Hair and Skin Science

Some causes of hair loss may be correctable, and blood testing can help identify them. 🩸

Iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction and certain nutritional deficiencies can contribute to hair shedding. Identifying and addressing these factors may support hair health.

Swipe to learn what may be worth checking and why.

This post provides general educational information only and does not replace individual medical advice.

References:
1. Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. Androgenetic alopecia. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated 2024.
2. Hughes EC, Syed HA, Saleh D. Telogen effluvium. StatPearls. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; updated 2024.
3. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatol Ther 2019;9(1):51–70.
4. Alomary SA, Baker NJ, Schell N, et al. An analysis of thyrotropin levels in patients with nonscarring alopecia: a single-center retrospective comparative study. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2026;19(4):35–37.
5. Bin Dayel S. Impact of thyroid dysfunction on hair disorders. Cureus 2023;15(8):e43266.

Can red light really help with hair loss? 🔴

Research suggests that certain low-level light therapy devices may improve hair density in some men and women with pattern hair loss when used consistently over time.
But not all devices deliver the same treatment. Wavelength, power, light source and treatment schedule all matter.
LLLT is generally used as part of a broader hair-loss plan after the cause and pattern of thinning have been properly assessed.

Swipe through for what the research found and what to check before choosing a device.

References:
1. Lueangarun S, Visutjindaporn P, Parcharoen Y, et al. A systematic review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials of FDA-approved, home-use, low-level light/laser therapy devices for pattern hair loss. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol 2021;14(11):E64–E75.
2. Jimenez JJ, Wikramanayake TC, Bergfeld W, et al. Efficacy and safety of a low-level laser device in the treatment of male and female pattern hair loss. Am J Clin Dermatol 2014;15(2):115–127.
3. Chandrashekar BS, Vartak P, Madura C, et al. Laser therapies in androgenetic alopecia: review and clinical experiences. J Cutan Aesthet Surg 2025;18:145–160.
4. Gupta AK, Taylor D, Nouri K. Lasers for treatment of androgenetic alopecia: an in-depth analysis. Lasers Med Sci 2025;40:108.

Hair trivia 🧬 Male pattern hair loss is called a “pattern” for a reason. Follicles around the hairline and crown can be more sensitive to DHT, which is why thinning often appears in these areas first.

Here are five men following the HSS Method™, each with a different starting point and treatment plan.

DISCLAIMER: Individual results vary. Treatment outcomes differ based on factors such as age, genetics, medical history, lifestyle and adherence to the recommended treatment plan. The images shown are of actual patients treated at Hair & Skin Science and are provided for general information only. These images should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results that others may achieve.

What is PRP, and what does the evidence show when it comes to hair loss?

We take a closer look at how PRP works, what the research tells us, who it may suit and where it can fit within a broader hair-loss management plan. Swipe through to learn more.

This post provides general educational information only and does not replace individual medical advice.

References:
1. Hausauer AK, Humphrey S. The physician's guide to platelet-rich plasma in dermatologic surgery, part I. Dermatol Surg 2020;46(3):348–357.
2. Gupta AK, Renaud HJ, Rapaport JA. Platelet-rich plasma and cell therapy: the new horizon in hair loss treatment. Dermatol Clin 2021;39(3):429–445.
3. Kaushik A, Kumaran MS. Platelet-rich plasma: the journey so far! Indian Dermatol Online J 2020;11(5):685–692.
4. Gupta AK, Cole J, Deutsch DP, et al. Platelet-rich plasma as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia. Dermatol Surg 2019;45(10):1262–1273.
5. Zhang X, Ji Y, Zhou M, et al. Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis of randomised controlled trials. J Cutan Med Surg 2023.
6. Mercuri SR, Paolino G, Di Nicola MR, Vollono L. Investigating the safety and efficacy of PRP treatment for female androgenetic alopecia. Medicina (Kaunas) 2021;57(4):311.
7. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Griggs JW, Tosti A. Platelet-rich plasma in the treatment of alopecia areata: a review. J Investig Dermatol Symp Proc 2020;20(1):S45–S49.
8. Stevens J, Khetarpal S. Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: a review of the literature and proposed treatment protocol. Int J Womens Dermatol 2019;5(1):46–51.
9. Schoenberg E, O'Connor M, Wang JV, et al. Microneedling and PRP: a new tool in our arsenal. J Cosmet Dermatol 2020;19(1):112–114.

1 in 5 women. 1 in 30 men.

That’s roughly how many Australian adults have depleted iron stores.

When hair is shedding, iron deficiency may not be the first thing that comes to mind, but it can be one possible contributor. A blood test, interpreted alongside your symptoms and medical history, can help determine whether your iron stores are low.

If shedding persists or occurs alongside heavy periods, pregnancy, a restricted diet or regular blood donation, speak with your GP about whether testing is appropriate. If iron is low, identifying the cause is just as important as correcting it.

This post provides general educational information only and does not replace individual medical advice.

Reference:
1. World Health Organization. WHO guideline on use of ferritin concentrations to assess iron status. Geneva, 2020. NCBI Bookshelf, NBK569877.
2. Almohanna HM, Ahmed AA, Tsatalis JP, Tosti A. The role of vitamins and minerals in hair loss: a review. Dermatol Ther (Heidelb) 2019;9(1):51–70.
3. Kantor J, Kessler LJ, Brooks DG, Cotsarelis G. Decreased serum ferritin is associated with alopecia in women. J Invest Dermatol 2003;121(5):985–988.
4. Olsen EA, Reed KB, Cacchio PB, Caudill L. Iron deficiency in female pattern hair loss, chronic telogen effluvium, and control groups. J Am Acad Dermatol 2010;63(6).
5. Telogen Effluvium. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, NBK430848.
6. Physiology, Hair. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, NBK499948.
7. Australian Red Cross Lifeblood. Diagnosis and investigation of iron deficiency anaemia.
8. Zhang GD, Johnstone D, Leahy MF, Olynyk JK. Updating the diagnosis and management of iron deficiency. Med J Aust 2024;221(7).
9. Iron-Deficiency Anemia. StatPearls, NCBI Bookshelf, NBK448065.

Five women. Five individual hair journeys. 💙

Female hair thinning can have different causes and patterns, which is why the HSS Method™ begins with an individual scalp and hair assessment, not a one-size-fits-all approach.

These images show changes observed in five HSS clients following personalised management plans.

Hair trivia: Hair grows in cycles, so meaningful changes are generally assessed over months rather than days or weeks.

DISCLAIMER: Individual results vary. Treatment outcomes differ based on factors such as age, genetics, medical history, lifestyle and adherence to the recommended treatment plan. The images shown are of actual patients treated at Hair & Skin Science and are provided for general information only. These images should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results that others may achieve.

Hair follicles don’t work in isolation.

Each follicle sits within living scalp skin, alongside sebum, microorganisms, immune cells and the skin barrier. Research suggests that perifollicular inflammation and changes in the scalp microbiome may be present in some people with androgenetic alopecia, particularly in certain advanced or treatment-resistant cases.

This does not mean inflammation is present in every thinning scalp, or that addressing inflammation alone will restore hair. Pattern hair loss is multifactorial, and evidence surrounding combined treatment approaches is still emerging.

The starting point is an accurate assessment of the scalp as well as the hair.

This post provides general educational information only and does not replace individual medical advice.

References:
1. Umar S, Tan BH, Sh*tabata PK. Perifollicular inflammation and fibrosis in androgenetic alopecia: implications for diagnosis and treatment. Clin Cosmet Investig Dermatol 2026;19. doi:10.2147/CCID.S548520
2. Shah RR, Larrondo J, Dawson T, et al. Scalp microbiome: a guide to better understanding scalp diseases and treatments. Arch Dermatol Res 2024;316:495.
3. Jung DR, Yoo HY, Kim MJ, et al. Comparative analysis of scalp and gut microbiome in androgenetic alopecia: a Korean cross-sectional study. Front Microbiol 2022;13:1076242.
4. Male Androgenetic Alopecia. Endotext, NCBI Bookshelf, NBK278957.

Hair transplant progress at six months following the placement of 3,086 grafts.

DISCLAIMER: Individual results vary. Treatment outcomes differ based on factors such as age, genetics, medical history, lifestyle and adherence to the recommended treatment plan. The images shown are of an actual patient treated at Hair & Skin Science and are provided for general information only. These images should not be interpreted as a guarantee of results that others may achieve.

Postpartum hair shedding can feel alarming, especially during an already demanding season of life. Reassuringly, it is usually temporary, and regrowth may already be underway even while you’re still shedding.

Be gentle with your hair, and with yourself. If shedding remains heavy beyond your baby’s first birthday, or you notice bald patches, a widening part or scalp symptoms, consider seeking a professional assessment.

This information is general and does not replace individual medical assessment.

References:
1. American Academy of Dermatology. Hair loss in new moms: Dermatologist tips.�aad.org · shedding peaks around month 4, normal fullness by the first birthday
2. Cleveland Clinic. Postpartum Hair Loss: Causes, Treatment & What to Expect.�my.clevelandclinic.org · onset around month 3, the oestrogen and resting-phase shift, iron and thyroid
3. University of Utah Health. The Scoop on Postpartum Hair Loss.�healthcare.utah.edu · haircare tips, prenatal vitamins through year one, when to seek review
4. J Clin Aesthet Dermatol. Biotin for Hair Loss: Teasing Out the Evidence.�jcadonline.com · no benefit without deficiency, FDA warning on lab-test interference