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I have experienced a rise in inquiries for hair loss prevention from my patients in London, which led me to offer a non-surgical approach to hair restoration.
Non-surgical hair loss treatment options are on the rise as more patients seek to favor a regenerative and a more natural approach to hair restoration.
Historically hair restoration involved surgical or medicinal methods both of which carry risks of downtime, contraindications as well as adverse effects. In addition, the surgical approach can be a considered purchase which may not be a suitable option for those with defined budgets options are on the rise as more patients are seeking to favor a regenerative more natural approach rather than, an invasive route.
However, before we begin to explore the treatment options that we offer in the aesthetic arena, it is worth understanding what is hair loss, its causes, as well as conventional methods, are applied in clinical practice.
What is hair loss?
Hair loss is the reduction of hair follicles which can be mild thinning for the hair to complete baldness. On average, approximately 50 to 100 scalp hairs are lost each day and this is absolutely normal. If more have fallen out then it may be seen in hair in brushes, on clothing, and in the drains of sinks and tubs. The hair may also look thinner in appearance and the part is wider with the presence of patches on occasions.
There are many factors that can influence hair loss this can be stress, trauma, medication, medical conditions, or genetic so let’s explore each and of them.
What are the types of hair loss?
Hereditary pattern baldness, or androgenetic alopecia:
This type of hair loss can affect both men but also women. Hair loss affects 70% of men and 40% of women in their lifetimes. Whilst both men and women can experience hair loss, it tends to be more noticeable in men. This is due to the fact that men and women lose their hair in very different ways.
Men are more prone to a condition known as androgenic alopecia.
This genetically predisposed inherited condition is known as male-pattern baldness. Hair loss is imitated at the temples receding backward featuring an “M” shape on the head.
Hair is also lost at the crown. This condition increases the activity of the androgen receptors in the hair follicles. These receptors respond to androgens such as dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which is a by-product of testosterone leading to the shrinkage of the hair follicles reducing their rate of survival.
As men are constantly producing testosterone in their lifetime, they are also constantly producing DHT, therefore making them more prone
For men, hair loss may follow the typical male pattern (receding front hairline and/or thinning hair at the top of the head). This is the most common type of hair loss, and it can begin at any time in a man’s life, even during his teen years. It usually is caused by the interaction of three factors: an inherited tendency toward baldness, male hormones, and increasing age. Many women will develop some degree of female-pattern baldness. In women, thinning occurs over the entire top or crown of the scalp, sparing the front of the scalp.
Men may experience hair loss in their teens and early twenties, which may be due to hormones.
Hormones are at their peak in puberty which increases the risk of hair loss in their twenties as testosterone is produced in a higher quantity during puberty than any other time of a male’s life.
Regardless of the lack of genetic predisposition of the male-pattern baldness gene, this boost in hormones can still cause the hair follicles to shrink.
As men are constantly producing testosterone in their lifetime, they are also constantly producing DHT, therefore making them more prone to hair loss.
Female pattern hair loss (FPHL)
FPHL refers to the gradual thinning of hair over the central scalp leading to hair miniaturization resulting in thinning as opposed to a complete loss. This is the most common cause of hair loss in women, ranging from less than 10% of women being less than than 50 years of age whilst 40% of aged 70 years. Unlike in male pattern baldness, the role of androgens in FPHL is not as defined as some studies have shown normal levels of androgens in 70% of women.
Telogen effluvium:
This is when the hair follicles synchronize and enter into catagen and telogen. A common hair loss tends to present itself two to three months after exposure to trauma, stress and prolonged illness, and major surgery. Now more than ever this is seen during the stressful period that we are facing due to the pandemic where COVID-19 has inflicted a negative impact on our stress levels.
Acute telogen effluvium is when the hair shedding lasts less than six months and then recovers. However, in chronic telogen effluvium, hair continues to shed over a longer period.
Telogen effluvium displays a normal scalp with a normal head of hair. Hair pull tests reveal that the hair in anagen will stay rooted, while one in telogen will come out.
Should 10% come out, then this is nothing to worry about. 25% is typical, however, 35% or more suggests an issue that confirms a positive test. In the state of active telogen effluvium, the hair pull test will be positive.
There are many reasons that result in chronic telogen effluvium, this may be due to physiological causes, hypothyroidism, crash dieting, Iron deficiency. Some studies also show that this is due to low serum ferritin and hair loss, and low serum vitamin D.
It also can occur after changes in hormonal levels, particularly after childbirth. This type of hair loss tends to be universal where moderate amounts of hair fall out of the scalp. You may notice this on your pillow, after a shower, or on your hairbrush. Some areas of the scalp may appear to be thinner than others, however rarely bald patches appear.
This type of hair loss tends to be universal
Medication:
Hair loss can be a side effect of certain medications, including lithium, beta-blockers, ACE inhibitors, warfarin, heparin, amphetamines, and levodopa as examples as well as many cancer chemotherapy medications. Chemotherapy medication can cause sudden hair loss affecting the entire head.
Medical conditions:
Medical illnesses, such as systemic lupus erythematosus (lupus), syphilis, a thyroid disorder (such as hypothyroidism or hyperthyroidism) can induce hair loss. In addition, this is also attributed to the imbalance of a sex-hormones or nutritional deficiency of elements such as protein, iron, zinc, or biotin. Therefore, a focus on nutritional review especially those with restrictive diet and females with heavy menstrual periods.
Fungal infection of the scalp:
This is also known as Tinea Capitis which is displayed in a form of patchy hair loss when the fungi infect the scalp causing the hair to break off at the scalp surface. The scalp can also flake and is scaly in appearance. This form of hair loss is common in children.
Alopecia areata:
An autoimmune disease that causes hair to fall out in one or more small patches. The cause of this condition is unknown, although it is more common in people who have other autoimmune diseases. When the same process causes total loss of hair from the scalp it is known as alopecia totalis.
Traumatic alopecia
Also known as traction alopecia resulting from hair styling applications that pull the hair such as tight braiding or cornrowing, expose hair to extreme heat, and twisting devices such as curling iron, hot rollers, or hair straighteners. In addition, damage the hair with strong chemicals such as bleaching, hair colour, permanent waves. It is worth noting that psychiatric disorder is known as trichotillomania in which compulsive hair pulling and twisting can cause bald patches.
How is hair loss or its symptoms are diagnosed?
Your clinician will diagnose the cause taking into account a full medical history, medication, nutritional status, as well as hairstyling habits in addition to a physical examination including a pull test. If there is a presence of fungal infection on your scalp then a sample was maybe taken for analysis. Blood tests may be taken if they have recently been done if there is a suspected underlying medical condition such as lupus or a thyroid, iron deficiency, or sex hormonal imbalance.
How long does hair loss last?
It all depends on the underlying cause. For example, in telogen effluvium, the hair usually is lost over several weeks to months, which grows back over the next several months. However, if it is lost due to medication, hair growth usually returns to normal once the drug is stopped after the treatment is completed unless you are taking this particular medication to treat a long-term chronic condition. In the case of hairstyling, the hair loss ceases once you adopt kinder habits to your hairdressing with the exception of traction alopecia, which results from years of pulling the hair back in tight braids. In tinea fungal scalp infections, the scalp must be treated for at least 6 to 12 weeks leading to slow hair regrowth. Early treatment is paramount in any case.
How do I prevent hair loss?
These can be quick wins and others being slower in the outcome.
Some forms of hair loss can be prevented by reducing stress, adopting healthy eating plans and lifestyle, ensuring kindness to hair and scalp where hair styling is concerned. Discussing with your GP for it is possible to commence an effective medication for your condition that does not impact hair loss. It is vital to remind you not to stop your medication without consulting and discussing with your doctor as your medication was determined as the most suitable option at the time of your assessment.
Hair loss due to fungal infections can be prevented by keeping hair clean and by never sharing hats, combs, or brushes with other people. Hair loss from hereditary-pattern baldness can sometimes be prevented by medication.
Here at DermRefine Skin Clinic, there are effective treatment drug-free options that can help with the prevention and restoration of hair which can be incorporated into your lifestyle without interfering with your mediation or condition subject to assessment and suitability. I shall discuss the options that are available for you in order to advocate your right to look and feel beautiful.
What are the treatment options for hair loss?
These vary depending on where the source of the treatment. The NHS has conventional treatments that are limited to specific categories which have their value to deliver results in a safe and effective way in line with clinical supervision. Whilst in the world of aesthetics that I am in, there are more options that are available to suit you and your lifestyle
Hair loss resulting from telogen effluvium or drug side effects usually requires no treatment other than discontinuing the medication that is causing the problem. Limiting trauma or chemical exposure (such as the use of a blow dryer, hair straightener, colouring, or perms) may limit or stop hair loss. Hair loss from poor nutrition or medical illness usually stops with the adoption of a healthy diet and treatment of the underlying medical condition.
However, it is important to note that stopping a medication may not be an option, whilst I truly believe in inner nutritional health, I also advocate that external nutritional health allowing dual action to induce restoration.
I will not advise you to ever stop your long-term medication to regain your hair growth as it is against my code of ethics where my prime concern is your welfare. As an expert in medicines and medicine management, my advice to you is to never stop your medication without consulting your doctor. However, I may be able to offer hair restoration treatment options that will work for you without worrying about your medication.
On an important note, if you are experiencing a fungal scalp infection then this would need to be treated before commencing any hair restoration treatment. Treatment of fungal scalp infection requires 6 to 12 weeks of oral medication, such as terbinafine, or itraconazole with or without shampoos containing selenium sulphide or ketoconazole (Nizoral).
Alopecia areata can be treated with a corticosteroid that is injected or applied to the skin.
Many men and women with hereditary pattern baldness do not seek treatment for hair loss. For those who do seek medical treatment, initial therapy is usually topical minoxidil applied to the scalp with concentrations of 5% for men and 2% for women. Such preparations do not require a prescription and can be purchased from the pharmacy. These medications dilate the blood vessels allowing more oxygen and nutrients to reach the hair bulb.
However, minoxidil can irritate sore skin and should apply carefully to avoid the eyes, it has to be applied one hour before bed to avoid staining and spreading to other parts of the face. This is important as Minoxidil can lead to unwanted hair growth if it comes into contact with other areas of the body.
Oral medication such as Finasteride 1mg tablets is also used to manage hair loss. Finasteride is a prescription-only type of medication that is a 5-alpha reductase inhibitor. 5-alpha reductase is the enzyme responsible for the conversion of testosterone (a sex hormone) to another hormone known as dihydrotestosterone (DHT) which is five times more potent than testosterone and plays an important role in men’s sexual characteristics including the development of hair on the chin, back and chest.
However, DHT is actually detrimental to the growth of hair on the scalp contributing primarily to male pattern baldness. In addition to stopping your hair growth, it can also lead to an enlarged prostate.
Therefore, the role of finasteride in male pattern baldness is well documented and backed by numerous scientific research. However, this medication is not free of side effects as it may cause erectile dysfunction and is totally contraindicated in females. Couples must refrain from conceiving whilst the male is on finasteride as it may impact the unborn child
It is normal to see both finasteride and minoxidil are often used in combination to treat androgenetic alopecia. It is important to note that once the medication is stopped then hair loss will resume.
You may have heard of azelaic acid’s role in skincare, as antibacterial, decreases sebaceous gland activity, therefore, effective mild to moderate acne as well as treatment, anti-inflammatory, keratolytic in addition to being an antioxidant, but did you know that it may also play a role in hair restoration? This is due to the inhibition of the 5α-reductase, enzyme thereby preventing the conversion of testosterone to dihydroxy testosterone. Studies have shown that combined with zinc sulphate, azelaic acid in a topical form has a positive influence on conditions such as alopecia areata. Whilst azelaic acid has not been completely proven to treat this condition, there are promising studies in relation to hair maintenance and regrowth which may be in conjunction with other treatments.
Premenopausal women may be treated with oestrogen or spironolactone. Other treatments are hair transplants or scalp-reduction surgery.
Even hereditary-pattern baldness tends to improve with treatment. However, treatment must continue indefinitely. In some conditions, hair loss cannot be reversed, especially if scarring has developed (as can happen in lupus-related scalp disease).
Why I have chosen to offer non-surgical hair loss treatment options for my patients?
That is simple. Having been trained in one of the leading hair institutes in London, I wanted to ensure that my knowledge to provide you with a complete care solution in order to advocate your right to look and feel beautiful if hair loss is impacting your confidence and self-esteem.
Hair loss for both and women is distressing at any age and is quite a common problem impacting social interaction especially as we are more camera and social media ready and therefore, the psychological effects of this condition should not be underestimated.
For women, there’s a social stigma attached to going bald. Hair loss can affect your sensuality and how you perceive yourself. There is usually an emotional roller coaster with a feeling of despair when it happens.
Hairstyles and social media platforms are part of the youth culture so experiencing hair loss and patches on the scalp really impacts wellbeing and those affected may be a subject of bullying.
Falling into a trap of peer pressure to emulate our influencers can also be an issue.
However, on the flip side, as menopause awareness is on the increase more and more women are finding that the changes in hair quality and loss due to the impact of menopause further adding to their distress and confidence as their journey of change continues.
Which non-surgical hair restoration treatments do you offer here at DermReifine Skin Clinic?
Although I am an expert in drugs and medication management, I truly believe that I need to provide a complete car solution to your desired goal. My passion for regenerative medicine enables me to provide you with a non-medical regenerative approach to hair restoration and the treatment options that I offer reflect my objectives to advocate your right to look and feel beautiful.
Mesotherapy
Mesotherapy is a great non-surgical approach to hair restoration. Mesotherapy aims to provide the scalp with a boost of hair-specific vitamins and growth factors whilst improving the blood flow to increase the supply of nutrients to the hair follicle to enable hair restoration.
This procedure can treat treats the bald patches, and activates the follicles inducing positive results for both men and women
Mesotherapy treatment for hair involves injection points using either a needle, mesogen, or microneeling device to deliver the active ingredients to the target site. This treatment can take between 10-30 minutes depending on the area being treated. There is an element of discomfort which varies depending on the pain threshold of the individual, however, it is tolerable.
The microneeling device is able to deliver the active ingredients to the target site
Mesotherapy treatment is an alternative useful method for hair loss, as it negates the DHT hormone, and ensures hair regrowth.
It is worth noting that this treatment is drug-free which makes it attractive to many patients but can be combined with other treatment options. Check out our treatment section for more information.
I love combing this treatment with The Indiba HairWave to really boost results
PRP and PRF
Platelet Rich Plasma Treatment, or PRP, is known as the golden meso. It is a non-invasive procedure that helps to keep the hair restored and minimized the rate and chance of hair loss. This is the gold standard method using mesotherapy and micro-needling techniques using our own blood.
A sample of your blood is drawn in the same way as if you are having a blood test and placed in a centrifuge. This is a sample spun at high speed to yield the platelet-rich plasma. the platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the affected area of the scalp and where the thinning hair appears
In the centrifuge, the blood is spun at high speed to yield the platelet-rich plasma.
This is a fantastic treatment that has no side effects as it uses our own natural goodness to produce collagen and elastin. Platelet Rich Fibrin adopts the same technique as that of PRP which also involves taking a blood sample and spinning. Although both PRP and PRF share the same blood extraction techniques and harvesting of the sample, there are fundamental differences between the two making PRF a superior option for hair restoration.
A fantastic treatment to promote hair growth with no side effects
The resolution and speed vary for PRF.PRF is spun at a slower speed so that the layers of the blood sample are not distinctly separated allowing some of the white blood cells and stem cells to remain within the platelet layer, instead of being separated enabling the PRF to have better healing properties than PRP.
Lower speed and resolution cause less trauma to the activated platelets. Both yield and quality of the platelets are better than that of PRF with a higher concentration of activated platelets in PRF than PRP
Another important point to note is that PRF does not contain any additives, whereas an anticoagulant is found during the processing of the blood when making PRP.
The lack of anticoagulant means that PRF takes the natural fibrinogen within the blood and it is converted to fibrin by thrombin in the early stages of the clotting cascade creating a spongy fibrin mesh that activates the platelets with surrounding scaffold maintaining the growth factors and stem cells in the area they are injected preventing spread which can occur with PRP.
The beauty is that it uses our own growth factors to aid in hair restoration
As with mesotherapy, this procedure may be having a level of discomfort which is tolerable but worth noting that the pain threshold differs within individuals.
The beauty of this treatment is that it uses our own growth factors to aid in hair restoration making it totally drug-free procedure that is suitable as a stand-alone or in combination with other hair restoration therapies for both women and men.
Will I be suitable for this procedure?
If you are experiencing hair loss, then you may benefit from these treatments. However, the growth factors, white blood cells, stem cells, as well as activated platelets in the PRF work best when awakening dormant existing hair follicles. Such follicles are still healthy and capable of growing hair. However, they are mostly in the resting dormant phase.
It is worth managing hair loss through hair restoration using this treatment when you notice early signs of your symptoms in the case of androgenetic alopecia.
PRP can work well for both men and women, especially those in the early stages of hair loss. In addition, it is effective for patients with traction alopecia.
I love combing this treatment with The Indiba HairWave to really boost results.
How many treatments will I need?
Depending on the severity of the condition, 5-8 sessions may be needed two weeks apart with maintenance sessions every 3-6 months.
When will I see the results?
The first thing that you will notice is a decline in hair thinning and shedding. The reason being is that, Initially, the hair follicles need to stop transitioning for longer periods into the dormant/resting phase of the hair growth cycle. Then, the follicles need to be supplied with the growth factors, stem cells, and platelets to revive them to return to the growth phase. Hair growth usually occurs in the first two to three months.
How much time off work will I need after the treatment?
You don’t need time off as there is no downtime. However, there will be after-care advice that I will cover during my in-depth consultation with you.
How much does a hair loss consultation cost?
£55 non-refundable booking fee to secure your booking which is redeemable against your treatment.
The Indiba Hair Wave
What is The Indiba Hairwave for hair restoration?
The Indiba Hairwave is an innovative device designed specifically to reduce hair loss, restore hair health and promote hair restoration
This treatment is targeted to treat the scalp focusing on the crown, back, and temples to tackle hair concerns
This technology is designed to treat the scalp thanks to the patented Proionic® System, which increases tissue temperature and cell activity, stimulating and oxygenating the tissue from the inside, thus promoting blood flow. The improvement of this flow favors the arrival of necessary nutrients so that the cells at the base of the hair follicle multiply (mitotic activity) and replicate (regenerative activity), thus forming the hair.
The increase and improvement in blood flow, resulting from the application of the HairWave device amino acids (essential components of proteins) to reach the hair follicle, which is then incorporated into the structure of the keratin (essential protein in the structure of the hair fibre), strengthening and increasing its quality. It is able to achieve this through specific radiofrequency applications.
A pain-free option with no downtime
How does it work?
INDABA HairWave uses INDIBA’s patented Proionic System, which promotes blood flow, stimulating healthy cell function, and revitalization through a specific radiofrequency of 448 kHz, creating thermal and sub-thermal effects.
The improvement in blood flow enhances the delivery of necessary nutrients so that the cells at the base of the hair follicle multiply (mitotic activity) and replicate (regenerative activity), thus forming the hair.
The increase and improvement in blood flow, resulting from the application of INDIBA®️, also encourages amino acids (essential components of proteins) to reach the hair follicle, which is then incorporated into the structure of the keratin (essential protein in the structure of the hair fibre), strengthening and increasing its activity.
Is this device new and if so how do I know that it will be for me?
The INDIBA HairWave is a new device but INDIBA technology has been around since 1983.
INDIBA’s results post-surgery (INDIBA DeepCare), in sports medicine (INDIBA Activ) & in veterinary medicine (INDIBA Animal Health), are unrivaled and praised by leaders in those fields.
With phenomenal results achieved with INDIBA for hair growth and densification, INDIBA HairWave was created in 2020 – bringing INDIBA technology to a whole new patient population.
Do you have scientific papers to back its clinical effects?
Yes, with over 170 clinical papers and 9 PhDs, this device is supported by more clinical evidence than any other radio-frequency device on the market.
Can I use this treatment as combined therapy with other hair treatments?
Absolutely yes in fact I often combine my treatment to enhance results. There are treatment options available for you post clinical assessment and consultation. I will go through all the treatment options with you during the consultation.
I am scheduled for a hair transplant. How long after hair transplant surgery can I book to have an INDIBA HairWave treatment with you?
I would recommend 1-2 pre-hair transplant INDIBA sessions to prepare the scalp for surgery.
INDIBA technology can be applied from 24 hours post-treatment however in relation to hair transplant the donor and graft sites should be avoided until they are healed. Your surgeon will we be able to give you guidance on this.
Will it hurt?
As a standalone, this treatment is pleasant with zero pain and zero downtime. It can easily be done during a lunch break and no one will ever know that you had the treatment. I also carry these treatments in combination with PRP/PRF or mesotherapy and patients can opt for the boost option in our treatment package once they are assessed and consulted fully for suitability and safety. As the boost option has the element of needle insertion it may create discomfort which is tolerable, however patient pain threshold may vary.
How long is the treatment?
As a standalone treatment, this can be performed within 15-20 minutes. It can be classed as lunchtime restoration if performed as a standalone. With the Boost option then it may take longer as the Boost option requires injection of growth factors to really boost the treatment
How many treatments do I need?
To see visible results 10 sessions are required where the first two are performed in the first week followed by once a week for the next consecutive weeks. Thereafter once or twice a month sessions are needed for maintenance. It is worth considering combination treatments to boost the procedure and outcome.
Noticeable results with this patient after six treatments
For more information regarding the device please visit Belle distribution.
Check out The Treatment Cost page for information regarding our packages
The importance of home maintenance
I am a great believer of a one-off is never enough. It is vital that we maintain hair and scalp vitality. We go to see the hygienist for our oral health and the hairdresser to cut and style our hair, we still have to brush our teeth and wash our hair. The same applies to aesthetic treatments regardless of the outcome. Home hair treatments are a fantastic adjunct but not a substitute for clinic treatments. They enhance and complement the clinic treatment to really boost the outcome.
I personally love the AnteAGE® home hair restoration system which is why I have chosen to offer it at DermRefine Skin Clinic as it provides a complete home solution all in one box.
Everything that you need in one box in the comfort of your home
This ‘Hair Solution’, everything you need in one bottle, along with a needling stamp of 0.25mm. A hair massage tool, which can be used alongside or instead of a needle stamp and a sanitizer vial to send your patients home with a solution to clean their device.
AnteAGEMD® has combined growth factor technology with proven polybotanicals to give you a simple approach to hair regrowth from home. Just one step a day triggers the pathway responsible for hair growth, kickstarting sleeping follicles to give you renewed confidence around your hair.
27 powerful ingredients engineered to activate the WNT cell signaling pathway and restart hair growth that has slowed or stopped completely.
AnteAGE® has always led the way with precision growth factor technology and biosignal hacking in our hair products. I am pleased to offer a new, easier way to provide the consistent hair growth results that you are looking for from the comfort of your home to complement your clinic treatments.
To sum up!
Non-surgical treatments to hair loss treatments are on the increase. More options are available to patients who may not be ready or have the budget for hair transplantation. Combination therapies have always proved to be far more successful than standalone.
Regenerative medicine is a growing field where we truly regress as we progress by using our own natural components to prevent, prevent and preserve ourselves.
Having a non-medicinal approach to hair restoration also minimizes the risk of drug adverse effects, contraindications, or cautions providing a natural pathway to hair growth.
Non-surgical hair loss treatment options offer a great solution to those who wish to explore this avenue.
As with skin aging, my advice will always be to start early to prevent the signs of aging. The same applies to hair restoration where management options should be initiated as soon as you start to notice a decrease in density and thinning for the hair.
To share my passion for regenerative medicine as the future of antiageing and hair restoration, I would love to invite you to check out my interview with Skin pharma aesthetics on Google Podcasts, iTunes, and Spotify
Thinking of hair restoration treatment? Get in touch. I am here for you to explore your options
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