Many patients who are noticing hair loss delay seeking advice because they are uncertain about what a consultation involves or whether they will be pressured into committing to treatment. Here is an honest account of what a hair loss consultation actually looks like.
A good hair loss consultation begins with a history — how long the loss has been progressing, what the pattern looks like, family history, any medications or health conditions that might be relevant, and what the patient’s goals and concerns are. This is a conversation, not a sales pitch.
The clinical assessment follows. The scalp is examined — ideally with a dermatoscope or trichoscope — to assess the degree of miniaturisation, the donor zone quality, and the overall pattern of loss. This examination takes five to ten minutes and produces specific, useful information about what is happening and what the options are.
The clinician then provides their assessment: what stage the loss is at, what is causing it, what the treatment options are (medical, surgical, or both), and what each option realistically achieves. This should be presented as information that helps the patient make a decision, not as a close.
Questions are encouraged. A consultation that does not allow time for questions is one that is prioritising efficiency over patient care. You should leave knowing your approximate Norwood Stage, what the clinician recommends and why, what the costs are, and what the realistic outcomes are for each option.
No commitment is required at the consultation. Any pressure to book or pay on the day of a first consultation is a warning sign about the nature of the practice.
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