Medical hair loss, Johannesburg
Hair loss assessment and treatment in Johannesburg.
A medical approach to hair loss that identifies the pattern and cause first, then uses evidence-based treatment with regenerative options added selectively.
In short
Hair loss is not one diagnosis. Androgenetic or pattern hair loss is common, but shedding can also reflect telogen effluvium, iron or thyroid problems, medication, illness, nutritional issues or inflammatory and scarring alopecia. Treatment should begin with the diagnosis. Minoxidil and, in appropriate patients, anti-androgen or 5-alpha-reductase treatment have established roles in pattern hair loss; PRF, microneedling and other regenerative approaches may be considered as adjuncts, while exosome- and cell-derived products remain emerging.
Medically reviewed by Dr Arnav Kapur, MBBCh Cum Laude
The approach
Understand first. Then treat.
Hair treatment works best when it starts early and when the pattern has been identified correctly. A receding hairline in a young man, diffuse shedding after illness and central thinning in a woman do not have the same causes or the same treatment.
MLI's approach begins with a medical history and scalp assessment, then uses blood testing or specialist referral only when the pattern or symptoms justify it. Regenerative procedures are considered after the medical foundation is clear rather than being sold as a substitute for diagnosis.
What we assess
- Pattern and distribution of hair loss
- Duration and rate of progression
- Recent illness, weight loss, surgery or major stress
- Medication and supplement history
- Family history of pattern hair loss
- Scalp inflammation, scale, pain or signs of scarring
- Iron, thyroid or nutritional testing where clinically indicated
- Hormonal assessment when symptoms suggest an endocrine contributor
- Pregnancy and fertility considerations where relevant
- Previous hair-loss treatment and response
Diagnosis comes before treatment
Male and female pattern hair loss, telogen effluvium, alopecia areata and scarring alopecias can overlap in appearance but require different management. Examination of the scalp and hair-loss pattern is the starting point. Rapid loss, scalp inflammation, pain, loss of follicular openings or unusual patterns may warrant dermatology review or biopsy.
Evidence-based medical treatment
Topical minoxidil has an established role in male and female pattern hair loss. Finasteride is an established prescription option for male pattern hair loss; other oral or anti-androgen treatments may be used selectively, often off-label, according to sex, age, pregnancy potential, cardiovascular history and the individual diagnosis. Results take months, and treatment usually needs to continue to maintain benefit.
Female hair loss needs its own assessment
Female pattern hair loss is common, especially through midlife, but diffuse shedding, iron deficiency, thyroid disease, medication, menopause and scarring conditions can coexist. Pregnancy potential matters when considering anti-androgen or 5-alpha-reductase treatment, and oral minoxidil is not appropriate for every patient.
Where regenerative treatment fits
PRF, microneedling and selected device-based or regenerative approaches can be considered as adjuncts to medical treatment in suitable non-scarring hair loss. Evidence is less established than for core medical therapies, and exosome- or cell-derived products should be discussed as emerging rather than guaranteed regrowth treatments.
Common questions
Answers before you book.
How do I know what type of hair loss I have?
The pattern, scalp examination, history and rate of loss usually narrow the diagnosis considerably. Blood tests are selected when diffuse shedding or associated symptoms suggest iron, thyroid, nutritional or hormonal contributors.
How long does hair-loss treatment take to work?
Hair cycles are slow. Most medical treatments need several months before a meaningful response can be judged, and some take six to twelve months for their full effect to become clear.
Do I need PRF or exosomes?
Not automatically. Medical treatment and diagnosis come first. PRF or other regenerative approaches may be useful adjuncts in selected patients, but they are not substitutes for established therapy and outcomes vary.
Can women use finasteride?
Finasteride is not a routine first-line treatment for every woman and carries major pregnancy-related restrictions. It may be considered off-label in selected women when the diagnosis, age, pregnancy potential and alternatives have been assessed.
This page provides general health information and does not replace an individual hair-loss diagnosis. Some treatments are prescription-only or off-label and require assessment of contraindications and pregnancy risk.
Ready to start properly?
- Hair Loss Consultation
- Hair & Regenerative Treatments
- Hypothyroidism
- Menopause & Perimenopause
- Men's Hormone Health
Centre of Advanced Medicine · 13 Scott Street, Waverley, Johannesburg
Monday to Friday, 07:40 to 17:00
011 440 8721