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Expert advice – Common questions about hair loss
The Ask the Expert section of the website has proved particularly popular with many visitors to the site taking the opportunity to have a one-to-one e-consultation with our resident expert, trichologist Frank Cunningham.
Frank has been busy dealing with a wide variety of queries from all age groups, ranging from teenagers concerned that they may be experiencing the early stages of male pattern hair loss (MPHL) to men in their forties and fifties seeking advice on treatments. Interestingly, although the website deals primarily with MPHL, almost a third of enquiries were from women concerned about other types of hair loss. Female hair loss may be caused by a whole range of factors, including low thyroid function, nutritional status and overall health and so it is usually sensible to seek medical advice in the first instance.
A high proportion of questions are from men wanting to know whether their hair loss is MPHL or due to another cause. Since it is impossible to make a diagnosis without examining each patient, Frank recommends seeking help from a pharmacist, doctor or trichologist.
A sample of some of the other most common questions and a summary of Frank's replies follows:
Where can I find a reputable specialist in hair problems?
Contact the Institute of Trichologists – click here to go to their website. Qualified trichologists will have the suffix MIT or AIT after their name.
How can I find out further information about licensed treatments for MPHL?
Ask your GP or a local pharmacist, or click here for NHS Direct
Will shaving make my thinning hair better or worse?
Shaving won't make any difference to thinning hair.
Can using heavy hair wax increase hair loss?
Yes, heavy wax could contribute to hair loss. Wash the hair daily to keep it healthy.
What's the best way to slow down MPHL?
A balanced diet and good hair hygiene (regular shampooing etc) can be helpful. A number of licensed treatments are available in the UK – for further information on these, speak to a pharmacist or doctor, or click here for NHS Direct.
So if you have a hair-related question that has not been answered on the website, why not 'Ask the Expert'? Simply click here to put your question to Frank.
Provided as a service to patients by Merck Sharp & Dohme Limited