Hair Loss and Thinning

Hair thinning can be upsetting at any age. For some people it happens gradually over time; for others it can feel sudden, especially after a stressful period, illness, pregnancy, or a big hormonal change. The good news is that many types of hair loss can be supported with regenerative treatments that improve scalp health and encourage stronger, healthier growth.

At The Skin Specialist Nurse, hair loss treatment focuses on improving the environment your hair grows from. That means supporting the scalp, stimulating follicles where possible, and encouraging better-quality regrowth over time. Treatment is always guided by a consultation, as the best results come from choosing the right approach for your pattern of hair loss, lifestyle, and overall health.

What is “normal” shedding?

It’s normal to lose some hair each day as part of the hair growth cycle. You may notice more shedding at certain times of year, after a period of stress, or if you’ve recently changed your diet, medication, or routine. Hair loss becomes more noticeable when shedding is prolonged, regrowth slows down, or follicles begin producing finer, shorter hairs (often described as “thinning” rather than bald patches).

If you’re seeing a widening parting, more scalp show-through, recession around the hairline, or increased hair in the shower or brush, it’s worth booking a consultation to assess what’s happening and whether treatment is appropriate.

What causes hair loss?

Hair loss is rarely caused by one single factor. Common triggers include:

• Genetics (pattern hair loss): A gradual change in density over time, often around the hairline, crown, or parting.
• Hormonal changes: Including post-partum changes, perimenopause/menopause, thyroid imbalance, or other hormonal shifts.
• Stress and lifestyle factors: Long periods of stress can disrupt the normal growth cycle and increase shedding.
• Illness and recovery: Fever, viral illnesses, surgery, or significant changes in health can impact growth for several months afterwards.
• Nutritional factors: Low iron stores, low protein intake, and other deficiencies can affect hair quality and shedding.
• Scalp health: Inflammation, irritation, dandruff-like conditions, or sensitivity can affect the follicle environment.
• Traction and styling: Tight hairstyles, repeated tension, and harsh chemical/heat routines can contribute to breakage and thinning.

A consultation helps identify likely causes and, importantly, whether your hair loss pattern is suitable for in-clinic regenerative treatment.

When to seek medical advice first

Aesthetic treatment can be very helpful for common thinning patterns, but some situations should be assessed medically first. You should speak to your GP (or a dermatologist) if you have:

• Sudden, patchy hair loss
• Pain, significant itching, weeping, or heavy scaling of the scalp
• Areas that look shiny or scarred (where follicles appear “gone”)
• Hair loss alongside unexplained fatigue, weight change, or other new symptoms
• Any concern that your hair loss may be linked to medication or an underlying health condition

If you’re unsure, The Skin Specialist Nurse can advise during your consultation whether you should seek medical investigation before proceeding.

Hair Loss Treatments at The Skin Specialist Nurse

For suitable clients, there are three main in-clinic options that can support hair growth and scalp quality:

• Regenerative Repair Therapy (RRT)
• SkinPen® microneedling (scalp microneedling)
• Plinest Hair polynucleotide

These treatments can be used on their own or combined as part of a personalised plan.

Regenerative Repair Therapy (RRT) for hair restoration

Regenerative Repair Therapy (RRT) is an advanced, non-surgical approach that uses your body’s own natural healing components to stimulate hair growth and improve follicle function. A small blood sample is taken and processed to concentrate the platelets, which are rich in growth factors. The RRT is then carefully injected into targeted areas of the scalp.

RRT hair treatment is designed to support thinning by:

• Stimulating weakened or dormant follicles
• Improving blood circulation within the scalp
• Supporting the growth phase of the hair cycle
• Reducing inflammation around follicles
• Improving the thickness and quality of individual hairs

RRT can be particularly useful for early to moderate thinning, including pattern hair loss, post-partum thinning, and stress-related shedding. Results are gradual — most people notice changes in density and texture over 3–6 months, as the hair cycle needs time to respond.

Treatment plan: many clients benefit from an initial course of three to four treatments spaced monthly, with maintenance treatments tailored to your response and goals.

SkinPen® microneedling for the scalp

Microneedling isn’t only used for facial rejuvenation — it can also be used on the scalp to support healthier hair growth conditions. Using the SkinPen® device, controlled micro-channels are created at a safe, consistent depth. This encourages the scalp’s natural repair response and can help improve the overall environment around the hair follicle.

Scalp microneedling can be helpful when your goal is to:

• Support scalp health and improve circulation
• Encourage a stronger growth response in thinning areas
• Complement regenerative injectables by enhancing results as part of a combined plan

Many clients choose scalp microneedling alongside RRT or Plinest Hair polynucleotide as part of a broader programme aimed at improving density and hair quality.