Hair loss is best described as the excessive loss of hair, causing either noticeable bald patches (sometimes smaller one), a receding hairline or thinning of hair. Hereditary hair loss is the most common type of baldness in men. Everyone on average tends to lose around 50 - 100 hairs per day, however, this process of losing 50 - 100 hairs a day without noticing can get to the point where the amount of hair you're losing exceeds the amount you are growing, it could also get to a point where there just isn’t any hair being replenished. Hair loss itself is not a fatal or dangerous medical condition, it doesn't cause any other medical conditions, it is just a natural process of the body. However, sudden hair loss can be a sign of an underlying medical condition. If you are experiencing sudden or unexplained hair loss, it is important to book an appointment with your GP for medical advise.

The human hair grows about 0.4mm per day or about 15cm per year. Human hair growth and shedding is not cyclical rather random. There are three stages of growth and shedding, which can take place at any given time: anagen, catagen, and telogen. Anagen is described as the active phase of the hair where the cells in the root rapidly divide. During this stage, new hairs grow at a rate of 1cm every 28 days. People who experience difficulty growing their hair tend to have a short active phase of growth. On the contrary, people with long hair tend to have a longer active phase of hair growth.

During the categen phase, hair growth stops and the sheath of the root shrinks. This is also known as club hair. This phase is described as transitional and lasts for about 3-4 weeks.

The telogen phase is when the hair follicle is completely at rest. This usually affects 6% to 8% of your overall hair, during this phase the club hair is completely formed. This tends to show a white and hard material at the root. Studies revealed that telogen hairs are shed at a rate of 25 to 100 hairs per day.

There are several factors that cause hair loss: abnormal levels of androgens (hormones) produced by men and women, genetics (parents with hair loss), childbirth, stress, illness, menopause, ringworm infections, certain medications (such as chemotherapy drugs) and birth control pills. Other causes of hair loss include X-rays, injuries and burns. Once an injury has healed, hair growth may return to usual unless there is a scar produced, this may permanently stop hair re-growth.

Females tend to be more prone to hair loss due to several reasons. Cosmetic procedures such has hair colouring, shampooing too often and bleaching causes thinning and brittle hair. Using hot curlers and tight braiding may damage and break the hair. However these may not necessary contribute to baldness

The following medical conditions are known to cause hair loss: iron deficiency anaemia, thyroid disease, diabetes and lupus. In most cases, hair re-growth is successful when the underlying cause is treated, unless there is scarring formed such as follicular disorders. Severe malnourishment, a calorie-restricted and low-protein diet may also cause temporary hair loss. There are certain foods such as green fortified vegetables that can help prevent hair loss.

Autoimmune diseases may contribute to alopecia areata where hair loss appears patchy. Most people with alopecia areata hair grows back, the hairs may look fine and lighter in colour before normal thickness and colouration returns.

Although a cure for hair loss has not currently been found, there are many medications both oral and cream-based that have been found to slow the overall rate of hair loss, even sometimes encouraging the progression of hair growth. With certain conditions such as alopecia areata (patchy hair loss), hair may grow back without treatment within a year. It is important to treat the underlying cause of the hair loss first, for example, your doctor may prescribe you iron supplements for iron-deficiency anaemia. Finasteride is a well known medication taken for hair loss by men. How this works is that it reduces the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT is harmful to hair follicles and aids hair loss, however, when taking Finasteride everyday, it prevents the hair follicles from thinning as quickly which in turn has a positive effect on slowing down hair loss. It’s also known to boost the production of hair growth for many users who take this medicine on a daily basis. Rare side effects of finasteride may include low sex-drive. There has also been rare reports of depression, if this happens, It is important to stop taking finasteride and contact your doctor immediately. Women who are or may be pregnant should avoid touching crushed or broken tablets. 

You may want to try silicone products, such as dimethicone or cyclomethicone for your hair. These products help coat the hair strands, creating a fuller hair look without appearing greasy. Eating nutritious meals containing fish (such as salmon) and nuts, this helps promote healthier and stronger hair. The benefits of omega-3 fats and protein also help create a healthier scalp. It is important not to start quick weight loss diets, as this may starve your body of important nutrients which is vital for hair growth. Starving your body from important nutrients may results to hair loss and brittle hair. Do not wash your hair with very hot water as this may strip the protective oils in your scalp that naturally conditions your hair. To avoid dry hair, wash your hair with lukewarm water. Avoid tight braiding, styling your hair with hot tools, colour or bleaching your hair as this may results to hair loss and split ends.

Finasteride is a popular and effective treatment for male pattern baldness (hair loss), a common condition amongst men. The medication works by blocking the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT). DHT contributes to the thinning of hair and the shortening of the growth phase of hair.

The advantage of Finasteride is it will increase the number of scalp hairs without increasing the amount of body hair in men. Finasteride is mostly effective in treating male pattern baldness at the crown and in the middle of the scalp. It has been shown that Finasteride is effective in preventing hair loss in men in 9 out of 10 cases. It usually takes 3-6 months of daily use to show effects. It is important to note that Finasteride would not work faster or better if you exceed the daily dose, which is one tablet daily. If you stop taking Finasteride, your hair loss will return

The side effects of Finasteride are generally uncommon and usually mild. Some men have reported low mood, reduced sex drive and erection problems. However this is not a cause of concern since stopping Finasteride usually resolves these side effects. It is important you read the patient information leaflet and contact us regarding any side effects that concern you. There has been very rare reports of depression in men taking Finasteride, if you experience depression, stop taking Finasteride and contact your GP as soon as possible. This medicines should be used by men only. Women and children should not use this medication.

Regaine is a clinically proven over the counter treatment for men with hair loss. It contains 5% minoxidil, which works by increasing blood supply to the hair follicles in the scalp, this will help strengthen existing hair and stimulates secondary hair growth. The advantage of using topical Regaine treatment is that it helps men achieve thicker, more-visible hair without affecting male hormones. Regaine Foam is easy to use, no mess and hassle-free. It is effective in hair re-growth in 85% of men after 4 months when used twice daily.