Your hair.
Your next step.

A photograph, a different hairstyle, a little more scalp in the mirror. Noticing a change can raise questions. Start by understanding what you are seeing.

Start with the pattern.

A gradual change at the temples or crown may fit the pattern of inherited hair loss. A clinician considers the shape, timing and history of the change, rather than one photograph in isolation.

Write down when you first noticed it, whether it has changed steadily, and whether relatives have experienced something similar. This gives your clinician a more useful starting point than trying to diagnose yourself from a picture online.

Make comparisons more useful.

Compare like with like: the same lighting, a similar hair length and the same camera angle. Wet hair, a new parting or a bright overhead light can change how dense hair appears.

Keep a short, dated photo record. Avoid checking repeatedly throughout the day; a structured record is easier to discuss at an appointment.

Know when to ask for advice.

Seek medical advice if loss is sudden or patchy, or if you have new scalp pain, redness, scaling or other symptoms. Tell a clinician about recent illness, stress, weight changes and medicines, too.

Prepare for the conversation.

• Note the areas that concern you and when you noticed them.
• Have a list of your current medicines and relevant medical history.
• Think about what you hope to understand, and what matters to you in a care routine.

A good first step is clarity: understanding the likely cause, the available choices and the realistic limits of treatment.

Knowing what to expect makes it easier to take the first step. Here is how to prepare for an online conversation about your hair.

Set aside a quiet moment.

Choose somewhere private, with your medical information to hand. Take the questionnaire at a pace that lets you answer accurately. Clinical decisions depend on the quality and completeness of the information you provide.

Have the essentials ready.

• Your current medicines, including non-prescription products and supplements.
• Relevant health conditions, previous treatments and allergies.
• A clear account of your hair concerns: when they started, where they occur, and how they have changed.
• Recent photographs, if requested by the assessment service.

Be open about your expectations.

Tell the clinician what you want help with. You may be looking for an explanation, a manageable routine or an understanding of the available options. It is also helpful to say what you would find difficult to keep up with.

Questions about risks, alternatives, ongoing costs and follow-up are part of an informed decision. You should understand the plan before choosing to proceed.

Clinical review comes first.

Completing the assessment does not guarantee treatment. A clinician may need more information, recommend an in-person appointment or advise that a particular option is unsuitable. This is part of making an individual decision about your care.

Understand the next steps.

Before an order, check the full plan cost, payment frequency, delivery arrangements and renewal or cancellation terms. If a treatment is prescribed, read the instructions and ask how to contact the team with questions.

A simple photo routine can make progress easier to discuss. Consistency is more useful than a perfect picture.

Choose one repeatable setup.

Pick a place with steady, even lighting. Avoid changing between direct sunlight, a bright bathroom light and a dim bedroom. Use the same camera and distance whenever possible.

Keep a note of your setup: where you stand, where the light comes from and how you hold the camera. Asking someone to help can make awkward angles more consistent.

Capture the same views.

• The front, showing the hairline.
• The left and right sides, with the temples visible.
• The top and crown, taken from a similar height each time.
• Any additional angles your clinician specifically requests.

Follow the photo instructions supplied with your plan. Do not send photographs through a general enquiry email unless the clinical team has specifically told you to do so.

Keep styling consistent.

Photograph your hair in a similar condition each time. Note a haircut, a change in colour or any styling product that may affect the comparison. Avoid filters, retouching or camera effects.

Keep a simple record.

Save the date with each photo set. Add a brief note about your routine and any questions you want to discuss. Follow your agreed review schedule rather than making decisions from daily comparisons.

Keep your images private.

Store your photos somewhere secure and use the clinical service’s approved upload process when sharing them. Only share what is needed for your assessment or review.