Hair Loss Facts

Okay, so you're noticing hair loss. Whether it's general thinning or a specific area, more than 60% of all men and 40% of all women will experience a hair loss condition within their lifetime. The results can be quite devastating - especially if you feel there's no hope. But there is hope, and you are not alone. Every year Ashley & Martin treat thousands of people who are suffering just like you. And just like them, you'll leave your Ashley & Martin consultant with more hair, and more confidence.

The key to successful hair regrowth is acting fast. If you address the problem at the first sign of hair loss you'll be in with a very good chance of complete recovery. You might notice an area that's thinning out, hair that's actually thinner or shorter, and you might even notice hairs falling out. All of these are classic signs that you need to see a professional hair loss consultant soon.

The chances are that your hair loss can be attributed to a genetic factor, although other health issues can be a cause, or a contributing factor (stress, medication etc). Whatever the cause, our consultants will identify the factors contributing to your condition and begin treatment accordingly. It's by recognising the fact that every hair loss situation is slightly different, and treating every patient as an individual, that we achieve our remarkable 98% success rate.

Male Hair Loss

Male hair loss or Male Pattern Baldness (MPB) also known as Androgenetic Alopecia has been with us since the dawn of time. Many different treatments have been tested over the years, mainly to no effect. It's only in the past 20 years that truly effective hair loss treatments have been discovered. The breakthrough came from understanding that a hormone known as Dihydrotesterone (DHT) which all men carry, effects the cells inside the base of the hair root and is the cause of male hair loss. You need to have a genetic pre-disposition to MPB for this hormone to affect the hair root cells. Once it's destroyed, no medical treatment can help. That's why, if you want to regrow your own hair, it's vital to start the RealGROWTH^TM treatment program as soon as you can.

Female Hair Loss

Female hair loss or Female Pattern Baldness (FPB) is quite complicated in its causes and treatment. If it's of a generic nature, the pattern of thinning and hair loss will spread outwards from the crown area. The treatments and medications used to treat hair loss in women is largely dictated by the age of the patient.

Essentially, female hair loss is the same condition as Male Pattern Baldness (MPB). However doctors believe that over 30 hormones could be associated with the problem as opposed to the one that is associated with hair loss in men. So treatment is even more personalised with female patients. A number of blood tests need to be taken to rule out any other causes of hair loss, and as with men, the problem needs to be treated as soon as a diagnosis is made. The earlier we can detect the problem, the better the results we can achieve.

Other forms of hair loss

• Telogen Effluvium

  Diffused hair loss across the scalp. Common causes include childbirth, chemotherapy, major surgery, severe illness and psychological stress. If it doesn't rectify itself with in time RealGROWTH^TM is a solution.

• Alopecia Areata

  Small areas of complete hair loss in circular areas. The cause is believed to be the auto immune system attacking the cells that build keratin to form the hair strand. You can have a genetic disposition to this condition, or it can be caused by lifestyle conditions such as stress. Treatable through prescription medicine, or injections from one of our doctors.

• Alopecia Totalis, Universalis

  Same as Alopecia Areata except Totalis effects the whole head and Universalis effects all hair on the body. Same treatment used for Alopecia Areata.

• Traction Alopecia

  Caused by excessive pulling of hairs by ponytails, turbans etc. In most cases hair will grow back by itself. In extreme cases the hair follicle is destroyed and you need RealHAIR^TM to rectify the condition.

• Scarring Alopecia

  Hair loss where the scalp is scarred. Caused through either fungal disorders, radiotherapy for tumours, burns etc. Can be treated via RealHAIR^TM or RealLOOK^TM.