Levels Of You

Not all hair loss shampoos are created equal.

🧴 Nizoral® 2% (Ketoconazole) – The strongest evidence of the three. Studies suggest ketoconazole may improve hair density and hair shaft diameter while helping reduce scalp inflammation.

☕ Alpecin® (Caffeine) – Laboratory and clinical studies suggest caffeine may help support hair growth and reduce shedding by counteracting some of the effects of DHT on the follicle.

🌿 Nioxin Hair Fall Defence (Sandalore™️) – Sandalore activates receptors within the hair follicle that may help prolong the hair growth phase, although more clinical research is needed.

A shampoo alone is rarely enough to reverse established pattern hair loss, but choosing one with evidence-backed ingredients can be a useful part of a broader hair restoration plan such as our HRP™️ (Hair Restoration Protocol).

Key references:
• Piérard-Franchimont et al. Dermatology. 1998 (Ketoconazole)
• Fischer et al. Skin Pharmacology & Physiology. 2014 (Caffeine)
• Chéret et al. Nature Communications. 2018 (Sandalore™️)

Dr Jonathan Hopkirk | AHPRA Registration No: MED0001945611

Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Results vary between individuals. Always seek personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional.

Did you know that what many people call “female androgenetic alopecia” may actually be more accurately described as Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL)?

One of the most interesting findings in the medical literature is that the majority of women with Female Pattern Hair Loss have normal androgen levels when tested.

This raises an important question:

If androgen levels are normal, why does hair loss still occur?

Current evidence suggests that some women may have hair follicles that are genetically more sensitive to normal levels of androgens, while other biological pathways may also contribute to the condition. This is one reason many experts now prefer the term Female Pattern Hair Loss rather than female androgenetic alopecia.

It’s an important reminder that female hair loss is often far more complex than simply having “too much testosterone” or “high DHT.”

📚 Reference:
Vujovic A, Del Marmol V. The Female Pattern Hair Loss: Review of Etiopathogenesis and Diagnosis. BioMed Research International. 2014.

Medical Disclaimer: All medical treatments carry potential risks, side effects, benefits, and limitations. These risks are unique to both the treatment being considered and the individual receiving it, and are discussed in detail during consultation with one of our doctors before any treatment is commenced. Not all treatments are suitable for every patient. Results vary between individuals and depend on multiple factors including the cause of hair loss, medical history, and adherence to treatment. Any pricing or treatment information is general in nature and subject to consultation.

Starting hair loss treatment can feel scary… especially when you hear people online talking about “the shedding phase.” But what if that early shedding is actually a positive sign? 🤔

A 2025 study on a commonly used hair loss ingredient found that patients who shed more hair in the first 12 weeks often had BETTER long-term outcomes from treatment.

Think of it less like “losing more hair” and more like the follicles resetting and pushing out weaker hairs so healthier, thicker hairs can grow through in their place.

Not every shed is bad, context matters. 💡

Medical Disclaimer: This video is for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice, diagnosis, or personalised treatment. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before starting, stopping, or changing any medication. Individual results may vary.

Most people are surprised to learn that shedding 50-200 hairs per day can fall within the normal range, depending on the source you read.

But here’s what many people get wrong…

The most important number isn’t what’s “normal” for everyone else, it’s what’s normal for you.

Some people naturally shed very little hair. Others shed more. What often matters most is identifying a significant change from your usual baseline.

Have you suddenly noticed more hairs on your pillow, in the shower, or on your hairbrush than you typically would?

That change may be your scalp trying to tell you something.

Stress, illness, nutritional deficiencies, hormonal changes, medications, rapid weight loss, and genetic hair loss can all influence shedding patterns.

Rather than focusing solely on the number of hairs lost each day, pay attention to whether your shedding has changed meaningfully compared to what is normal for you.

Early investigation can sometimes help identify and address underlying drivers before they progress further.

Have you noticed your shedding increase recently?

👇 Let me know in the comments.

Dr Jonathan Hopkirk, AHPRA Registration No: MED0001681727.

Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All medical treatments carry potential risks, benefits, side effects, and limitations. Not all treatments are suitable for every individual. Results vary between patients and depend on factors including diagnosis, genetics, medical history, and treatment adherence. Always seek personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional before commencing or changing any medical treatment.

🚨 When Hair Transplant Swelling Becomes a Problem

Some swelling after a hair transplant is expected. But when swelling becomes severe, extends around the eyes, or starts affecting vision, it deserves closer attention.

In this reaction video, I review a case of significant swelling around the eyes following a hair transplant and discuss what is considered a normal part of recovery versus the signs that may require urgent medical assessment.

Knowing the difference could help you recognise when it’s time to seek advice rather than simply waiting for it to settle.

HairTransplantResults HairDoctor MedicalEducation DrHopkirk FYP foryou

Dr Jonathan Hopkirk, AHPRA Registration No: MED0001681727. Medical Disclaimer: This content is provided for educational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. All medical treatments carry potential risks, benefits, side effects, and limitations. Not all treatments are suitable for every individual. Results vary between patients and depend on factors including diagnosis, genetics, medical history, and treatment adherence. Always seek personalised advice from a qualified healthcare professional before commencing, changing, or ceasing any medical treatment.