In short
- A proper London consult: 45–60 minutes, £120–£220, includes trichoscopy.
- Should cover history, medications, family history, bloods review, trichoscopy, plan.
- Red flags: consult under 15 minutes, no trichoscopy, immediate transplant push, no written plan.
- You should leave with a diagnosis, a plan, and a clear follow-up date.
The first consultation shapes the next two years of your treatment. This is what a good one looks like in London — and how to spot a poor one before you've paid.
What a good consultation includes
- 20 minutes: history — when did it start, family history, medications, stress, diet, thyroid, iron history.
- 10 minutes: trichoscopy of affected and control areas.
- 10 minutes: blood test review or request.
- 10 minutes: diagnosis, treatment options and written plan.
- 5 minutes: costs, timelines, follow-up date.
Questions to ask
What is my specific diagnosis? What's the least invasive treatment that fits? What's the expected timeline before I see change? What are the side effect profiles? Will you share the trichoscopy images with me? When will we re-scan?
Red flags to walk away from
No trichoscopy. Diagnosis before examination. Immediate push toward a transplant without medical trial first. Vague treatment plan without specific products or doses. No follow-up scheduled.
You are paying for diagnosis and plan — not for the sale of the next thing they want to sell you.
Frequently asked
Common questions
Do I need a referral to see a trichologist in London?+
No — you can self-refer to a private trichologist directly.
Are consultations covered by private insurance?+
Rarely — hair loss is usually classified as cosmetic. Some plans cover investigations if a medical cause (thyroid, etc.) is suspected.
Should I see a GP first?+
Ideal — a GP can order NHS blood tests to save you £200. Then bring results to a trichologist for interpretation and plan.
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