Balding - also known as Male Pattern Hair Loss or Male Androgenetic Alopecia
This is thinning of the hair that usually tends to happen to men. It affects 50% of men by their 50s. Some men experience this much earlier and may seek a hair transplant. However as more experience is being gained, the more ethical hair transplant surgeons will rarely operate on men in their 20s. This is because the hair loss is likely not to have stabilised, and the cosmetic effects later on will not be as good.
If you are considering a hair transplant it is recommended that you start a treatment plan with this clinic at least 6 months before surgery.
Often a combination of approaches is required, which is a diagnostic hair loss consultation (medical trichology) takes place first before any treatments. This is because there are some hair loss conditions that can mimic balding which would need alternative treatments.
How the clinic can help
This clinic mainly focuses on medical and aesthetic treatments for hair loss based on an in depth understanding of what is contributing.
The emphasis is on using Regenerative Technology, polynucleotides, platelet rich plasma and Regenera Activa.
The clinic offers the additional service of helping you to choose men’s hair replacement systems. A nearby salon has the ability to fit and style the system.
Medical treatments
Following a consultation, ongoing prescribing of Low Dose oral Minoxidil may form part of the treatment plan. It is best to do a DNA test (Fagron TrichoTest – please see below) to assess whether this is worthwhile first. Oral Finasteride (Propecia) or Dutasteride can be prescribed following a TrichoTest in selected patients. Topical Medications can also be prescribed.
This clinic uses reputable Pharmacies to source this medication, so that you can be confident the product is genuine.
TrichoTest - DNA testing for personalising treatments
The first line treatment for male pattern hair loss is Topical Minoxidil, which can be purchased from Pharmacies under the brand name of Regaine.
The next treatment is oral Finasteride which some people source from on line pharmacies. These medications may not work for everyone, so the TrichoTest helps to identify which medical treatments (and supplements) are most likely to work based on the genetic profile.
Diagnostic imaging - TrichoLab
It is very important to plan treatment based on the correct diagnosis.
This clinic therefore requires a Tricholab image with all of the hair loss treatments. This is to precisely measure the hairs on the scalp, and also to get a second opinion diagnostic report. This is different to the high magnification used in most trichology clinics.
Nutrition and supplements
Nutritional advice based on the available evidence forms part of the consultation process.
It is recommended that supplements should only be taken if there is a specific need.
The majority of supplements will be supplied via the Get Harley portal following a consultation. Other supplements are available from a Partner Pharmacy (10% discount code – Crewe1)
Aesthetic and Regenerative treatments
A diagnostic hair loss consultation at this clinic must have taken place before the treatment is booked
This is where non-surgical micrografts are mechanically disaggregated and reinjected into the areas of thinning hair of the scalp. This treatment is usually repeated once a year or after 6 weeks if an initial result is not seen. This is worth considering if you are thinking about having a hair transplant as there is increasing evidence that it could improve the blood supply to the scalp and reduce scarring if done 6 months before the hair transplant procedure. Treatment is usually done annually.
Polynucleotides (Nucleofill, Plenyhage or Plinest)
This treatment is currently trending in facial aesthetics because they are about treating the causes of skin problems rather than camouflaging with ‘Botox and fillers’. They keep cells healthy and fit, taking actions for the long term. They can be used alongside other treatments of the scalp such as PRP and microneedling.
Polynucleotides can increase the thickness of hair, increase hair growth and density. They can be injected into the scalp and eyebrows. hair. It can be useful before and after hair restoration surgery. A series of treatments is recommended (4 treatments in total every 2 weeks)
10 ml of your own blood is drawn from you, spun down in a centrifuge and the Growth Factors are injected into your scalp. This method is well known, but should ideally be used as an adjunct to other treatments.
Treatment is usually done every month for 6 months then every 3-6 months thereafter if there are results.
Treatment can be combined with polynucleotides to optimise results
Calecim Professional is a revolutionary technology the active ingredient of which is a potent protein mix derived from cord lining stem cells. Stem cells have great potential for all kids of therapies because of their remarkable potential to develop into many different cell types in the body.
Calecim Professional Advanced Hair Solution has been developed using a proprietary technology that is derived from the Mesenchymal Stem Cells of the Umbilical Cord Lining, the richest source of stem cells in the body. It is recommended for patients suffering from hair loss, and can be used in conjunction with other hair loss treatments after a hair transplant procedure.
Home care treatment programmes are available from this clinic through the Get Harley portal. Current customers can buy the home care kit using the link below. It is recommended that blood tests are checked as normal before starting this treatment
Microneedling with Dermaroller Xcellaris Protwist
Image shown is the original dermaroller, not the in-clinic device.
This device was introduced to reduce the pain of the experience of microneedling. If you have other cosmetic concerns (such as dry skin, lines and wrinkles, large pores, acne scarring, hyperpigmentation, stretch marks) this would be a helpful option as these treatments can be done at the same time. Recommended products can be purchased to support the process.
Further information can be found on Study Hair Growth (dermaroller.com)
The protocol for hair loss recommends two to three treatments 4-6 weeks apart
to give best results. Top up treatments are normally recommended 6 -12 months later.
The Pharma Hermetic Hair Recovery Programme is a treatment that is classified as cosmetic topical treatment which acts to help male pattern hair loss in a number of ways.
One treatment in the clinic is done every 10-14 days on 6 occasions. The in-clinic treatment is supplemented with at home products.
This can be done to support results from Platelet Rich Plasma Treatments (please see further down the page)
WOW fusion mesotherapy is particularly useful for those who may be under stress/ have sweaty scalps/ want to improve the nutrition of the scalp and those with sweaty and scaly scalps. The first treatment includes botulinum toxin and is repeated 12 weeks later. In between there are 6 weekly treatments costing £150 per treatment.
RRS XL hair loss treatment is ideal for those looking to hydrate the scalp. It is administered using the WOW fusion microneedling device.
Each treatment costs £75 and is repeated every 1-2 weeks for one month and then every 6 weeks thereafter.
Options for textured hair
Men with afro-textured hair may find that the lotion and foam versions of Minoxidil are not suitable, in which case Low Dose Oral Minoxidil could be considered
The clinic is able to supply to customers who have used an in-clinic service Minoxidil cream from a specialist compounding Pharmacy. The price may vary but in November 2021 the cost was £60 for 50ml which should last around 2 months.
Practical help in hiding hair loss
The clinic can supply ready to wear hair pieces or custom made hair pieces. To view pieces that can be purchased online without visiting the clinic, please click on the image. Regrettably, once purchased the pieces are not returnable.
Real hair, synthetic hair, Cyber hair or vital hair is available. To learn more, please click here
Cosmetic camouflage fibres - MS Hair fibres
Natural fibres in a wide range of colours for all hair types.
The company discontinued this product in October 2024, but the clinic has a limited supply of some colours.