Trichology & Hair-Loss Specialist · Christchurch, Dorset
Hair Loss &
Scalp Conditions
Hair loss can develop gradually or appear suddenly, and the underlying cause is not always immediately clear. Vanessa provides private, detailed consultations to assess changes in your hair and scalp, explore possible contributing factors and recommend appropriate next steps. Every consultation is handled with sensitivity, honesty and a clear understanding of how deeply hair loss can affect confidence and wellbeing.
Hair Thinning
Hair thinning often develops slowly, making it difficult to identify exactly when the change began. You may notice reduced volume, a wider parting or more of the scalp becoming visible.
There can be several contributing factors, including genetics, hormones, nutrition, health conditions, medication and the natural ageing process. During your consultation, Vanessa will examine the pattern and condition of your hair and scalp while taking time to understand your medical history, lifestyle and symptoms.
This detailed approach helps build a clearer picture of what may be contributing to the thinning and which recommendations or referrals may be appropriate.
Excessive Hair Shedding
Finding more hair than usual in the shower, on your pillow or in your hairbrush can feel alarming. Excessive shedding may occur when a larger number of hairs move into the resting and shedding stage of the natural growth cycle.
This type of shedding is often associated with telogen effluvium and may follow illness, nutritional deficiency, hormonal changes, significant stress, surgery or certain medications. It usually affects the hair across the scalp rather than creating isolated bald patches.
Vanessa will assess the extent of the shedding, explore possible triggers and help you understand what may be happening. Where necessary, she may also recommend speaking with your GP or another healthcare professional for additional investigation.
Pattern Hair Loss
Pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, can affect both women and men. It usually progresses gradually as affected hairs become finer, shorter and less visible over time.
In women, this commonly appears as thinning across the top of the scalp or a widening of the central parting. In men, it may become noticeable around the temples, hairline or crown. Genetic and hormonal factors often play a role.
Although pattern hair loss cannot always be reversed, identifying it early may provide more options for managing its progression.
Vanessa offers straightforward, evidence-informed guidance tailored to your individual circumstances.
Alopecia
Alopecia is a general term used to describe hair loss and includes several different conditions. One of the best known is alopecia areata, which commonly causes smooth, clearly defined patches of hair loss and can affect the scalp, eyebrows, eyelashes, beard or other areas of the body.
Other forms may cause more widespread thinning, inflammation or permanent damage to the hair follicles. Because the appearance and causes can differ considerably, obtaining an informed assessment is important.
Vanessa provides a sensitive examination of your hair and scalp, explains what she observes and recommends suitable next steps. Where a condition requires medical diagnosis or treatment, she will advise you to consult your GP or a dermatologist.
Dry, Flaky or Irritated Scalp
Persistent itching, flaking, redness, soreness or excessive oiliness may indicate an underlying scalp condition rather than ordinary dandruff.
Common causes can include seborrhoeic dermatitis, psoriasis, eczema and contact sensitivity. These conditions can affect scalp comfort and may also contribute to temporary shedding or breakage when inflammation or scratching is present.
A trichology consultation allows Vanessa to examine the scalp closely, discuss your symptoms and review the products currently being used. She can then recommend an appropriate scalp-care routine, suitable products or onward medical support where required.
Hair Loss After Illness Or Stress
Hair loss does not always begin at the same time as the event that triggered it. Increased shedding may start several months after a period of illness, surgery, childbirth, emotional stress, rapid weight loss or another significant change to the body.
This delayed response is commonly associated with telogen effluvium. The shedding is generally spread across the scalp and may lead to a noticeable reduction in overall thickness and volume.
In many cases, growth gradually recovers once the underlying trigger has passed or been addressed, although improvement can take several months.
Vanessa can help you understand the hair-growth cycle, explore potential triggers and recognise signs of recovery while ensuring that other possible causes are not overlooked.
