Alopecia Treatment London: Every Type Explained and How to Get Help (2026)

Alopecia is not a single condition. It is a medical term encompassing multiple distinct types of hair loss, each with different causes, patterns, and treatment approaches. The treatment that transforms one patient's results may be entirely inappropriate for another, because treating alopecia without first diagnosing the specific type is like prescribing antibiotics without knowing what infection you are treating.

This guide covers every major type of alopecia seen in London clinics, explains what causes each one, and details the evidence-based treatment options available in 2026, including PRP therapy, pharmaceutical treatments, and emerging regenerative approaches.

At The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness, our GMC-registered doctors begin every patient journey with a thorough diagnostic assessment, because getting the diagnosis right is the single most important step in effective alopecia treatment.

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Androgenetic Alopecia (Pattern Hair Loss)

This is the most common form of alopecia, affecting approximately 85% of men and 50% of women over their lifetime. It is caused by genetic sensitivity to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that gradually miniaturises susceptible hair follicles over time.

In men: Typically presents as a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the crown, classified using the Norwood-Hamilton scale (Stages I through VII).

In women: Usually presents as diffuse thinning along the part line and crown, classified using the Ludwig scale (Stages I through III). The hairline is typically preserved.

Treatment in 2026: Combination therapy produces the best outcomes. A landmark clinical study demonstrated 94.1% improvement with combination pharmaceutical therapy compared to 59% with minoxidil alone.

The optimal approach includes finasteride or dutasteride (men only, prescription) to block DHT production, topical or oral minoxidil to stimulate growth and blood flow, PRP therapy to deliver concentrated growth factors that regenerate follicles (87% success rate at The London PRP Clinic, from £545/session), microneedling to enhance treatment delivery and stimulate collagen around follicles, and medical-grade supplements (Viviscal Professional) for nutritional support.

For women, finasteride is generally contraindicated. PRP becomes even more valuable as one of the most effective treatment options available, alongside minoxidil and spironolactone.

Alopecia Areata (Autoimmune Patchy Loss)

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition in which the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, causing sudden, patchy hair loss. It affects approximately 2% of the global population and can occur at any age.

Presentation: One or more round, smooth patches of complete hair loss, typically on the scalp but potentially affecting eyebrows, eyelashes, or body hair. The patches may expand, merge, or resolve spontaneously.

Treatment in 2026: Several evidence-based options are available.

Corticosteroid injections (intralesional) remain a first-line treatment for limited patches. They suppress the local immune attack on follicles. Typically administered every 4 to 6 weeks.

JAK inhibitors have transformed alopecia areata treatment since 2022. Baricitinib (approved 2022), ritlecitinib (approved 2023), and deuruxolitinib (approved 2024) offer oral treatment options for moderate to severe alopecia areata. These require specialist dermatology prescription and monitoring.

PRP therapy is recognised as a safe and effective steroid-sparing alternative for alopecia areata. The 2025 meta-analysis confirmed PRP's effectiveness across multiple alopecia subtypes. PRP modulates the follicular microenvironment, delivering growth factors that promote hair regrowth while reducing the inflammatory signals that drive the autoimmune attack. At The London PRP Clinic, PRP for alopecia areata follows the same protocols as for androgenetic alopecia (from £545/session).

Topical immunotherapy (DPCP) is used for more extensive alopecia areata, deliberately triggering a controlled allergic reaction that redirects the immune system away from attacking follicles.

Telogen Effluvium (Trigger-Related Shedding)

Telogen effluvium is diffuse hair shedding triggered by a specific physical or emotional stressor. Common triggers include childbirth (postpartum hair loss), severe illness or surgery, extreme emotional stress, crash dieting or nutritional deficiency, medication changes, and thyroid dysfunction.

Timeline: Hair loss typically begins 2 to 3 months after the triggering event and resolves within 6 to 12 months once the trigger is addressed.

Treatment: The primary approach is identifying and addressing the underlying trigger. Blood work to identify nutritional deficiencies (iron, ferritin, vitamin D, B12) and thyroid function is essential. Correcting deficiencies often resolves the shedding.

PRP therapy can accelerate recovery by strengthening weakened follicles during the recovery phase. It is particularly helpful when telogen effluvium unmasks underlying androgenetic alopecia that requires ongoing treatment.

Traction Alopecia

Caused by repeated physical stress on hair follicles from tight hairstyles (braids, ponytails, extensions, weaves, buns). Common in women who wear high-tension styles regularly.

Treatment: Early intervention is critical. If caught before permanent follicle damage occurs, traction alopecia is reversible. Stopping the causative hairstyle is essential. PRP can help restore follicle health and stimulate regrowth in affected areas. If scarring has occurred, PRP may have limited effect and surgical options (transplant) may be considered.

Cicatricial (Scarring) Alopecia

A group of rare conditions where inflammatory processes destroy hair follicles and replace them with scar tissue. Types include frontal fibrosing alopecia, lichen planopilaris, and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.

Treatment: Requires specialist dermatology assessment. The primary goal is halting the inflammatory process to prevent further follicle destruction. Anti-inflammatory medications, immunosuppressants, and antimalarials may be used depending on the type. PRP may play a supportive role in reducing inflammation, but these conditions require specialist management beyond what a PRP-focused clinic alone can provide. Our doctors will refer to appropriate dermatology specialists when cicatricial alopecia is identified.

Why Diagnosis Comes First

The single biggest mistake patients make is self-diagnosing their alopecia and purchasing treatments without professional assessment. A patient with alopecia areata taking finasteride is wasting money on an irrelevant treatment. A patient with severe iron deficiency undergoing PRP without correcting the deficiency will see limited results. A patient with frontal fibrosing alopecia needs specialist dermatological care that a general aesthetics clinic cannot provide.

At The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness, our GMC-registered doctors conduct comprehensive assessments for every new patient. This includes detailed clinical examination of the hair loss pattern and scalp, blood work recommendations (hormonal, thyroid, nutritional), differential diagnosis between alopecia types, honest discussion of which treatments are appropriate for your specific condition, and referral to specialist dermatology when indicated.

We diagnose first. Then we treat with the approach that the evidence supports for your specific type of alopecia.

Treatment at The London PRP Clinic by The Wellness

PRP for Hair Restoration: from £545/session | £1,455 for a course of 3

ExoRevive Exosome Therapy: from £445/session

PRP + ExoRevive Combined: from £500/session

Comprehensive Hair Packages: PRP + mesotherapy + Viviscal Professional + patented hair density serum

GMC-registered doctors. 87% success rate. 187+ five-star reviews.

Marylebone (2 minutes from Baker Street) and Canary Wharf locations.

Book your alopecia assessment > WhatsApp | Email: team@thewellnesslondon.com | Call: +44 20 3951 3429

Medical Disclaimer: Alopecia diagnosis requires medical assessment. Some forms of alopecia require specialist dermatological care. All treatments at The London PRP Clinic are performed by GMC-registered doctors who will refer to appropriate specialists when indicated. Last reviewed March 2026.