Hair & skin
Hair loss: what to ask before choosing a treatment pathway
A treatment name is only part of the decision. Begin with the cause of your hair loss, then ask what each option would mean for your health, routine and budget.
The short answer
What to know first
- Understand the likely cause before choosing a commercial treatment.
- Different pathways have different commitments, risks and maintenance needs.
- Ask which parts take place at Belsize Road and which involve a specialist clinic.
Start by understanding the change
Hair loss can have several explanations, including inherited patterns, illness or stress. The NHS recommends seeing a GP to understand the cause before considering a commercial hair clinic. Tell the GP if hair loss is affecting your wellbeing too.
For a consultation, prepare a short timeline: when you first noticed the change, whether it is gradual or patchy, and any recent illness or medicine changes. Bring photographs showing the change if you already have them. You do not need to buy tests or stop any medicine to prepare.
Guidance: NHS
Understand what the five HLC pathways involve
Our HLC partnership connects hair and scalp consultations at Belsize Priory with the pathways in the patient guide. Their availability and the appropriate treatment location are confirmed during assessment.
| Pathway | Useful questions to ask |
|---|---|
| Laser hair therapy | Why might it suit my hair-loss pattern? What course and ongoing commitment are proposed? |
| Hair transplant | Who performs the procedure, where, and what are the surgical risks, recovery and aftercare? |
| Custom hair systems | What fitting, cleaning, replacement and maintenance costs should I plan for? |
| PRP / injectable pathway | What is the evidence for my situation? Who performs it and what are the risks and review points? |
| Alopecia assessment | What is the likely pattern, and do I need GP or specialist assessment before considering treatment? |
Guidance: HLC
Ask for a plan you can take away
Ask the clinician to explain the proposed pathway in writing, including what happens if you do nothing for now. A useful plan separates consultation fees, tests, treatment, maintenance and follow-up. Check who to contact if you have a concern after a procedure.
If a medicine is discussed, ask whether its use is licensed for your situation, what side effects matter and what monitoring is needed. The MHRA highlights mental-health and sexual side effects associated with finasteride; some sexual side effects can continue after stopping. A prescriber should discuss the relevant risks with you.
No hair-loss treatment works for everyone. Decide how progress would be assessed, when the plan would be reviewed and what happens if it does not help.
Common questions
Frequently asked questions
Are all treatments performed at Belsize Priory Pharmacy?
The starting consultation is at Belsize Road. The team confirms the location, practitioner and availability for any further pathway, including specialist procedures.
Do I have to choose treatment at the consultation?
You can ask questions and consider the information before deciding. Assessment does not guarantee or commit you to a treatment.
Guidance & partner information
Sources
Sources were checked on 10 September 2026. We prioritise current NHS, NICE, MHRA and regulator information.
Your next step
Hair and scalp consultations at Belsize Road
Read the service details, eligibility and booking information before you begin.
Arrange a hair-loss consultation
