Hair Loss

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Dermatology at Swift Access Health

Hair Loss

Hair loss — or alopecia — affects millions of people and can have a significant impact on confidence and quality of life. It presents in many forms, from the gradual thinning of male or female pattern hair loss, to the sudden patchy shedding of alopecia areata, or the permanent scarring hair loss caused by certain inflammatory scalp conditions. Accurate diagnosis is the essential first step, as the cause determines the treatment.

At Swift Access Health, our consultant dermatologists are experienced in assessing all forms of hair loss. A thorough consultation — including examination of the scalp, blood tests where indicated, and occasionally scalp biopsy — allows us to identify the underlying cause and recommend the most appropriate treatment. Options range from topical and oral medications to steroid injections, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy, and specialist hair transplantation techniques where indicated.

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Info

Time

30-minute appointment with a consultant dermatologist

Results

Dependent on type and cause; many patients achieve stabilisation or regrowth with treatment

Risks

Scarring alopecia can cause permanent loss if untreated; treatment side effects discussed individually

Recovery

Hair regrowth is gradual — typically 3–6 months before results become visible

Treatment

Topical minoxidil, oral medications, steroid injections, PRP, or referral for hair transplant

Aftercare

Ongoing monitoring of scalp health; maintenance treatment often required long-term

Why Choose Swift Access Health

Benefits of Specialist Hair Loss Care

Expert assessment and personalised management of hair loss leads to accurate diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and the best possible outcome for scalp and hair health.

  • Accurate diagnosis by a consultant dermatologist — identifying the specific type and cause of hair loss
  • Blood tests and scalp biopsy arranged where needed to guide diagnosis and exclude systemic causes
  • Full range of medical treatments including topical minoxidil, oral finasteride, and hormonal therapies
  • Steroid injections (intralesional triamcinolone) for alopecia areata and inflammatory hair loss
  • PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy to stimulate follicle activity and slow progressive hair loss
  • Referral pathway for surgical hair restoration where appropriate
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Your Patient Journey

1. Your
Consultation

Your dermatologist will take a detailed history of your hair loss — when it began, rate of progression, family history, any associated symptoms, and relevant medical history. The scalp is examined using a dermatoscope (trichoscopy), and blood tests or scalp biopsy may be arranged. A diagnosis is reached and a treatment plan agreed.

Your Patient Journey

2. Your
Treatment

Treatment depends on the diagnosis. Androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) is treated with topical minoxidil, oral medications, and lifestyle advice. Alopecia areata typically responds to intralesional steroid injections or immunotherapy. Scarring alopecias require prompt anti-inflammatory treatment to halt progression. PRP therapy is available as an adjunct across multiple hair loss types.

Your Patient Journey

3. Aftercare

Hair regrowth is a gradual process and patience is essential. Follow-up appointments monitor response to treatment, check for side effects, and adjust the plan as needed. Most forms of hair loss require ongoing maintenance — your dermatologist will agree a long-term management strategy with you.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • The most common cause in both men and women is androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss), driven by genetics and hormonal factors. Other common causes include alopecia areata (an autoimmune condition), telogen effluvium (triggered by illness, stress, or nutritional deficiency), scalp infections, and certain medications. An accurate diagnosis determines which treatment is most likely to help.

  • This depends on the cause. Pattern hair loss is progressive but can be slowed or partially reversed with treatment. Alopecia areata often regrows spontaneously or with treatment. Telogen effluvium typically resolves once the trigger is addressed. Scarring alopecias can cause permanent loss in areas of established scarring, making early diagnosis and treatment particularly important.

  • Depending on your presentation, blood tests may include full blood count, thyroid function, ferritin (iron stores), vitamin D, zinc, and hormone levels. These help identify systemic causes such as thyroid disease, iron deficiency, or hormonal imbalance that may be contributing to or causing hair shedding.

  • There is no single answer — effectiveness depends on the underlying cause. Minoxidil and finasteride are well-evidenced for androgenetic alopecia. Steroid injections work well for alopecia areata. Treating an underlying nutritional deficiency or medical condition often leads to significant regrowth. Your dermatologist will recommend the most appropriate approach for your specific diagnosis.

  • Most treatments take 3–6 months before meaningful improvement in hair density is visible. It is important to persist with treatment during this period and attend follow-up appointments for monitoring and reassessment.

  • Hair transplant surgery can be an effective option for appropriate candidates with stable pattern hair loss. At Swift Access Health, we provide thorough pre-transplant assessment and can advise on suitability and appropriate referral pathways where indicated.

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