Trichoscopy in Sheffield

Thinning hair is a fate life holds in store for many. But diagnostic techniques now available for the first time in the Sheffield region harness microscope technology to offer therapeutic alternatives. The therapies indicated can be effective without people needing to resort to transplants.

Russell McFarlane of Sheffield’s Hair and Scalp Consultancy applies scientific techniques of microscopy to diagnosing precise reasons for hair loss, and uses these results to prescribe therapies that address the reasons directly.

“I’ve been a hairdresser for almost forty years,” he says, “and in that time I have helped many people identify problems with hair and scalp. But whilst there is much to learn simply from the look and feel of a person’s hair, there are so many possible conditions that I wanted a more precise and specific way of approaching the issue.

“Microscopic examination of living samples of the hair bulb helps me identify mineral deficiencies that can have an adverse effect on hair growth. It can help me diagnose issues at an early stage, so making them easier to treat and to reverse. With this more complete information at my disposal I am able to guide clients to therapies that tackle directly the causes of hair thinning, and so combat them more successfully.”

The microscopy process is a straightforward one. Russell applies the technique to sample hairs taken from the scalp to pinpoint exactly those therapies that will help bring back healthy hair growth for clients. In turn this can have positive benefits for individuals otherwise prey to the reduced self-confidence or self-esteem hair loss brings to many.

“It can be very satisfying to take the symptoms of an individual’s problem and turn them into signposts to recovery,” Russell continues. “Many people, female and male, find their lives are severely impacted by loss of hair. I am now in a position to reduce, postpone or even remove the problem, and help my clients side-step the need for more invasive treatments.”

The Effects of the Menopause

Whatever age and for whatever reason, when a woman reaches the menopause her hair will undergo changes. Some of these changes are dramatic, such as hair loss or severe thinning and some less noticeable such as a dulling or lack of vibrancy. This is because the hormonal changes in the body lower the oestrogen levels, which then increases sensitivity to the testosterone cells which are called androgens. These androgens, in turn then target the lubricating sebaceous glands and the sweat glands, damaging them so that they don’t function properly. The excessive perspiration from this creates toxins which build up in the hair follicles, again impairing function.

The activity brought on by these hormonal changes creates other symptoms of the menopause such as panic attacks, insomnia, nervous exhaustion, irrational fears and stress which all target the body’s ability to produce the nutrients which normally feed the hair. No wonder so many menopausal women complain that they can’t do anything with their hair.

With my experience, and skill and training in Trichoscopy I can diagnose whether this is happening to your hair. Happily, I can then help you to the right treatments which will restore and replenish your hair during this difficult time. Menopause might not be all that great, but your hair can be.