Types of Hair Loss and Which Treatment Suits You

Not all hair loss is the same. Thinning at the crown, a widening parting, patches around the hairline after extensions and sudden shedding after a stressful few months all have different causes, and each needs a different approach.

At Cheshire MediGlow, our doctor-led clinic in Altrincham sees clients from across Cheshire and Manchester with all kinds of hair concerns. In this guide, we explain the most common types of hair loss, who each treatment may suit, and why a proper consultation matters before you start anything.

If you'd like a wider overview first, take a look at our page on what hair loss is.

1. Pattern hair loss and DHT

Pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) is the most common type of hair loss in both men and women. It's linked to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone made from testosterone.

In people whose follicles are genetically sensitive to DHT, the follicles gradually shrink. Each new hair grows back finer and shorter until some follicles stop producing visible hair altogether.

How it tends to show:

• Men: a receding hairline at the temples and thinning at the crown

• Women: a widening parting and general thinning across the top of the head, usually with the hairline kept
  

Who it suits: our DHT blocker treatments are designed for people with confirmed pattern hair loss. They're often combined with Hair PRP to support the follicles while DHT's effect is reduced. You can read more in our blog on DHT and hair loss.

Does PRP block DHT?

No, PRP doesn't block DHT. It works in a different way: growth factors from your own platelets are injected into the scalp to support the follicles and the hair growth cycle.

That's why the two are often used together. A DHT blocker addresses the hormone driving the thinning, while PRP supports the follicles that are still active. Your practitioner will advise whether one or both suits you.

2. Hair loss from extensions (traction alopecia)

Traction alopecia is hair loss caused by repeated pulling on the follicles. Extensions are a common cause, especially heavy wefts, tape-ins or bonds worn for long periods, along with tight ponytails and braids.

It usually shows as thinning around the hairline, temples or wherever the extensions were attached. Some people notice small bald patches once the extensions are removed.

The good news: caught early, traction alopecia can often improve once the tension is removed, because the follicles are still alive. If the pulling continues for years, follicles can become scarred and stop producing hair permanently.

Who it suits: if you've had extension-related thinning, the first step is giving your hair a break from tension. Hair PRP may then help support recovery in areas where the follicles are still active. Treatments such as polynucleotides may also be suggested to support scalp health. DHT blockers aren't usually the answer here, as DHT isn't the cause.

3. Natural shedding and stress-related hair loss

Losing some hair every day is completely normal. Most people shed around 50 to 100 hairs a day as part of the natural growth cycle, and many notice more shedding in autumn.

Telogen effluvium is different. It's a sudden increase in shedding, usually two to three months after a trigger such as illness, stress, childbirth, a crash diet or a change in medication. Hair comes out evenly across the scalp rather than in a pattern.

In many cases it settles on its own once the trigger has passed, but it can be worrying while it lasts. It's worth checking with your GP, as low iron, thyroid problems and other deficiencies can play a part.

Who it suits: once any underlying cause has been ruled out, Hair PRP or exosome treatments may help support regrowth and the hair cycle. We'll always be honest if we think waiting it out is the better option.

4. Fine and thinning hair

Some people naturally have fine hair, while for others the strands gradually become thinner and weaker with age, hormonal changes such as menopause, or years of heat styling and colouring.

Fine hair isn't always hair loss. But if you've noticed your ponytail feels thinner, your scalp is more visible under bright light, or your hair won't grow as long as it used to, it may be worth a closer look. Gradual thinning can sometimes be the early stage of pattern hair loss.

Who it suits: if you want to improve hair density and strength, Hair PRP is a popular starting point. Calecim hair treatment and polynucleotides may also be recommended to support a healthier scalp. If your consultation shows signs of DHT-related thinning, we may suggest adding a DHT blocker.

Which hair treatment suits you?

Here's a quick guide to how each type of hair loss is usually approached. Your consultation will confirm what's right for you.

Type of hair loss	Common signs	Treatments that may suit
Pattern hair loss (DHT)	Receding hairline, thinning crown, widening parting	DHT blocker, Hair PRP
Traction alopecia (extensions)	Thinning at the hairline, temples or attachment points	Remove tension first, then Hair PRP, polynucleotides
Stress-related shedding	Sudden, even shedding across the scalp	GP check first, then Hair PRP or exosomes
Fine and thinning hair	Less volume, more visible scalp, weaker strands	Hair PRP, Calecim, polynucleotides; DHT blocker if DHT-related

When hair treatments may not be suitable

Some types of hair loss need medical investigation rather than aesthetic treatment. Please speak to your GP first if you have:

• Sudden patchy hair loss, which can be a sign of alopecia areata

• Redness, scaling, pain or itching on the scalp

• Hair loss alongside other symptoms such as tiredness, weight changes or irregular periods

PRP may also not be suitable if you have certain blood disorders, are on blood-thinning medication, or are pregnant or breastfeeding. We'll go through your medical history at consultation.

Hair loss FAQs

Does PRP block DHT? No. PRP supports the follicles using your own growth factors, while a DHT blocker targets the hormone itself. They're often used together for pattern hair loss.

Can hair grow back after extension damage? Often, yes, if the follicles haven't scarred. Removing the tension early gives your hair the best chance to recover.

How many Hair PRP sessions will I need? Most people start with a course of sessions a few weeks apart, followed by maintenance treatments. Your practitioner will tailor this to you.

Do you treat women's hair loss? Yes. We treat both men and women for a range of hair concerns.

Book a hair loss consultation at our Altrincham clinic.

The right treatment starts with understanding what's behind your hair loss, we will assess your hair and scalp, talk through your history and recommend a plan that suits you.

Book your hair consultation or get in touch to ask any questions. You can also find more hair advice on our blog.