigmentation changes
- Scarring
- Temporary or increased shedding
- Unsatisfactory or variable results
Finasteride is associated with sexual and psychiatric adverse effects, which may persist after stopping treatment. It is not indicated for women and must not be used during pregnancy.
Minoxidil may cause irritation, temporary shedding, unwanted hair growth and, less commonly, cardiovascular symptoms. It must be used according to the instructions for the selected licensed or prescribed formulation.
PRP, PRF, Erbium Glass laser and LLLT are not guaranteed to work and cannot restore follicles that have been permanently destroyed.
Exosome treatment remains experimental. Products vary in source, manufacturing, purity, regulatory status and evidence. No claims of guaranteed follicle regeneration should be made.
Polynucleotide treatment for hair loss has limited early clinical evidence and may be an off-label application. It should not replace established treatment or delay medical diagnosis.
Some medicines, products and anatomical applications described on this page may be unlicensed or off-label in the UK. Where applicable, this will be explained clearly before treatment and documented during the consent process.
No specific result can be guaranteed. We commit to providing 100% professional effort, but outcomes vary according to diagnosis, age, genetics, follicular viability, disease duration, scalp health, medication adherence, lifestyle and individual response.