Regenera Activa Explained: How It Stimulates Hair Growth Naturally

Regenera Activa® is an advanced, non-surgical hair restoration treatment designed to stimulate hair growth using your body’s own regenerative capabilities. This innovative therapy involves harvesting micro-grafts from your scalp and re-injecting them into areas affected by hair thinning or hair loss. These micro-grafts are rich in stem cells, growth factors, and progenitor cells which work together to revitalize and reactivate dormant hair follicles, supporting natural hair regrowth without surgery or synthetic chemicals.

What Hair Loss Conditions Does Regenera Activa Treat?

Regenera Activa® is ideal for men and women experiencing early to moderate hair thinning or androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern baldness). This stem cell-based therapy is especially effective in treating areas where hair follicles are still active but weakened. It’s a suitable option for patients looking for a natural, minimally invasive hair restoration solution.

Conditions commonly treated include:

Androgenetic alopecia (male/female pattern hair loss)

Early stages of hair thinning

Mild to moderate hair loss

Patients seeking natural, regenerative solutions

How Does the Regenera Activa Procedure Work?

The Regenera Activa® procedure is a simple, in-clinic treatment that typically lasts less than one hour. It uses your own regenerative cells to reactivate hair follicles and promote natural hair growth. Here’s how the treatment works step by step:

Scalp Evaluation

Your specialist will thoroughly examine your scalp and hair loss pattern to determine suitability for the treatment.

Sample Collection

A small section of your scalp (usually from the back of the head- unaffected areas) is numbed and 3–4 small punch biopsies are taken under local anaesthetic.

Cell Processing

The biopsies are mechanically processed using the Regenera Activa® device to extract regenerative cells.

Injection

The regenerative solution is injected into the thinning areas of your scalp to stimulate weakened hair follicles and support new growth.

Benefits of Regenera Activa Hair Restoration Treatment

Regenera Activa® stands out as a highly effective and natural hair loss solution for both men and women. It combines advanced medical technology with your body’s own healing power, offering multiple benefits compared to traditional hair loss treatments or surgery.

Key Advantages of Regenera Activa®:

• Uses your body’s own cells (no foreign substances)
• Minimally invasive
• No downtime
• Natural-looking results
• One-time session (in most cases)
• Can be combined with other treatments (finasteride, PRP, minoxidil, etc.)

What to Expect After Regenera Activa Treatment?

One of the key advantages of Regenera Activa® is its simplicity and minimal recovery time. Most patients experience little to no discomfort after the procedure and can resume normal daily activities immediately.

After-Treatment Expectations

• Mild redness or swelling may occur at the injection sites, usually resolving within 1–2 days.
• No significant downtime; you can resume normal activities immediately.
• Hair quality and density typically improve within 3-6 months, with results continuing to evolve up to 12 months.

How Many Regenera Activa Sessions Are Needed?

One of the most appealing features of Regenera Activa® is that only one session is usually needed to achieve noticeable results. The treatment is designed to deliver long-lasting stimulation to your hair follicles after just a single application.However, depending on the severity of hair loss, a follow-up session after 12–18 months may be recommended.

Who Is a Good Candidate for Regenera Activa?

Regenera Activa® is an excellent option for individuals looking for a natural, non-surgical solution to early-stage hair loss. It’s especially effective when hair follicles are still present but have become weak or inactive.

You may be a suitable candidate if you:

• Are in the early to moderate stages of hair loss
• Prefer natural, regenerative treatments
• Have realistic expectations
• Are in good overall health

Contraindications (Not Suitable For):

• Advanced baldness with no active follicles
• Scalp infections or conditions
• Bleeding disorders or on anticoagulants
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Severe chronic illnesses (e.g., autoimmune disorders, active cancer)

Possible Side Effects

Regenera Activa® is generally well tolerated. However, potential side effects may include:

• Mild discomfort or soreness at the biopsy/injection site
• Swelling, redness, or bruising
• Temporary increase in hair shedding

All the above are very mild.

Aftercare Instructions Following Regenera Activa Treatment

To ensure optimal results and support the healing process, it’s important to follow a few simple aftercare guidelines following your Regenera Activa® session. These instructions help maximize the effectiveness of the regenerative cells and prevent irritation or complications.

• Avoid washing your hair for 24 hours after the procedure
• Do not apply topical hair products for 48 hours
• Refrain from vigorous exercise, swimming, or sun exposure for 48–72 hours
• Follow any additional instructions provided by your doctor

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Exosomes are some very small extracellular vesicles, typically ranging in size from 30 to 150 nanometres, naturally secreted by our body cells. They play an important role in cell-to-cell communication, carrying bioactive molecules such as proteins, lipids, RNA, and signalling compounds. By transferring these molecules, exosomes influence the behaviour and health of neighbouring cells, promoting regeneration and repair.

Why are exosomes gaining attention in hair loss treatment?

Over the past few years, exosomes have become a significant focus in regenerative medicine, including the treatment of various types of hair loss such as androgenetic alopecia (male boldness or female pattern hair loss). Their appeal lies in their unique ability to deliver therapeutic signals directly to hair follicles, encouraging regeneration, tissue repair, and the reactivation of dormant follicles, so overall the boost the hair regrowth.

How do exosomes help with hair restoration?

Here are key ways exosomes support hair restoration:

Stimulating Hair Follicle Regeneration

Exosomes, particularly those derived from stem cells (like adipose or bone marrow-derived stem cells) contain high concentrations of growth factors. These promote the transition of hair follicles from the resting (telogen) phase into the active growth (anagen) phase, fostering new hair growth and strengthening existing hair.

Anti-Inflammatory Benefits

Hair loss conditions often involve chronic inflammation. Exosomes may have anti-inflammatory properties, helping reduce inflammation in the scalp and creating a healthier environment for hair growth.

Enhancing Cellular Repair and Growth

Exosomes carry signalling molecules that promote cellular repair and the growth of new cells. When applied to the scalp, they help restore and strengthen hair follicles, improving their function and overall scalp health.

Mimicking Stem Cell Therapy

Since exosomes originate from stem cells, they mimic the regenerative capabilities of stem cell therapy. They encourage tissue rejuvenation and promote thicker, healthier hair growth. Exosomes provide the key instructions for tissue repair without the need to introduce live cells into the body, making the procedure both safe and efficient.

A Minimally Invasive, Non-Surgical Solution

Exosome therapy is usually performed through simple, non-surgical scalp injections. Unlike hair transplants, it does not involve downtime, sutures, or significant recovery, offering an attractive alternative for individuals seeking effective, non-invasive hair restoration.

Exosome Therapy vs PRP Therapy: What’s the Difference?

Many patients ask whether PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) or Exosome Therapy is better for hair loss. While PRP uses a patient’s own blood platelets to stimulate hair growth, exosomes offer a higher concentration of regenerative factors and can produce more consistent results. In some cases, combining the two therapies can lead to enhanced outcomes.

Who is an Ideal Candidate for Exosome Hair Therapy?

Exosome therapy may be ideal if you:

• suffer from early-stage or moderate hair thinning.
• experience androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern hair loss).
• are looking for a non-surgical alternative to hair transplantation.
• wish to address scalp inflammation contributing to hair loss.
• seek a natural, regenerative solution for hair rejuvenation.

If your hair follicles are completely inactive or if significant scarring has occurred, other treatments might be more appropriate, which is why a consultation with a dermatologist is crucial.

What to Expect During and After Exosome Treatment?

The procedure typically involves:

• Application of a topical anaesthetic to the scalp for comfort.
• Injection of exosome serum directly into areas experiencing hair thinning.
• Minimal discomfort and no need for downtime — patients can resume normal activities almost immediately.

Results Timeline:

Initial improvements in scalp health can be observed within weeks, with visible hair regrowth typically beginning around three to six months after treatment. Full results may take up to 12 months to develop.

Is Exosome Therapy Safe and Proven?

Exosome therapy is a cutting-edge innovation with growing evidence supporting its potential. However, it is still considered a relatively new treatment. More clinical research is needed to fully confirm its safety, effectiveness and best practices. While clinical studies and patient experiences are very encouraging, long-term outcomes are still being studied.

At Dr Therianou Dermatology in London, we exclusively use plant-derived exosomes, which eliminate the potential risks associated with human-derived or animal-derived products. This ensures the highest level of safety and purity for our patients.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

How soon will I see results from exosome hair therapy?

You may notice scalp improvements within a few weeks, but hair regrowth typically becomes visible between three to six months post-treatment.

Is exosome therapy better than PRP for hair loss?

Exosomes generally offer a higher concentration of growth factors and regenerative molecules than PRP, leading to potentially faster and more robust results.

Can women benefit from exosome therapy?

Absolutely. Many women with female pattern hair loss, postpartum shedding, or stress-related thinning see significant improvements after exosome treatments.

Is exosome hair therapy permanent?

While results can be long-lasting, maintenance sessions may be recommended depending on the underlying cause of hair loss.

How Much Does Exosome Therapy for Hair Loss Cost in London?

Exosome hair therapy is a premium, regenerative solution. Costs can vary depending on the number of sessions needed and the severity of hair loss. During your consultation at our clinic, we will provide a personalised treatment plan and discuss all associated costs upfront.

EXOSOME TREATMENT FEES

Treatments

Description

Price

1

Full Price

£350

3

From 1050

£1,000

5

From 1750

£1,575

7

From 2450

£2,100

* We occasionally offer special discounts on these treatments—feel free to ask our administrative team for current offers!

Should I consider exosome therapy for hair loss?

If you’re experiencing hair loss, it’s best to consult a consultant dermatologist. They can help determine whether exosome therapy is appropriate for your specific condition and discuss all available options. We are proud for the reputation we have built as a clinic over the years in hair loss, and we have been pioneers in many hair loss treatments.

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If you suffer from Alopecia Areata, you are not alone. It is estimated that this hair loss condition impacts one in 1,000 people in the UK alone and over seven million sufferers in the US. Until recently, baricitinib was the only approved medication for the condition, but it was deemed unsuitable to administer to adolescents. However, a recent decision by the National Institute for Health and Care Excellence (NICE) has made ritlecitinib (Litfulo), a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, the second ever approved and legally available treatment for severe Alopecia Areata in patients aged 12 and over.

Clinical trials for ritlecitinib showed that nearly 25% of adults and adolescents saw significant hair regrowth, covering 80% or more of their scalp within 24 weeks. After nearly a year, the response rate in patients increased further, with over 40% of patients achieving 80% or more scalp hair regrowth.

If you are struggling with the effects of Alopecia Areata, here is everything you need to know about ritlecitinib and how it could help you.

Firstly, what is Alopecia Areata?

Alopecia areata occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, resulting in patches of hair loss. The disease transpires independently of ethnicity, but can often be hereditary. Around 10-25% of patients have a family history of alopecia areata or other autoimmune conditions.

The condition can cause hair loss from any part of the body, but it most predominantly affects the head and face. Fortunately, with early treatment, alopecia areata can be reversed most of the times, though it requires patience. Approximately 80% of people with mild alopecia will experience hair regrowth within a year, even without treatment.

Treatment with ritlecitinib is suitable for people with extensive Alopecia.

How Does Ritlecitinib Work?

Ritlecitinib works by blocking the JAK/STAT pathway in the immune system. Specifically inhibiting enzymes called JAK3 and Tyrosine Kinase. This reduces and improves inflammation around the hair follicles, promoting hair regrowth.

How Do I Take Ritlecitinib?

Ritlecitinib is an oral medication developed by Pfizer. It should be taken as a daily tablet by mouth, with or without food. It is important not to chew, crush, or split the tablet; rather, take the dosage in its entirety with fluids to ensure proper ingestion.

What Makes Ritlecitinib Unique?

Ritlecitinib is the second approved medication for severe Alopecia Areata, following baricitinib. Here’s how it stands out:

• Broader Age Range: Ritlecitinib is approved for patients aged 12 and older, making it suitable for adolescents, unlike baricitinib.
• Targeted Mechanism: It blocks the JAK3 and Tyrosine Kinase enzymes, reducing inflammation and supporting hair follicle regrowth.
• Promising Results: Clinical trials show that nearly 25% of patients achieved 80% or more scalp regrowth within 24 weeks, increasing to 40% after a year.

What Do Clinical Trials Say?

Clinical trials have demonstrated impressive results:

• Within 24 weeks, nearly 25% of patients achieved 80% or more scalp hair regrowth.
• After nearly a year of treatment, this response improved, with over 40% of patients seeing significant regrowth.

These outcomes make ritlecitinib a promising option for individuals struggling with severe Alopecia Areata.

How Does Ritlecitinib Compare to Baricitinib?

Feature

Ritlecitinib

Baricitinib

Age Eligibility

12 years and older

18 years and older

Mechanism

JAK3 and Tyrosine Kinase inhibition

General JAK inhibition

Approval Scope

Severe Alopecia Areata

Severe Alopecia Areata

Efficacy

40% achieve 80% hair regrowth

Similar efficacy in clinical trials

Side Effects

Increased risk of infections, rare thrombosis

Similar, with added liver enzyme risks

What Are the Possible Side Effects?

As ritlecitinib is a relatively new medication, the available data is based on studies conducted over the past 3 years. Based off conducted trials, it is known that side effects can include an increased risk of infections, particularly of the upper respiratory system. Rarely, ritlecitinib may cause blockage of blood vessels, known as thrombosis, and there is an unknown risk of malignancy. We recommend discussing these risks with your doctor before starting treatment.

Does Ritlecitinib Affect Fertility, Pregnancy, or Breastfeeding?

The impact and safety of ritlecitinib on fertility and pregnancy is not yet fully understood. If you become pregnant while taking ritlecitinib, notify your healthcare provider immediately. The medication stays in the body for only a few hours, so it is generally considered safe to discontinue it once pregnancy is confirmed.

Breastfeeding is not recommended during treatment, and the NHS advises abstaining from breastfeeding at least 14 hours after the last dose.

Can I Drink Alcohol While Taking Ritlecitinib?

Alcohol is not known to directly interact with ritlecitinib, however drinking can exacerbate certain side effects, such as headaches and dizziness. Your doctor may recommend limiting alcohol consumption while undergoing Litfulo treatment. Following NHS guidelines, it is safest to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week to minimize potential health risks.

What If I Have Mild Alopecia Areata?

As baricitinib ritlecitinib is only licensed for severe forms of Alopecia Areata, it is not suitable for patients with mild symptoms. However, other treatment options are available, and Dr. Anastasia and her team would be happy to discuss them with you. Please feel free to contact us for more information.

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Hair loss is not uncommon and can be triggered by a variety of factors, ranging from genetics, stress and childbirth, to menopause or as a side effect to some medications. It can be temporary or permanent, occur gradually or very suddenly, and can affect specific areas of your body, such as your scalp or beard, or your whole body.

Men are typically the most affected, and the most common hair disorder is male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia. This occurs increasingly with age; 16% of men aged 18-29 will experience this, compared to 53% of men aged 40-49. Up to 50% of women by age 70 can also experience androgenetic alopecia, commonly after childbirth or during menopause. [1]

One relatively new and effective treatment for hair loss is low level laser therapy. While light treatment and specifically blue light is often used to tackle acne or laser is used for some types of rosacea, low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in particular, has been clinically proven to deliver significant improvements.

What is low‐level laser therapy?

Low‐level laser therapy (LLLT) uses low-power red and infrared light lasers to stimulate cell function and increase hair regrowth [2]. It was first discovered in 1967, following a successful study which showed accelerated hair regrowth on mice after exposure to a low power laser.

It can be used on its own, or combined with other treatments, such as lotions, gel, tablets or injections, and has been proven to be effective in both men and women. Additionally, it can be used in at-home devices like combs, helmets and caps.

Helmets are often a popular choice as they are more convenient to use. You can wear them while watching TV, cooking or working at home. Combs typically are more cost-effective but require you to comb your hair thoroughly for approximately 15 minutes each time you use it, which can be time consuming.

It’s an ideal treatment for patients looking for non-invasive options. It is also safe for undergoing during pregnancy.

At-home devices can typically be used for six to 10 minutes a day, and some results can be seen in approximately 6 months.

What happens during a LLLT treatment?

If you’re using a comb for your LLLT treatment, as previously mentioned, you will need to comb your hair for 15 minutes each time in order to ensure maximum efficacy. A LLLT hair loss helmet on the other hand can be worn for about 5-7  minutes at a time.

How long does it take to see results?

Following an LLLT treatment, results can be seen in as little as five months, and treatment can take place daily with an at-home cap. There are some clinics that offer the treatment in clinic, however as the treatment needs to be undertaken frequently, helmets are preferable for patients.

LLLT can also be effective for patients suffering with dandruff and itchy scalps. [5]

How long do results last?

LLLT has proven success for hair regrowth androgenetic alopecia with repetitive treatment over a period of six months. Once a patient stops receiving treatment, hair loss will typically return to its initial state. The longer you use LLLT, the better the results will be and maintain.

Not all treatments for hair thinning are effective for everyone. A small percentage of patients may not see improvement after six months, and if so, should change and explore other hair loss treatments available.

Are there any side effects?

Side effects are very minimal and rare, with few reported across clinical studies.

For a small amount of patients, side effects can include acne, dryness, headaches and itchiness. [6]

What’s the downtime after a low‐level laser therapy treatment?

LLLT treatments are very safe, painless and don’t cause any damage to your hair or scalp. They can take as little as 15 minutes to complete and there is no downtime.

How much does it cost?

 LLLT  devices for hair loss cost approximately between £200 and £1,500.

At the Dr Anastasia Therianou clinic, we can offer a discount on the treatment cost, exclusively for patients undergoing LLLT.

Sources:
1,3,4,6.Nestor MS, Ablon G, Gade A, Han H, Fischer DL. Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021 Dec;20(12):3759-3781. doi: 10.1111/jocd.14537. Epub 2021 Nov 6. PMID: 34741573; PMCID: PMC9298335.
2. Pillai JK, Mysore V. Role of Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in Androgenetic Alopecia. J Cutan Aesthet Surg. 2021 Oct-Dec;14(4):385-391. doi: 10.4103/JCAS.JCAS_218_20. PMID: 35283601; PMCID: PMC8906269.
5. Qiu J, Yi Y, Jiang L, Miao Y, Jia J, Zou J, Hu Z. Efficacy assessment for low-level laser therapy in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a real-world study on 1383 patients. Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Aug;37(6):2589-2594. doi: 10.1007/s10103-022-03520-4. Epub 2022 Feb 8. Erratum in: Lasers Med Sci. 2022 Mar 23;: PMID: 35133519; PMCID: PMC9343305.

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It is thought that alopecia areata impacts one in 1000 people in the UK alone, and over seven million sufferers in the US, yet those with the condition might still find themselves desperately searching for answers and treatments for years. Many feel that the disease harms their confidence, their sense of self and their general mental health, and this often increases with the severity of the hair loss they experience.

So, if you’re struggling, you’re not alone, and the good news is that a new medication now means that treatment is much more accessible than ever before.

What is alopecia areata?

Alopecia areata is caused when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles and causes patches of hair loss. The disease seems independent of ethnicity but can be hereditary, with a family history of Alopecia Areata and/or other autoimmune conditions present in around 10–25% of patients.

Hair can be lost from any part of the body, though alopecia areata predominantly affects the head and face. The good news is, that with early treatment, alopecia areata can be reversible. About 80 per cent of people with the condition, especially mild cases, find that their hair regrows without treatment within a year.

Dr. Anastasia Therianou is a Certified Consultant Dermatologist and hair disorders expert, so a consultation at her clinic is the best option if you are experiencing hair disorders. We help many patients daily with a variety of medical skin conditions in our dermatology clinic in Harley Street. 

Treating alopecia areata with baricitinib

Baricitinib is a drug known as a Janus kinase (JAK) inhibitor, which works by blocking the activity of pathways of inflammation involved in autoimmune diseases such as eczema, rheumatoid arthritis, and more recently, alopecia areata. It suppresses the immune system to prevent it from attacking the hair follicles and, though its impact is not immediate, most people start noticing the effects about two to eight weeks after they start taking the medication.

Full benefits can be expected between three to six months, so though it is not a quick fix, it is certainly one of – if not the most – effective treatments available today.

What forms of alopecia areata does baricitinib work for?

In June 2022, baricitinib was licensed to be used on moderate to severe forms of alopecia areata and is mainly prescribed to patients who have tried standard immunosuppressive treatments but have either seen little to know benefit from them or found they were intolerant to them.

How do I take baricitinib?

Baricitinib is a tablet taken by mouth once daily with or without food and at any time of the day, as advised by a professional. Your exact dosage (2mg or 4mg) will be dictated by your personal medical history, age and severity level of alopecia areata.

Does baricitinib impact fertility, pregnancy or breastfeeding?

It is medically advised not to take baricitinib if you are either pregnant or breastfeeding, and women who have the potential to conceive should ensure that they are using a contraception method with high efficacy during the entire course of treatment and for seven days after.

Currently, there is little research around baricitinib’s impact on fertility in humans, however studies on animals suggest that there is potential for the medication to slightly decrease fecundity.

What are the possible side effects?

Most patients tolerate it well with little or no side effects, however, common side effects can include infections of the upper respiratory system such as nasopharyngitis, or an infection of the skin known as herpes zoster, or urinary tract infection. Folliculitis or acne can also occur, as can thrombosis of the veins ( blood clots), especially in patients who are higher risk. 

Monitoring of blood in patients is also necessary as anemia, increased muscle enzyme levels, increased fat levels in the blood can happen as a result of the medication. Finally, baricitinib, as with every other drug of the same group (JAK inhibitors), may increase the risk of lymphoma, however the studies available to date, are still too short to address this, and we will know more in the next few years. 

Can I drink alcohol while taking baricitinib?

In short, yes you can. However, it is best to keep in line with NHS guidance, which states that to keep alcohol-related health concerns low, it is safest to drink no more than 14 units of alcohol per week (equivalent to 6 pints of average -strength beer or 10 small glasses of lower-strength wine).

What if I have mild signs of alopecia areata?

As baricitinib is only licensed for moderate to severe forms of the disease, those with mild cases are not suitable for this kind of treatment. However, there are other options available that Dr Anastasia and her team would be more than happy to discuss with you, you can contact them here. 

Baricitinib has been approved for alopecia areata in USA, Europe and Japan since summer 2022, however the National Institute for Health Care and Excellence (NICE) in the UK, has recently outlined that they do not recommend baricitinib for routine commissioning on the NHS for treating severe alopecia areata in adults. Patients who decide to pay for baricitinib and not get it through the NHS service but through private sector, can still fulfil their prescriptions from online pharmacies at a discounted price.

See below some of our baricitinib cases

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Dermatologist or Trichologist?

With so many possible causes of hair loss, it’s important to get an accurate diagnosis and this is why a dermatologist is the best option. Dermatologists have medical training, unlike trichologists who are qualified by and registered with the Institute of Trichologists.

Trichologist is an expert in human hair, a Dermatologist is a medical doctor

A trichologist is an expert in human hair, from making it look its best through to treating problems with your hair and scalp. A dermatologist is a medical doctor who specializes in skin, hair, and nails – and has the training and expertise to conduct a full examination and any necessary tests to give an accurate diagnosis.

This training and depth of knowledge are vital. Typically a trichologist will train for up to four years. My training to become a dermatologist included six years of medical school, two more years of core medical training, four years specializing in dermatology, then another year on my special interest areas. That’s 13 years of medical training to specialize in skin and hair, giving a depth of knowledge that enables the diagnosis and treatment of a wide range of hair loss conditions. I am one of the few dermatologists in the UK who specializes in hair loss.

A trichologist is not medically trained

A trichologist can of course help in some cases but can only give patients topical treatment for hair loss, as they are not medically trained. Unlike a dermatologist, they cannot perform tests that help with the diagnosis and evaluation of the condition and inform the best course of treatment; these require special training.

For example, a dermatologist can perform a trichoscopy with a video dermatoscopy, a non-invasive technique that allows a rapid and magnified observation of the skin’s surface enabling the evaluation of hair thickness, presence of regrowing hairs and scalp inflammation. We can also perform a trigonometry, which involves an instrument that provides a numeric value of the hair quality. All of which are vital to in-depth diagnosis.

Dermatologists can also carry out a scalp biopsy, where a sample from the scalp is taken under local anaesthetic and tested under the microscope by a histopathologist. These tests are often necessary to evaluate cases of hair loss.

Only a dermatologist is qualified to carry out these tests, without which a full and thorough evaluation and diagnosis is not possible. Getting to the cause of your condition leads to better treatment. Furthermore, there are a variety of oral treatments available for hair disorders which a trichologist cannot prescribe – but a dermatologist can so these are some reasons why you need a dermatologist for hair loss and not a Trichologist.

A trichologist can only give you topical treatments for hair loss, such as minoxidil of various strengths. While dermatologists may prescribe this, they can also administer oral minoxidil, injections in the scalp, other tablets such as spironolactone or finasteride, or a combination of the above with other oral treatments. In this way a dermatologist has a far greater range and depth of diagnostic tools and techniques to help them evaluate your hair loss and its causes, and is far more likely to get you good regrowth results.

So if you are concerned about hair loss and want the most thorough and effective treatment and advice, please get in touch. The sooner you find out what’s causing your hair loss and get treatment and advice, the better your results. To arrange a consultation with me, Dr. Anastasia Therianou, an expert in dermatological care for hair loss and mole problems, call 0203 869 5134 or 0203 464 4884.

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Look for early signs

If you do often wear your hair pulled back, the first signs of the problem may be broken hairs around the hairline or patches of hair loss where it is pulled tightly, for example thinning of hair between the braids. If you spot any of these signs change your style to one that doesn’t pull so your hair can regrow.
Loosen up your hairstyle
This is especially important around the hairline. Opt for thicker braids and dreadlocks and make sure you wear braids for no longer than two months. Changing hairstyles can also help to reduce the way your hair is being pulled and give it a chance to recover.
Weave wearers beware
Weaves and extensions are great way to add volume and length to your hair. To prevent them from causing hair loss, dermatologists recommend that you wear them for short periods of time, as pulling can increase your risk of developing traction alopecia. So remove weaves and extensions immediately if they cause pain or irritate your scalp and opt for sewn-in weaves rather than any that use glue.

Have your hair relaxed

A hairstylist who has training in using chemical relaxers can choose the product that will achieve the results you want while minimising the damage to your hair. To find out whether your stylist has this training, ask a few questions and be prepared to walk away if you’re not satisfied with the answers. You should also ask what your stylist will do to help maintain the health of your hair.

Don’t ignore these symptoms

Change your hairstyle immediately if you notice any of the following problems or you could experience hair loss:

• Pain from tightly pulled hair
• Stinging on your scalp
• Crusts on your scalp
• Tenting (sections of your scalp are being pulled up like a tent).

When the pulling continues, most people eventually notice that their hair stops growing. Where you once had hair, you’ll see shiny, bald skin. When traction alopecia advances to this stage, your hair cannot grow back. Many women come to me with hair loss problems, seemingly unaware that their hair style may be at fault.

For more information on traction alopecia you can visit the the British Association of Dermatologists

If you have hair loss, it’s never too early to see a dermatologist with a special interest in hair disorders. People develop hair loss for many reasons and your hairstyle may be the cause. It’s also possible that it’s due to something else. The sooner you find out what’s causing your hair loss and take steps to stop it, the better your results. To arrange a consultation with Dr Anastasia Therianou, expert in dermatological care for hair loss and mole problems, call 0203 869 5134 or 0203 464 4884.

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