What is hair loss?
Hair loss (alopecia) takes several forms. Male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common, causing gradual thinning at the crown and a receding hairline. Female pattern hair loss causes thinning across the top of the head. Telogen effluvium is temporary shedding after stress, illness, or childbirth. Alopecia areata is patchy autoimmune hair loss. Identifying the type matters, because treatment differs.
Common symptoms
- Gradual thinning at the temples or crown (men)
- A widening parting (women)
- Sudden shedding after a stressful event, illness, or childbirth
- Patchy bald spots
- Itching, redness, or scaling of the scalp
When to see a doctor
Any noticeable hair loss is worth getting assessed. Treatments work best when started early. Sudden hair loss in particular benefits from prompt investigation to find any underlying cause.
Seek urgent help if
- Sudden total or near-total hair loss
- Loss of eyebrows or eyelashes
- Hair loss with rash, scarring, or scalp pain
- Hair loss in a child (refer paediatrics)
- Women with sudden hair loss plus excessive body hair, acne, or irregular periods (assess for hormonal cause such as PCOS)
How a private GP can help
A consultation typically includes:
- Type assessment and history
- Examination of scalp and hair pattern (in-person appointments)
- Discussion of evidence-based treatment options
- Where appropriate, prescription of finasteride (for men only) or topical minoxidil
- Lifestyle advice on stress, diet, and hair care
- Referral for specialist trichology or dermatology if needed
What we don't do
- Hair transplant procedures (refer to private clinics)
- Specialist scalp treatments outside primary care scope
What it costs
An online consultation about hair loss starts at £79 for a 20-minute video appointment. In-pharmacy consultations are £129 and home visits are £189. Your consultation includes one private prescription if appropriate, and a sick note for work if needed. You pay the pharmacy separately for any medication.
See the full pricing breakdown for what's included with each appointment type.