Hair Loss Treatment

Genetics

The most common cause of hair loss is genetics. Male pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia, is hereditary and affects around 50% of men by the age of 50 and up to 80% by the age of 70. This type of hair loss typically presents as a receding hairline or thinning at the crown. Doctors often use the Hamilton-Norwood scale to assess the type and severity of male pattern baldness.

Genetics influence how sensitive your hair follicles are to a hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that your body naturally produces. Higher sensitivity to DHT can increase the shrinking of hair follicles, leading to finer and lighter hair until they stop producing hair altogether. DHT blockers are a common treatment for managing this type of hair loss.

Medications

Certain medications can cause hair loss as a side effect. These include:

• blood thinners
• antidepressants
• beta-blockers
• chemotherapy drugs
• hormonal medications
• retinoids

Just because a medication lists hair loss as a side effect doesn’t mean you will experience it. Hair loss due to medications is often temporary and usually reverses after discontinuing the treatment. If you think your medication is causing hair loss, it’s always a good idea to speak to your doctor about it. They can help you work out the cause and advise you if needed.

Health conditions

Some health conditions can also lead to hair loss.

Alopecia areata

This is an autoimmune disease that causes bald patches throughout the body.

Anaemia

Anaemia happens when there aren’t enough haemoglobin or red blood cells in your blood, causing low iron levels. This can prevent hair follicles from getting the nutrients and oxygen they need, leading to hair loss.

Lupus

Lupus can cause inflammation throughout the body and your scalp. When this happens, hair loss can occur.

Thyroid disorders

Having a thyroid disorder or/and an imbalance of thyroid hormones can lead to hair loss or thinning hair.

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS)

PCOS is a hormonal condition that can lead to thinning hair and male-pattern hair loss in women. In some cases it can also increase hair growth in other places than the scalp.

Scalp infection

Any type of infection on your scalp, whether fungal, bacterial, or viral, can lead to hair loss.

Kidney disease

Kidney disease can lead to protein and vitamin deficiencies, which can cause hair loss.

Vitamin deficiencies

Lack of Vitamin B12 or D can lead to hair thinning.

You should speak to your doctor if you notice sudden or severe hair loss. Hair loss caused by health conditions can often be treated by fixing the condition causing it. Your doctor can help identify if a condition is causing your hair loss and help manage it.

Stress

Severe stress can trigger temporary hair loss. This usually occurs three months after a stressful event. This condition, known as telogen effluvium, often resolves once stress levels decrease.

It’s important to try to reduce your stress levels if you can, especially if it’s causing hair loss, but we understand it’s often easier said than done. If you’re struggling with stress, try:

• breathing exercises and meditation
• eating well-balanced, healthy meals
• getting more sleep
• limiting or avoiding alcohol
• taking walks and spending more time in nature
• talking to a doctor or reaching out to friends and family

See the NHS’s website for more advice on managing stress.

Styling

Excessive use of harsh chemicals, tight hairstyles or heat tools (like straighteners) can weaken hair strands and lead to hair loss. Go for gentler styling methods to reduce damage and protect your hair.

Dos:

• Use heat protection sprays if using heat tools like straighteners or curling irons.
• Allow hair to air dry whenever possible.
• Try loose hairstyles that don’t pull on your scalp.
• Use sulfate-free shampoos and conditioners to reduce irritation.
• Regularly trim split ends to prevent further hair damage.
• Choose natural or gentle dyes if colouring your hair.

Don’ts:

• Wear tight hairstyles like braids or ponytails that pull on the scalp.
• Use heat tools (like straighteners) daily.
• Apply bleach or other harsh chemicals excessively or regularly.
• Wash your hair too much, as it can strip natural oils.
• Comb or brush wet hair aggressively, as it’s more prone to breakage.

By following these steps, you can reduce the risk of styling-related hair loss and maintain healthier hair.

The Hamilton-Norwood scale is a widely used tool to classify the progression of male pattern baldness. It’s broken down into 7 types with pictures to help you better understand the progression of male pattern baldness:

Outside of male pattern baldness, other types of hair loss include:

• Alopecia Areata – Sudden patchy hair loss due to an autoimmune condition.
• Telogen Effluvium – Temporary hair loss triggered by stress or medical conditions.
• Traction Alopecia – Hair loss caused by prolonged tension from tight hairstyles.
• Scarring Alopecia – Hair loss from permanent damage to hair follicles due to inflammation or injury.

If your hair loss has a similar pattern to male pattern baldness and occurs over a long period of time, it’s likely to be that, and it can be treated with medication. However, other conditions like alopecia areata, scalp infections, or telogen effluvium may require a different approach or treatment. Consulting your doctor can help confirm the diagnosis and they should recommend suitable treatment options.

How you treat your hair loss depends on the type of hair loss you have and its cause. It will also depend on what treatment best suits you.

Hair loss tablets

• Finasteride – This prescription-only medication works by reducing DHT levels in the scalp. By lowering DHT, finasteride limits further hair loss and encourages regrowth in areas affected by male pattern baldness. It typically takes 3 to 6 months to see noticeable improvements, with the most visible results after 12 months of consistent use. Studies show that finasteride is effective in over 80% of men with male pattern baldness.
• Propecia – A branded version of finasteride with the same active ingredient and efficacy. Like finasteride, Propecia requires a prescription and regular use to achieve and maintain results.

Hair loss shampoos

Alpecin – Alpecin contains caffeine, which may help stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density. While its effectiveness is debated, it is often used as a treatment alongside medications like finasteride.

Topical Treatments

Minoxidil – Minoxidil is available over-the-counter or by prescription, and it is applied directly to the scalp. It works by increasing blood flow to hair follicles, stimulating hair growth. Minoxidil is most effective for younger men or those in the early stages of hair loss. Results can take 3-6 months, and continued use is necessary to maintain progress. It is also used to treat androgenic alopecia.

Wigs and hair systems

Wigs and hair systems are a non-surgical option for people experiencing significant or total hair loss. Wigs are available in synthetic or natural hair and can be tailored to match your style preferences. Hair systems are a semi-permanent option directly attached to the scalp and usually provide a more natural look. Both options are ideal for people looking for an immediate and reversible answer to hair loss.

Hair transplants

Hair transplants involve surgically moving hair follicles from one part of the scalp (usually the back or sides) to areas with thinning or no hair. This is a long-term solution for hair loss but requires recovery time. This option can also be very expensive and comes with its own set of risks.

Scalp micropigmentation (SMP)

SMP is a cosmetic tattooing procedure that mimics the look of a shaved head or fuller hair. It involves injecting tiny dots of pigment into the scalp to look like hair follicles. This option is effective for people with complete hair loss or thinning who want to create the illusion of density.

Lifestyle and nutritional adjustments

In some cases, improving diet and reducing stress can support overall hair health. Ensuring a diet rich in vitamins and minerals like Vitamin B12, Vitamin D, iron, and zinc can promote stronger hair growth. Managing stress through mindfulness, exercise, and adequate sleep can also help reduce temporary hair loss.

It is possible to request hair loss treatment online. Online doctor services allow doctors to assess you for treatment online. If your request is approved, treatment can then be provided to you.

Safe and reputable providers like ZAVA offer a quick way to order hair loss treatments online, provided our doctors agree it’s right for you. All you need to do is complete a short consultation, and a doctor will review your case and prescribe treatment if suitable. You can then choose to collect your treatment or get it delivered with next dayNext Day delivery.

Over-the-counter options

There are over-the-counter options available to help with hair loss, but they may not be as effective as the prescription options. These treatments can include certain shampoos (Alpecin) and topical options (Regaine). However, medications like finasteride require a prescription from your doctor and so can not legally be sold over the counter.

Can I get hair loss treatment on the NHS?

The NHS does not offer treatments for male pattern baldness. You will need to get a private prescription for treatment, which you can get from an NHS doctor, or from other private healthcare or online doctor services. A private prescription means you will pay full price for your treatment, rather than the standard NHS prescription charges (which may be free for some people).

Side effects vary depending on the type of treatment you’re prescribed. And while some are listed as common, this doesn’t mean you’ll likely get them. Different people react to treatments in different ways, so while some people experience side effects, others don’t. Either way, your doctor will be on hand to support in dealing with any side effects you might have.

Hair loss tablets (e.g., Finasteride)

Uncommon side effects include:

• depression and mood changes
• decreased libido
• erectile dysfunction
• reduced semen volume
• headache
• nausea

Side effects with a rare and unknown frequency include:

• breast tenderness or enlargement (gynecomastia)
• skin rashes or itching
• testicular pain
• anxiety
• suicidal thoughts
• depression or mood changes
• severe allergic reactions, such as swelling of the face, lips, or tongue
• palpitations or irregular heartbeat
• liver enzyme changes (detected in blood tests)
• infertility

Topical Treatments (e.g. Minoxidil)

Common side effects include:

• itching
• increased hair growth beyond the scalp (including facial hair growth in women)
• inflammatory skin reaction (including acneiform rash, skin rash)
• shortness of breath
• difficulty in breathing
• swollen arms and legs
• weight gain
• high blood pressure
• irritation of the scalp such as stinging, burning, dryness, itching, scaling,
• infected or inflamed hair follicles

Less common side effects include:

• lightheadedness or dizziness (in rare cases of systemic absorption)
• increased hair shedding during the first few weeks of use (temporary)
• nausea

Rare or unknown side effects include:

• severe allergic reactions, including difficulty breathing, rash, or swelling
• rapid heartbeat (tachycardia)
• chest pain
• change in hair texture
• skin inflammation
• eye irritation
• temporary hair colour changes

If you experience any of these side effects, consult your doctor immediately. Adjustments to your treatment plan or switching to an alternative may be necessary.