Alopecia areata
Assessment of patchy hair loss, including concerns affecting the scalp, eyebrows or other areas.
Specialist interest · Hair & scalp
Understanding the cause is the first step towards a plan that is right for you.
‘Alopecia’ is a description not a diagnosis.
Dr Nihull Jakharia-Shah is a Consultant Dermatologist with a special interest in hair and scalp disorders. He conducts a thorough clinical history and examination using dermoscopy (trichoscopy when applied to the scalp) at each clinic appointment to reach the correct diagnosis and create the most suitable treatment plan. He offers private consultations at The Medical Chambers Kensington, alongside a broad dermatology practice.
Book a hair-loss consultationHair & scalp concerns
Different patterns.
Individual assessment.
Hair thinning, shedding and scalp changes can have different causes. A dermatology consultation helps make sense of your symptoms and the options available.
Pattern hair loss
Advice on gradual thinning in men and women, with an individual discussion of diagnosis and management.
Telogen effluvium
Assessment of increased hair shedding, with attention to its timing and possible triggers.
Scarring alopecia & scalp disorders
Specialist assessment where hair loss is associated with inflammation, scarring or persistent scalp symptoms.
Your consultation
Time to listen.
Space for your questions.
Understand the changes
Discuss when your symptoms began, how they have changed, your health history and any treatments you have already tried. The effect on your confidence and daily life matters too.
Assess your hair and scalp
Clinical assessment guides the discussion about the likely cause and whether further investigation would be helpful. Not every person needs the same tests.
Discuss a plan together
Consider appropriate management options, their benefits and limitations, and what follow-up may be useful. Treatment choices depend on the diagnosis and your individual circumstances.
Research in alopecia
A clinical interest supported by research.
Dr Jakharia-Shah led an Alopecia UK-funded project exploring digital scalp imaging and machine learning. This early research investigates future approaches to diagnosis; it is not a diagnostic service offered at the clinic.
Explore the Alopecia UK projectBefore you book
A few useful answers.
What is alopecia?
Alopecia is a descriptive term for hair loss. Importantly, it is not a diagnosis in itself. Multiple conditions cause alopecia, and some may have alopecia in their name, for example alopecia areata and frontal fibrosing alopecia. Obtaining the correct diagnosis for the cause of your hair loss or alopecia is important, as some conditions cause permanent ‘scarring’ hair loss.
What is trichoscopy and does Dr Jakharia-Shah offer this?
Trichoscopy is a method of examining the scalp and hair. It uses magnification and lighting to identify specific signs of hair and scalp conditions. There are a range of machines which can be used to conduct trichoscopy, from handheld dermatoscopes to large computer and AI-assisted devices.
Dr Jakharia-Shah uses a handheld trichoscope (a DermLite DL-5 Dermatoscope) in clinic. This device enables accurate and thorough examination of the scalp for diagnosis; however, it does not capture images or perform analysis of hair density/diameter.
Which conditions cause hair loss?
We commonly split the causes of hair loss into non-scarring (potentially reversible) and scarring (permanent) causes. The most common non-scarring cause of hair loss is male or female pattern hair loss, which becomes increasingly common with age. Other non-scarring hair loss conditions include alopecia areata, trichotillomania and tinea capitis.
Scarring hair loss is permanent, so early diagnosis and treatment are vital. Conditions causing scarring hair loss include lichen planopilaris, frontal fibrosing alopecia and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia.
Should I see a doctor about hair loss?
Yes, it is always worth seeing a doctor if you are concerned about hair loss. There are several medical conditions which can cause hair loss that are not specific to the scalp or hair, for example thyroid disease, vitamin or iron deficiencies and anaemia. These may be reviewed and diagnosed initially by your GP. However, for diagnosis and management of causes specific to the scalp and hair, it is best to see a dermatologist.
Can I book using private medical insurance?
Dr Jakharia-Shah is recognised by Aviva, Vitality, Healix and WPA. Cover depends on your policy and the reason for your consultation. Check authorisation and any referral requirements with your insurer and the clinic before booking.
Where are appointments held, and how do I check the fees?
Private consultations take place at The Medical Chambers Kensington, 10 Knaresborough Place, London SW5 0TG. The clinic can confirm the appropriate appointment type and current fees. Call 020 7244 4200 or use the booking link below.
Does a special interest in hair loss mean you only treat hair conditions?
No. Dr Jakharia-Shah also sees adults and children with eczema, acne, psoriasis, rosacea, rashes, nail conditions, mole concerns and other skin problems. Explore his wider dermatology practice.
Private consultations in London
A clear next step
for your care.
Book a dermatology or hair-loss consultation at The Medical Chambers Kensington. Appointments are available for adults and children.
- Bring a list of medicines and any previous test results.
- For hair concerns, earlier photographs can help show changes over time.
- The clinic team can confirm fees, appointment type and insurance requirements.
Online booking opens the clinic’s secure appointment portal.
The Medical Chambers Kensington
10 Knaresborough Place
Kensington, London
SW5 0TG