Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss Treatment in London
Patterned hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common cause of thinning in men and women. It involves gradual “miniaturisation” of hair follicles in characteristic patterns, driven by genetic sensitivity to androgens and age. At Skinhorizon Clinic, we deliver consultant‑led assessment with trichoscopy, targeted hormonal testing where indicated, and a personalised plan that can include exosome therapy, LED phototherapy, and a realistic, sustainable haircare regimen.
Introduction
Patterned hair loss manifests differently in men and women. Men typically notice bitemporal recession and vertex thinning; women experience widening of the central parting and diffuse crown reduction with preserved frontal hairline. The process is gradual and often emotionally challenging. Our first task is to confirm the diagnosis, stage severity, and rule out confounders. We use consultant‑delivered trichoscopy to examine hair shafts and follicular units in fine detail, and we organise selected blood tests (especially for women or when history suggests endocrine involvement). Your plan blends in‑clinic procedures—such as LED photobiomodulation and exosome therapy—with a supportive daily routine designed for long‑term adherence.
Get expert help to slow thinning, support thicker growth and maintain scalp health.
What is Patterned Hair Loss?
Patterned hair loss—also called androgenetic alopecia—is a progressive thinning that follows characteristic distributions: Hamilton–Norwood patterns in men and Ludwig/Savin patterns in women. Genetic sensitivity of scalp follicles to DHT shortens anagen and causes miniaturisation. We also consider mimics/contributors like telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, lichen planopilaris, and scalp psoriasis.
While genetics set the stage, scalp health, haircare habits, life stage (post‑partum, peri‑/post‑menopause) and medical conditions influence rate and pattern. We identify what’s modifiable, build a plan you can follow, and monitor progress with consistent photography and trichoscopy.
Diagnosis & Assessment at Skinhorizon
- Consultant review & history: onset/tempo, family history, shedding vs thinning, haircare, traction/chemicals, nutrition, life stage.
- Trichoscopy (scalp analysis): diameter diversity, miniaturisation, peripilar signs, scale—confirms diagnosis and excludes inflammatory/scarring disease.
- Severity staging: Hamilton–Norwood or Ludwig/Savin; part‑width measurements for tracking.
- Selected blood tests: for women/atypical cases—thyroid, ferritin/iron, vitamin D; tailored hormone panel if indicated.
- Differentials: biopsy if signs suggest LPP/FFA or other inflammatory causes.
- Photography & follow‑up: standardised angles/lighting and fixed trichoscopic sites every 3–6 months.
Personalised Treatment Options We Offer
Scalp Analysis (Trichoscopy)
Trichoscopy is a high‑magnification, non‑invasive assessment of scalp and hair shafts. It demonstrates hair diameter diversity, miniaturisation, perifollicular signs and any inflammatory scale. We use repeatable anatomic “markers” so that subsequent reviews compare like‑with‑like—helping you see small but important improvements in density and calibre as treatment progresses.
- Confirms patterned hair loss versus mimics (e.g., areata, telogen effluvium).
- Baselines miniaturisation to track thickening over time.
- Guides where to focus in‑clinic therapies and home routines.
Hormonal Blood Tests
Not every patient needs hormones checked, but testing is helpful in women with irregular cycles, acne, hirsutism, sudden acceleration of thinning, or peri‑/post‑menopausal change. Depending on your history, we may check TSH/free T4 (thyroid), ferritin/iron studies (supporting healthy cycling), and a tailored hormone panel such as total & free testosterone, SHBG, DHEAS, LH/FSH, and occasionally prolactin. Results help us personalise your plan and work with your GP or relevant specialists where needed.
Exosome Therapy for Hair Regrowth (Regenerative Adjunct)
Exosomes are nano‑messenger vesicles that carry signalling proteins and growth factors. In patterned hair loss they’re used as an adjunct to medical care, aiming to support the follicular environment and hair shaft quality. We often combine exosomes with micro‑channeling/needling for enhanced delivery, then maintain with a supportive at‑home routine. This modality is not a cure for genetic miniaturisation, but in many patients it complements core treatments and helps hair look and feel fuller over time.
- Delivered in short sessions scheduled as a course; intervals tailored to goals and response.
- Pairs well with LED photobiomodulation and consistent home care.
- We’ll discuss candidacy, expected timelines and how we measure benefit.
Haircare Regimen Advice (Daily Routine)
The best plan is the one you can follow. We design a clear, sustainable routine that supports scalp comfort and hair fibre quality without clogging follicles or causing breakage. Gentle cleansers, careful detangling, and heat/chemical moderation help reduce mechanical shedding and complement in‑clinic treatments.
- Cleanse: use mild, scalp‑friendly shampoos; avoid very hot water and aggressive scrubbing.
- Nourish: lightweight conditioners on the lengths (not directly on the scalp openings).
- Support: consider clinic‑stocked options like DP Exo‑Grow All‑in‑One Shampoo within your regimen.
- Styling: minimise tight styles, traction, high‑heat tools and harsh chemical services during active thinning.
- Lifestyle: optimise sleep, stress management and nutrition; correct low ferritin or vitamin D with medical guidance.
LED Phototherapy (Photobiomodulation)
Medical‑grade LED delivers low‑energy light to the scalp to support cellular activity and microcirculation—an approach known as photobiomodulation. Sessions are comfortable, non‑invasive and repeated in short courses. In our clinic, LED is often combined with exosome therapy and a structured home routine to reinforce results, with periodic maintenance to sustain gains.
- Non‑invasive, no downtime; you can return to normal activities immediately.
- Dose and frequency are tailored to your scalp sensitivity and schedule.
- Works best as part of a multimodal plan with consistent follow‑through.
Your Care Journey
- Confirm the diagnosis: trichoscopy to document miniaturisation; stage severity and exclude inflammatory/scarring disease.
- Baseline & goals: photographs (standard angles/lighting) and, where helpful, part‑width measurements.
- Personalised plan: choose a core in‑clinic pathway (LED ± exosome adjuncts) and a realistic home regimen.
- Address contributors: correct low ferritin/vit D; hormonal review where indicated, with referrals if needed.
- Review & refine: follow‑ups typically every 8–12 weeks initially; adjust intervals by progress and seasonality.
Because hair grows in cycles, visible changes accumulate over months. We focus on steady, measurable gains rather than overnight “transformations”.
Special Situations
- Female pattern hair loss with sudden shedding: evaluate for telogen effluvium triggers (illness, stress, iron deficiency).
- Post‑partum period: transient shedding is common; we differentiate it from underlying pattern progression and support recovery.
- Peri‑/post‑menopause: hormonal change may accelerate thinning; targeted testing and tailored strategies are discussed.
- Itchy, painful scalp or scale: rule out inflammatory causes such as LPP/FFA or psoriasis.
- Cosmetic camouflage & styling: we can advise on partings, fibres, toppers and camera‑safe techniques for events.
Aftercare & Maintenance
Consistency matters more than intensity. Keep to your wash schedule, avoid aggressive detangling, and follow heat/chemical limits—especially during initial months. Maintain scalp comfort and avoid tight styles that add traction. We will outline maintenance LED sessions and periodic exosome top‑ups where suitable. If shedding temporarily increases (seasonal or stress‑related), don’t panic—contact us for early adjustments rather than abandoning the plan.
Safety & Risks
Our protocols prioritise safety and realistic expectations. LED phototherapy is non‑invasive with minimal risks (temporary warmth or scalp sensitivity). Exosome therapy is used as an adjunct; we’ll review suitability, known safety considerations and any contraindications with you. Blood testing is performed where clinically indicated to guide safe care. If signs suggest inflammatory or scarring disease, we will adjust the plan promptly and discuss further diagnostics.
Expected Outcomes
With an evidence‑informed, consistent plan, many patients notice improved hair quality and reduced shedding within 8–12 weeks, followed by gradual thickening across 3–6 months and beyond. Because follicles miniaturise over years, progress is incremental; our job is to slow the process, support thicker calibre hairs, and maintain scalp health. We use repeatable photography and trichoscopic metrics so you can see what’s changing—even when day‑to‑day variation makes it hard to judge in the mirror.
Patient Experience
“My parting stopped widening and baby hairs started to fill in after a few months. The plan was clear and easy to follow.”
— Verified Skinhorizon patterned hair loss patient
Why Choose Skinhorizon for Patterned Hair Loss?
- Consultant‑led trichoscopy: precise diagnosis and tracking—not guesswork.
- Tailored investigations: targeted hormonal testing and bloods when clinically indicated.
- On‑site procedures: LED photobiomodulation and regenerative exosome adjuncts delivered in a CQC‑regulated setting.
- Clear written plans: sustainable home routine that fits your life, not just your clinic day.
- Holistic, realistic care: we set achievable milestones and support you for the long run.
Book Your Consultation
Get expert, consultant‑led care to slow thinning and support thicker, healthier hair.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is patterned hair loss reversible?
How soon will I notice results?
Do I need hormonal tests?
Is LED phototherapy safe?
Can exosomes regrow hair?
What if my thinning is actually autoimmune?
This page was reviewed by Dr Mohammad Ghazavi, Consultant Dermatologist, last updated August 2025.
Disclaimer: The information on this page is provided for general educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Individual results vary, and all medical and aesthetic procedures carry risks and potential complications which will be discussed during your consultation. Suitability for treatment can only be determined following an in‑person assessment with a qualified healthcare professional at Skinhorizon Clinic.
