Why choose Nuffield Health Parkside Hospital?

• Consultant-led care with a dermatologist experienced in hair and scalp disorders
• Assessment for a wide range of hair loss concerns
• Blood test packages available where clinically appropriate
• Treatment options may include prescription treatment, steroid injections for suitable cases, PRP and onward advice
• Clear guidance on what is likely to help, what may not help, and what to expect over time.

What is hair loss?

Hair loss is common, but it does not always have the same cause. Some people notice gradual thinning over several years. Others develop sudden shedding, bald patches, scalp irritation or a receding hairline.

Common causes include male or female pattern hair loss, alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, frontal fibrosing alopecia, traction-related hair loss, hair pulling and medical or nutritional factors.

Because the causes vary, the right treatment depends on getting the right diagnosis first.

Who is the clinic for?

You may benefit from a hair loss consultation if you have:

• Gradual thinning or reduced hair density
• A widening parting or receding hairline
• Sudden or excessive hair shedding
• Bald patches on the scalp, beard or eyebrows
• Scalp itching, soreness, scaling or inflammation
• Hair loss after illness, stress, pregnancy, menopause or medication changes
• Concern about scarring hair loss or frontal hairline recession
• Hair pulling or repeated hair breakage.

What happens at your appointment?

Your consultant will take a detailed history and examine your scalp and hair pattern. This may include looking at the scalp closely using specialist assessment techniques.

Where needed, your consultant may recommend blood tests to check for factors that can contribute to hair shedding or poor hair growth, such as iron stores, thyroid function and vitamin levels.

In some cases, a scalp biopsy may be discussed if the diagnosis is unclear or if scarring hair loss is suspected.

Tests and packages

Blood tests may be recommended depending on your symptoms, history and examination.

Available hair loss blood test packages include:

Hair Loss Panel 1

A broader screening panel including full blood count, kidney and liver profile, inflammatory markers, B12, ferritin, folate, vitamin D, thyroid function, zinc and lipid profile.

Hair Loss Panel 2

A focused panel including inflammatory markers, B12, ferritin, folate, vitamin D and thyroid function.

Your consultant will advise which tests are appropriate for you.

Treatment options

Treatment depends on the type and cause of hair loss. Options may include:

• Topical treatment such as minoxidil
• Prescription medication where suitable
• Steroid injections for some types of patchy hair loss
• Treatment to reduce scalp inflammation
• PRP treatment where clinically appropriate
• Advice on hair care, camouflage and longer-term management
• Referral or onward support where psychological or behavioural factors are involved.

Not every treatment is suitable for every patient. Your consultant will explain the likely benefits, limitations, risks and expected timescales.

PRP for hair loss

Platelet-rich plasma, or PRP, is a private treatment that uses a small sample of your own blood. The plasma is prepared and injected into areas of the scalp affected by hair loss.

PRP may be discussed for selected patients, but it is not suitable for all types of hair loss. Your consultant will advise whether it is appropriate for your diagnosis and expectations.

About Dr Archana Rao

Dr Archana Rao is a Consultant Dermatologist with a specialist interest in hair disorders, ethnic skin, perimenopausal and menopausal skin and hair, and inflammatory skin conditions.

She has experience in dedicated hair loss clinics and has presented and published work in her specialist field.

Clinic times

Hair Loss Clinics are available on selected Fridays, 3.00pm to 6.00pm.

Appointments are booked through the medical secretary.

How to book

To book a Hair Loss Clinic appointment with Dr Archana Rao, please contact her medical secretary or call us using the number below.

020 3371 9802

Location: Nuffield Health Parkside Hospital, 53 Parkside, Wimbledon, London, SW19 5NX

FAQs

• Can hair loss be treated?

  Some types of hair loss can be improved or stabilised with treatment. Others may be managed by slowing progression, treating inflammation or improving contributing factors. Your consultant will explain what is realistic for your diagnosis.

• Will I need blood tests?

  Not always. Blood tests may be recommended if your symptoms suggest shedding, deficiency, hormonal or medical factors.

• Is PRP suitable for everyone?

  No. PRP may be suitable for selected patients, but it is not appropriate for every type of hair loss. Your consultant will advise you.

• How quickly will treatment work?

  Hair grows slowly, so most treatments need several months before benefit can be assessed. Your consultant will explain the expected timescale for your treatment plan.

• Can I attend if I am not sure what type of hair loss I have?

  Yes. The clinic is designed to assess the cause of hair loss and guide you towards the most appropriate treatment.