Hair loss can be distressing — affecting not only how you look, but also your confidence and wellbeing. At Geelong & Surfcoast Skin, we offer expert hair loss treatments to patients in Geelong, the Surfcoast, Bellarine and surrounds combining medical expertise with a personalised approach to help restore your hair and confidence.
We start by identifying why your hair loss is happening — because the right diagnosis leads to the most effective treatment.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Hair loss has many possible causes, and understanding the underlying reason is the key to successful treatment. Common causes include:
- Genetic Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia): The most common cause of hair loss in both men and women. It’s usually gradual and patterned.
- Hormonal Changes: Pregnancy, menopause, PCOS, and thyroid imbalances can all impact hair growth.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Low levels of iron, vitamin D, B12, or protein can weaken hair and slow growth.
- Stress and Illness: Physical or emotional stress, illness, or surgery can trigger temporary shedding (telogen effluvium).
- Medications: Certain blood pressure, cholesterol, and mental health medications can contribute to hair loss.
- Scalp Conditions: Autoimmune or inflammatory conditions such as alopecia areata or psoriasis.
How Common Is Hair Loss?
- Men: Up to 50% will experience some degree of male pattern baldness by age 50.
- Women: Around 40% notice significant hair thinning by age 40.
- Telogen Effluvium: One of the most common causes of sudden shedding after illness or stress.
Investigating Hair Loss – The Role of Blood Tests
Before beginning hair loss treatment at our Geelong clinic, we recommend blood tests to check nutritional and hormonal status. This ensures the building blocks for healthy hair are present and highlights any correctable causes.
We commonly assess:
- Iron studies and ferritin
- Vitamin D
- Vitamin B12
- Thyroid function
- Hormone levels (and other tests if indicated)
Hair Loss Treatment Options in Geelong & the Surfcoast
At Geelong & Surfcoast Skin, our treatments are tailored to your individual needs. Common options include:
1. Topical Minoxidil
- Improves scalp blood flow and extends the growth phase of hair.
- Available over-the-counter or on prescription.
- Visible results often appear after 3–6 months of consistent use.
2. Oral Minoxidil
- Low-dose tablet form, ideal if topical treatments are not effective or tolerated.
- Requires medical assessment and monitoring.
- Results usually appear within 3–6 months and may be combined with other therapies.
3. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Hair Restoration
- A natural treatment using your own blood to stimulate hair follicles.
- Best for early hair loss or as part of a combination approach.
- Typically involves three sessions a month apart, with maintenance every 3–6 months.
4. Supplements for Hair Growth
- Recommended when deficiencies are identified or as supportive therapy.
- Common examples include iron, zinc, and vitamin D.
How Successful Are Hair Loss Treatments?
- Topical Minoxidil: 40–60% of patients notice slowed hair loss or regrowth.
- Oral Minoxidil: Often effective when topical treatments haven’t worked.
- PRP Hair Treatment: Up to 70% report improvement, particularly with combination therapy.
- Supplements: Effective when correcting deficiencies, but rarely enough alone.
Combination approaches generally produce the best results.
What Happens If You Stop Treatment?
Most hair loss treatments manage the condition rather than cure it permanently. Stopping treatment can lead to a gradual return of hair loss:
- Minoxidil: Gains may reverse within 3–6 months.
- PRP: Without maintenance, results fade over time.
- Supplements: If deficiencies return, hair quality can decline again.
That’s why we encourage seeing hair restoration as a long-term plan, not a short-term fix.
The Bottom Line
Hair loss is best treated early, with a thorough investigation and a personalised plan. At Geelong & Surfcoast Skin, we’re here to support you with honest, evidence-based options for hair loss treatment in patients from Geelong, the Surfcoast, Bellarine and surrounds.
