Community pharmacy is well placed to offer men – and women – a range of treatments and expert advice to deal with hair loss and scalp problems

A recent study of 1,500 women in Nottingham showed that a quarter were worried about the thickness of their hair

Hair and scalp problems are common, but hair loss can be particularly distressing. There is a general acceptance among men that losing their hair is just one of those things that happens as they get older, but for those men who can’t accept it, pharmacy can help – the hair loss market is booming.

Men’s hair loss is usually hereditary, and about 75 per cent of men will lose some or most of their hair by the age of 60. Regaine has tapped in to the male hair loss market with a new iPhone app designed to show men what stage their hair loss is at and help them treat it. The company has partnered with Medical Image Laboratories to develop technology to identify the various stages of hair loss and create awareness about how early hair loss can start.

The app uses bespoke algorithms to analyse digital images of skin and hair in order to quantify and track hair loss. It uses the Norwood Scale, an internationally recognised tool, to diagnose and describe the extent of hair loss for treatment purposes. Hair loss can be especially traumatic and embarrassing for women.

In recent months, new mum and ex-EastEnders actress Jacqueline Jossa has been talking about her hair loss, which was related to hormonal changes during pregnancy. The 22-year-old shared pictures on Instagram in July, reassuring other women by saying: “For all the new baby mummy’s [sic] that might be losing some hair after birth, I'm right here with you, I think it's starting to slowly grow back, so it’s all good guys!”

Hair loss is normal

Hair specialist Dr Jan Wadstein says that increased hair loss after childbirth, although disconcerting, is normal and is the result of changing oestrogen levels. “Between 40 and 50 per cent of new mums will experience this type of loss and while, in many cases, hair growth will return to normal within six to 12 months, in some cases help is needed to ensure the shedding is not prolonged and to support the hair growth cycle,” he says.

“Supplementing the diet with a good multivitamin, such as Nourkrin Post Pregnancy, and even using a product that provides specific nutrients to the hair follicle will help to reduce the level of shedding and the hair growth return to normal as quickly as possible.” It’s not just new mothers who are concerned about hair loss.

A recent study of 1,500 women in Nottingham showed that a quarter were worried about the thickness of their hair, with many admitting it affected their confidence on a daily basis. It’s estimated that about 6 million women in the UK suffer with scalp and hair issues, and 33 per cent report that they have experienced hair loss at some point. Debbie McMenamin, franchisee of KH Hair, was involved in the study.

“People come into our salons all the time asking for help and advice on how to deal with thinning hair, but it’s not always an issue they feel comfortable talking about,” she says. “Despite its prevalence, it’s still almost a taboo subject. Sufferers feel embarrassed and may even avoid coming to the hairdresser’s for fear of talking about it, which is sad because there are some really simple and effective ways of treating and controlling hair loss.”

Natural remedies

One of the latest products from Nanogen is Root Boost, which claims to give thinning hair the appearance of extra volume and contains niacinamide and keratin to help repair the hair. Women, especially, are turning increasingly to natural remedies to tackle hair loss. Preventive measures and supplements are a popular choice, with Pharma Nord’s Omega 7 supplement even being recommended by the National Hairdressers Federation (NHF).

Sandra Williams, a member of the NHF, recommends Omega 7 to her clients, for example. “I have a number of clients who suffer from psoriasis of the scalp, scalp dryness and eczema, and have been impressed by the results when they’ve taken Omega 7 Sea Buckthorn Oil Capsules,” she says.

“One of my clients suffered with psoriasis for 40 years. It affected her scalp as well as other areas of her body. After taking Omega 7 for a couple of weeks, her skin was less itchy and looked much better.” Until fairly recently the best-selling Australian Hope’s Relief range was available only in health food shops, but the brand is branching out and making its selection of hair products for eczema, psoriasis, dermatitis and sensitive dry skins available to pharmacies via Sigma Pharmaceuticals, GD Cooper and Veggiemart.

The range is marketed as suitable for everyone, including pregnant women and newborn babies, and contains ingredients such as hospital-grade organic manuka honey. A recent pilot study showed that 93 per cent of users reported a “significant improvement” in their skin condition. Shampoo and conditioner, Intensive Repair Rescue Cream, Moisturising Lotion, Soap Free Cleansing Bar, Goats Milk Body Wash and Goats Milk Soap are available.

When customers come into a pharmacy complaining of a dry and/or itchy scalp, it’s important that they walk away, not only with a product, but with an understanding of what could be causing the problem and what they can do to improve it. “There are internal and external factors that can cause a dry and itchy scalp, and it is important for the customer to appreciate what could be the causing their problems to help them best understand and improve their scalp condition,” says Malin Lindström, Eucerin brand manager.

“Common internal factors include skin conditions such as eczema and psoriasis or emotional stress. External factors can include cosmetic shampoos or other hair products (such as dry shampoo, root-boosting spray and hair mousse), which can dry out or irritate the scalp, as well as lifestyle factors such as poor diet or smoking. When a customer buys a dry scalp product in the pharmacy, advise them to look at lifestyle and environmental factors, too.”

And check that the customer has been using a product according the instructions before suggesting a new one, advises Ms Lindström. Severe cases should be referred on to the customer’s GP. It’s not just adults who are prone to scalp problems.

Cradle cap can affect babies, and treatments such as Dentinox Cradle Cap Treatment Shampoo are gentle enough to be used on young scalps. It has won a bronze Hero Health Product for Kids award and has been recognised at the Prima Baby & Pregnancy magazine awards, so brand recognition among parents is high.

With children going back to school, head lice can be a problem at this time of year, so be prepared. Full Marks is running a TV campaign promoting its five-minute head lice treatment this month.

Comment

Shaheen Bhatia, Broadway Pharmacy, Bexleyheath “Our local GPs don’t want to see mothers for head lice and at our local GP surgery, even at a reception level, if they get a request like that the receptionist will recommended that they come to see us instead. The rate of infestation is as high as ever. Advice is the most crucial thing in this category. If someone comes in with an itchy scalp, there are a few things it could be, so it’s important to know the conditions to recommend to right treatment. Some head lice products come under the minor ailments scheme. In the past few years, people have recognised that it’s a good idea to come to us first, partly because it has become so difficult to get a GP appointment. We try to make the most of that and make sure we give out useful advice, so people keep coming back.” 􀀀􀀀􀀀􀀀􀀀

 

 

Fiona McElrea, Whithorn Pharmacy, Whithorn “We get a lot of queries, for hair and scalp problems, dandruff, dermatitis, psoriasis and eczema, etc. So we do keep a wide range of products in the category, many of which we can prescribe through the minor ailments scheme. I’d prescribe something as a starting point for a patient and then move on from that, maybe try something different, and if that’s not working then refer them onto the GP. T-Gel and Head & Shoulders sell well. We have a big problem with head lice at our local school, so we’ve set up information tables and run awareness days. Kids go to various places over the summer, pick up head lice, go back to school and it all flares up again. Having the right range is crucial and being on hand to give advice.’