Name: Kate

Question: I am 30 years old. I’ve been diagnosed with both androgenic alopecia and alopecia areata. My dermatologist suggested I should start a treatment with injections of minoxidil and dutasteride on my scalp but after researching the matter on the internet, I discovered that dutasteride is not safe for women.What is your opinion on the matter?

Answer: I find that recommendation a little shocking, though it might be possible that you were recommended steroid injections for the alopecia areata. I have never heard of a dutasteride injection, perhaps this was meant to treat the androgenic alopecia (female pattern hair loss). However, dutasteride (brand name Avodart) is not licensed to treat this type of hair loss for either men or women, and should only be used to treat benign prostatic hyperplasia in men.

We generally treat alopecia areata with an  extra-strength minoxidil cream and the androgenic alopecia with a minoxidil solution, though the dosage would be dependent on your individual case following a consultation.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Anne

Question: I have centrofugal alopecia. Is that the same as female pattern hairloss and can your centre help me?

Answer: Central centrofugal cicatricial alopecia, to give it its full name, is a different type of hair loss to female pattern alopecia. CCCA is an inflammatory form of scarring alopecia that occurs mainly on the vertex of the scalp. There is no hard and fast rule as to what causes the condition, but factors such as genetics, chemicals used on the hair, traction damage and hot combing/relaxing methods can be to blame.

Once follicles have scarred (the scalp will appear smooth and shiny in areas where this has happened) treatment will not be effective. However, using minoxidil can help to prevent the condition worsening and, in some cases, regrow hair in areas where there is some degree of growth remaining. A hair loss specialist would be able to determine what results could be potentially achievable in your specific case, and a bespoke hair loss treatment plan could be compiled. You should also cease to use any styling methods that might make your condition worse, such as tight braiding or other hairstyles that put pressure on the hair follicle, do not relax hair more frequently than every eight weeks, and leave the product on for 20 minutes no closer than 1 cm to the scalp surface, and do not use relaxer with hair dyes or other straightening treatments.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: David

Question: I have a strong widow’s peak and a slight thinning around the crown. The widow’s peak has fine thin hairs but they are gradually miniaturising and receding further. I have been using minoxidil 5% for 3-4 months and do not see any growth or regrowth in the miniaturised hair. I am thinking of starting Propecia what would you suggest?

Answer: Propecia can indeed help to halt thinning hair, however a combination of this and our high strength minoxidil cream is most suitable for a receding hairline. Belgravia’s pharmaceutical laboratory created a cream formulation based on the fact that you get more of the active ingredients in a small amount of cream compared to a drop of liquid. Minoxidil is a dose dependent medication, which means that the higher strength that a person takes, to a point, means a better chance of regrowth. You can get an idea of the results that can be achieved by taking a look at this blog post.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Parth

Question: I have hair loss on the side of the head. I had stitches on that area and the hair doesn’t grow there, and now some hair around it is going. What shall I do to prevent it worsening? Please help.

Answer: You need to have it checked and assessed to determine the cause of hair loss before a suitable hair loss treatment is recommended. If the scar and the adjacent loss is located on the top sides then most likely it is due to male pattern hair loss. Pattern hair loss can often be  regrown with the topical treatment minoxidil, but men can also take Propecia to halt the rate of thinning. There are a number of other hair loss conditions that could be responsible, and a specialist really is required to determine the type and best course of treatment.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you

Name: Jamie

Question:  I am 18 and at VERY early stages of hair loss. I decided I’d “nip it in the bud” as early as possible. I’ve been on LLLT (low-level laser treatment) and 5% minoxidil for two months now and so far I haven’t seen a change at all (although I have lost a bit of hair). I am REALLY worried as I’ve heard horror stories about minoxidil causing permanent shedding of hair and not working. Do you reckon I will shed? Also, after my 6 months of treatment will I be able to stop using minoxidil as the laser, providing they do their job, should remove all DHT or will the newly grown hair, if any, just fall back out?

Answer: The increased shedding that can occur at the beginning of your treatment is normal. The hair shed within the first few months of taking minoxidil will grow back, if it is a case of male pattern hair loss. You may have read about permanent shedding but each case is different, and there might have been other factors involved. You need to continue using minoxidil at the end of your six months of treatment, cessation will lead to continuation of your hair loss. The low-level laser treatment is unlikely to retain whatever regrowth you gained through minoxidil, only continuation of that specific treatment will maintain results.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Grethe

Question: I am a 16 year old girl from South Africa. I have lost 28 kg during the last 6 months. I was on a very popular diet (in South Africa) prescribed and monitored by the doctor. I have reached my goal weight now, but the last month I have been losing my hair. I keep losing hair, and my hair is very thin now. Do you have any advice?

Answer: The weight loss is indeed a lot; that is four stones in a six month period. This is initially a big change for your body, but the long term health benefits will make it worthwhile. However, it is a shock to the system that can then lead to a diffuse hair loss condition called telogen effluvium. When this occurs, hair that’s in the growth stage of its cycle is pushed prematurely into the resting stage, resulting in increased shedding. The hair loss can very noticeable and subsequently worrying, and one can lose at least 40% of the entire density. That said, telogen effluvium is often a self-correcting hair loss. The hair usually grows back within six to twelve months, unless there are  any aggravating factors such as female pattern hair loss. If your hair doesn’t seem to be returning to its original density, or if you want to speed up regrowth, you could use the proven hair loss treatment minoxidil as part of a hair loss treatment plan.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Lorna

Question: These results are great but I’m concerned (as a woman) that using a high potency minoxidil solution may not be right for me. Can you advise how much higher than the women’s solution you use?
What are the effects on women if I stopped usage when I become pregnant? I don’t want to wait until after I have a baby and complete breast-feeding because I worry I won’t have any hair left at all!

Answer: We use minoxidil 4% as a minimum dose for women. Any lesser dose is ineffective in the  majority of cases. This may sound a high dose compared to what is available over the counter, but we monitor our patients closely to ensure that the treatment is working, and that your daily dosage is the optimum amount for your specific case. It is possible to react to the minoxidil, however the symptoms are generally mild and disperse on cessation of treatment.

You can start losing the hair that minoxidil has regrown when you stop using the treatment. However, you do not lose as much hair as you normally do during pregnancy. This explains why your hair is naturally thick until after birth, when your hormones return to  normal and this excess hair sheds. This phenomenon makes the hair loss as a result of stopping minoxidil during pregnancy minimal. We advise patients to use minoxidil but stop once they know that they are pregnant.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Joseph

Question: I’m a 19 y.o. healthy male, I have hair thinning all over my scalp especially the sides and the top crown. My dad has thin hair just on his frontal line and top, but he is not completely bald and his hair on the sides of his head is very thick and normal. My mom’s brothers have thinning hair on the crown area, but I have thinning hair all over my scalp. What could this be? And how do you treat diffuse unpatterned alopecia? Thank you.

Answer: Since it is thinning on top of your head, your hair loss is indicative of male pattern hair loss (MPB). You may also have diffuse hair loss, which would explain the thinning at the sides. Diffuse hair loss usually self-corrects over time, though treatment can help speed up the process, whereas MPB is progressive and requires consistent treatment to stop it from worsening. The treatment for both conditions is similar (with the exception of the DHT blocker Propecia which works best for MPB) and minoxidil is used to treat both diffuse and pattern hair loss.

Whilst Propecia is standard dose, minoxidil is dose dependent, so depending on the level of your hair loss and how stubborn it is to treat, a specialist can decide on the appropriate daily dose up to our high strength minoxidil cream. A visit to a hair loss specialist will help to correctly diagnose your type (or types) of hair loss, and a tailored hair loss treatment plan can then be drawn up for you. Close monitoring will then help to chart your progress and ensure that hair density is improving.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Abdullah

Question: My sister has been affected by the disease of Trachyonychia since the age of 16, and has also suffered from Pseudopelade since she was 3 years old. So my question is regarding both diseases, how do you treat them?

Answer: Sadly, Belgravia is unable to treat Pseudopelade (a rare form of patchy scarring hair loss that occurs due to an autoimmune condition) or Trachyonichia (a nail disorder that is beyond our expertise). I’m afraid that I can only advise your sister to see a specialist, which I’m sure she has already done. What I can say, though, is that Pseudopelade progresses, sometimes over years, but should then stop, and in that sense hair loss won’t necessarily continue until it covers the whole scalp.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Claire

Question: How long does hair loss due to coming off the contraceptive pill last?

Answer: This type of hair loss usually occurs two months after stopping the pill. The shedding is quite profuse and can last on average for three weeks. The shedding is temporary and it often corrects itself, although it usually takes around three to six months for hair growth to recover. Should the hair loss last longer than three months, then it is best to see a professional. There may be other factors that are perpetuating your condition such as female pattern hair loss. This type of hair loss will require treatment with minoxidil (the only proven hair loss medication available to women) and a hair loss specialist would be able to recommend your ideal formulation and the optimum daily dosage.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Yazed

Question: I have done your questions for my hair loss and you gave me some solutions: to use finasteride (Proscar) 1 mg, with minoxidil 8 %.  I have started only to use the proscar 1 mg , up to this moment , I see no difference, shall I stop using it, or is it too early to judge results? I cant come to you , I am so far away.

Answer: Proscar is a 5mg finasteride tablet used to treat benign prostate hyperplasia, and should not be taken to treat hair loss. We would have recommended the 1mg dose of finasteride, which is sold under the brand name Propecia. There are generic finasteride medications available over the internet, but this is a prescription medication and buying it online could result in ineffective, or worse, dangerous tablets being sent to you due to lack of regulation.

In terms of using finasteride/Propecia by itself, this will generally not produce the best results, although it will help with thinning hair. We usually always advise that Propecia is used along with minoxidil, as we suggested in your case. You don’t specify what difference you are looking for in terms of results, but if you are hoping to regrow a receding hairline, Propecia alone will not achieve this for you, hence why we recommend minoxidil, as our formulations have proven highly effective for regrowing a receding hairline, and as the two medications are highly complementary when used together as part of a hair loss treatment plan.

It is impossible to predict what results you will have, or the time that they will occur in, but in general it may take several months before you see a clear difference. To get an idea of the time frame that other parents have experienced, take a look at our before and during treatment blog posts.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Fernando

Question: I lost part of my hair a few years ago (over 5 years) and have been told (not by a doctor) that there is no hope to grow my hair back. I have noticed though that the bald area of my head is actually covered in very very tiny hairs only visible when looking closely. Could it be possible to regrow my hair on this area with treatment?

Answer: The fine hair growth indicates that the follicles are not scarred. However, they may have shriveled to the point that it is no longer possible to improve the hair growth to a cosmetically acceptable texture. I would usually recommend a minimum period of six months using extra strength minoxidil cream along with Propecia as part of a hair loss treatment plan, which would hopefully slow the miniaturisation of the follicles and regrow some of the hair. Lack of regrowth within this period means it is unlikely that hair will grow or improve beyond its current texture. This also depends on the diagnosis, men with male pattern baldness have a better chance of regrowing hair as opposed to someone with a scarring form of hair loss.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Denise

Question: I lost my hair two years ago from cancer and it’s not growing back as much as it should be. Since it could be due to stress I want to know how much it would cost and how many stages I would need as my confidence is so low without hair?

Answer: Hair loss is an expected side effect from cancer treatment. Hair grows back to its original state once the treatment finishes with few exceptions, and because hair loss from stress (which should be short term in the form of telogen effluvium) should also grow back by itself, it’s not clear what’s going on here.

That said, there are known cases whereby hair grew back with a different texture or colour and there have been instances where the hair did not recover its original thickness or volume after cancer treatment. There have also been cases where the temporary hair loss goes on to progress, if there is a genetic predisposition, to female pattern hair loss, which will require a treatment plan containing minoxidil to stop it getting worse. You are most likely to be on remission at this stage, so we cannot recommend any form of treatment without the approval of your oncologist.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Derek

Question: I will be starting your programme as soon as I receive my package (I’m in the US) of 10% minoxidil cream and 8% liquid. I have been taking Propecia for a month. I enjoy lifting weights and was wondering if taking a supplement that is a natural testosterone booster is a bad idea?

Answer: Natural testosterone boosters do not contraindicate with your prescribed medications. Should your levels of testosterone elevate as a result of the booster, this simply means there is more testosterone to convert to DHT. That said,  more DHT does not necessarily mean more hair loss, based on the fact that the levels of DHT in men with hair loss all vary, and some men with higher levels of DHT than those experiencing hair loss may not even be troubled by it: it’s all down to genetics. The anti-androgens in the Propecia will help to combat the effect that the extra DHT could potentially have on your hair. All in all, it is not a bad idea.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Maha

Question: I want to ask about PRP injections for hair loss. Are they safe or not? And if they’re effective, which is better: laser or PRP?

Answer: PRP or platelet rich plasma injections are commonly used to aid recovery of wounds or injuries that are difficult to heal. The application of PRP releases growth factors that then aid non-healing wounds. However, plasma is also rich in hormones that are responsible for pattern hair loss. This in some ways can be detrimental to your hair regrowth, since it can accelerate the condition that it is meant to treat. This technology is very helpful in certain areas of medicine but it has a very remote benefit for the treatment of pattern hair loss, and previous studies using PRP alongside other supposed hair loss treatments have been rubbished . The LaserComb may be more beneficial and has been cleared for use by the FDA.

However, there is also a medically proven medication that is known for its high success rate. Minoxidil, a topical treatment that can be varied in strength up to our high strength minoxidil cream, has produced brilliant results even for stubborn hair loss.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Kathy

Question: Can I use green tea for hair loss?

Answer: In short, no, green tea will not have an effect on hair growth or hair loss. Green tea is supposed to mop free radicals from the body. If this in indeed the case, it is beneficial overall for good health but it can neither make your hair grow nor stop hair loss. For women, the only proven medication for hair loss in minoxidil, which is a topical hair loss treatment applied twice a day that can halt thinning and regrow hair.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Robert

Question: My hair has thinned considerably over the last number of years, although I still have a good hairline, what is the cost of treatment and consultation if needed?

Answer: I think that you are most likely experiencing male pattern hair loss without a receding hairline, though an examination would be required to confirm this. We offer a free initial consultation at the clinic, which includes a diagnosis along with proposed treatments. The treatment plan depends on what is suitable for you after reviewing your medical history and other factors along with your hair loss, but it would most likely contain minoxidil, Propecia, and a range of treatment boosters. Because I cannot recommend a definite treatment plan before a consultation I am unfortunately unable to provide you with a price, as other factors such as whether you visit us for clinical treatment therapy also affect the cost.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Gokce

Question: I used to buy minoxidil 5% PPG free from a US web site. I tried regular minoxidil solutions in the past and they irritated my scalp a great deal. Then I switched to a PPG free product in liquid form (using glycerine instead) and I have been quite comfortable with it. Lately I have been having difficulty finding a suitable product as I understand there are some issues with the FDA in the US with custom-made minoxidil products. Can you offer me a similar product – a PPG free minoxidil solution in liquid form?

Answer: Belgravia does produce liquid minoxidil either with azelaic acid, caffeine or MPG, which are added ingredients that appear to block DHT when applied locally. None of our minoxidil liquids contain PPG as they are made with glycerine instead. Our minoxidil is prescription only, and requires either a free consultation in person at one of our clinics or the completion of an online diagnostic form to ensure your suitability for the treatment. Once this has been approved, the hair loss treatment programme including the minoxidil can be posted out to you.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Derek

Question: I have questions about applying the minoxidil. For the cream it says to start off using .5ml. Should I do this to both left and right places on my hairline using .5 on both parts? As for the liquid, how long until I can take a shower or go swimming after applying? Do I rub it in with my fingers? And is it used for the crown and on the front for hair loss?

Answer: You start off with .5 ml minoxidil applied into the thinnest part. You then increase the amount until you reach 1 ml. You should be using 1 ml in total by the end of your first week. You need to rub the minoxidil cream gently until absorbed, and yes, it can be used on frontal hair loss. With the liquid, you can simply drip this into your scalp and leave it to absorb. You never use more than 1 ml per day regardless of the severity of your hair loss. You need to leave the minoxidil liquid to absorb for a minimum of one to two hours but ideally leave it on for a longer period. You may find this post  on how to apply minoxidil useful, too.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.

Name: Anon

Question: I have what would appear to be androgenic pattern hair thinning (I am female). This hair loss has been confirmed by my GP. I have been using topical minoxidil 5% (based on the studies) but, after three weeks, I started to get increased hair shedding and have just stopped using it. Now, there is a complicating feature in that the GP found my serum ferritin stood at 5 (totally normal FBC, MCV etc) and my diet is not brilliant at all with no red meat. Given the above, would it seem sensible to take my iron tablets and give food and weight gain a chance before recommencing the minoxidil? Oh, I am post menopausal.

Answer: You seem to have at least three contributory factors: a genetic trait, low ferritin and the fact that you’re post-menopausal. Increased shedding is normal as the newer hair growth pushes the resting hair out. This is effectively a good sign. though I appreciate why it would be worrying. You should persevere as the minoxidil has started to take effect.  A reading of 70 is the recommended level of Ferritin that would help to optimise regrowth.

You should continue applying the minoxidil in conjunction with dietary supplements to increase your ferritin level. Androgens are the main reason for your hair loss (due to female pattern hair loss) but a very low ferritin level may have an accelerating effect. Plain minoxidil helps to stimulate blood flow, but the we recommend the use of anti-androgens or DHT inhibitors to treat androgenic alopecia, and include these added minoxidil ingredients in our formulations. The thinning process may still continue if the androgen that causes the follicles to miniaturise is not inhibited.

Do you have a question that you would like our senior hair loss specialist Leonora Doclis to answer? You can submit it here via our HairLossANSWERS form and we’ll get back to you.