Types of Hair Loss & How Mandeville London Can Help

At Mandeville London, we understand that hair loss can affect people in many different ways — physically, emotionally, and socially. We’ve supported thousands of clients across the UK with our custom handmade wigs and hairpieces, tailored to suit a wide range of hair loss conditions. Whether your hair loss is temporary, progressive, or permanent, our experienced team is here to guide you through your options with compassion, discretion, and expertise.

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Introduction to Hair Loss

Hair loss is a common condition that affects millions of people worldwide. It can be caused by a variety of factors, including genetics, hormonal changes, medical conditions, and natural ageing. Hair loss can be temporary or permanent, and it can affect the scalp or the entire body. Symptoms can range from gradual thinning to sudden hair fall, including noticeable hair shedding, and the impact on individuals can be significant, affecting self-esteem and emotional well-being. If you notice hair loss that seems excessive or unusual, it’s important to seek medical attention to diagnose the underlying cause and explore potential treatments.

Causes of Hair Loss

Hair loss can result from a combination of genetic, hormonal, and environmental factors. Male pattern hair loss, also known as androgenic alopecia, is the most common type of hair loss in men, affecting their self-esteem and is caused by the conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), leading to the miniaturisation of hair follicles. Female pattern hair loss, or female pattern alopecia, is the most common type in women and involves a similar hormonal mechanism. Other causes include alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition causing patchy hair loss; telogen effluvium, often triggered by stress or illness; traction alopecia, resulting from tight hairstyles; and scarring alopecia, where inflammation leads to permanent hair loss. Seeking a diagnosis from a professional such as a trichologist or dermatologist can help you understand why your hair loss occurs, what treatments are available for your specific hair loss and whether it is possible to regrow hair that may have been already lost.

1. Alopecia Areata, Totalis & Universalis

Alopecia - an autoimmune condition - is one of the most common types of hair loss, affecting men, women, and children alike. Alopecia Areata causes patchy hair loss, alopecia totalis results in complete scalp hair loss, and alopecia universalis leads to full body hair loss. More recently, Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia is becoming a more common diagnosis, causing scarring alopecia and giving the look of a receding hairline. While unpredictable and often emotionally challenging, we’re here to help restore your confidence with natural-looking European hair wigs, toppers and frontal hairpieces made bespoke for your needs.

Choose from our ReadyMade collection for immediate support or opt for a Made to Measure wig that fits your lifestyle and aesthetic preferences exactly.

2. Telogen Effluvium (Stress-Related Hair Loss)

This form of temporary hair loss typically occurs after physical or emotional shock, illness, or hormonal changes. The hair enters its resting (telogen) phase prematurely and sheds more than usual, often noticeable 2–4 months after a triggering event. Chronic telogen effluvium is a condition where hair shedding continues for years, even when no clear cause is identified.

Many clients experiencing this form of loss benefit from a lightweight topper or half wig. These pieces can blend effortlessly with existing hair and provide volume until new hair growth occurs, offering a consistent and reliable solution.

3. Chemotherapy-Induced Hair Loss (Anagen Effluvium)

Chemotherapy and other chemical treatments commonly cause rapid hair loss, which can be especially distressing. Chemotherapy targets cancer cells but also affects the hair follicle, leading to hair loss. Radiation therapy can also cause hair loss by damaging hair follicles. Our specialist consultants work closely with clients to help conceal hair loss and find a wig that helps them feel most like themselves during and after treatment.

Our breathable, hand-tied lace wigs are ideal for sensitive scalps (often another symptom caused by chemotherapy) providing comfort for those with thinning scalp hair. Our ReadyMade collection allows quick turnaround and a natural appearance for those experiencing thinning hair during this difficult time and can offer a sense of normality for both our clients and those around them.

[Explore our Chemotherapy Wig Services →]

4. Lichen Planopilaris (LPP)

This rare inflammatory condition causes the formation of scar tissue, which hinders hair growth and leads to permanent scarring and patchy hair loss. It often affects the sides, front, and nape of the scalp. Cicatricial alopecia, a type of scarring alopecia caused by inflammation that destroys hair follicles, can also be associated with this condition. Due to the discomfort and sensitivity associated with LPP, comfort is just as important as aesthetics.

We create lightweight, breathable wigs with minimal pressure points and soft lace bases, carefully tailored to ensure comfort for inflamed areas.

5. Trichotillomania (Hair Pulling Disorder)

Compulsive hair pulling can result in patchy or areas of complete hair loss on the scalp, eyelashes, and eyebrows. Broken hairs are common in trichotillomania due to compulsive hair pulling. This condition often requires a sensitive and non-judgemental approach, as it can be both emotional and complex. Hair shaft abnormalities can also occur as a result of hair pulling, leading to hair thinning and breakage.

Our solution: We offer full privacy and discretion during fittings and create versatile pieces that provide coverage while allowing for ongoing healing. We understand the psychological nature of this condition and are here to help break the cycle.

6. Hormonal Hair Loss & PCOS

Female pattern baldness often mimics male pattern baldness in women. Hormonal imbalances caused by conditions like Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) can result in thinning, particularly at the crown and hairline. Sometimes, hair grows more noticeably from follicles in unwanted areas such as the face and neck and it can be frustrating to see hair growing fast where it is not needed.

Custom-made toppers can provide seamless coverage and blend with your natural hair, offering both volume and confidence while remaining breathable and lightweight. We're here to help you take back control over your appearance and get your confidence back.

7. Covid-19 Related Hair Loss

Post-viral hair loss (telogen effluvium) including after Covid-19, has become increasingly common due to physical stress and inflammation, disrupting the natural hair growth cycle. This form of hair loss is usually temporary but can lead to further hair loss and last several months.

Temporary solutions like our ReadyMade wigs or parting-enhancing hairpieces can support your look while your hair gradually recovers.

8. Male & Female Pattern Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia)

This genetic form of progressive hair loss is one of the most common. The duration of the anagen phase influences hair length in pattern hair loss and due to DHT the anagen phase becomes shorter, which is why individuals with pattern hair loss may struggle to grow hair beyond a certain length due to follicle miniaturisation.

The hair loss pattern from can vary from women to men. Female pattern hair loss creates thinning usually around the crown and middle part, making these areas look thinner with less coverage. In contrast, male pattern hair loss can affect the crown, but more commonly causes a receding hairline especially around the temples. However, there is cross over in the ways that male and female androgenetic alopecia present, so it's possible for any individual to have the hair loss pattern typical of either gender.

We design custom pieces with appropriate density, tone, and texture to recreate your natural look and offer long-term daily wear with superior comfort for those who are losing hair. Female pattern hair loss is one of the most prolific types of hair loss and we variations of this every day in our studio. Though it can knock your confidence, our 50 years of experience ensures we can create the ideal solution for you.

9. Folliculitis Decalvans

A scarring form of hair loss that leads to the formation of scar tissue, which hinders hair growth and results in a tufted hair appearance and potential discomfort or pain due to inflammation of the follicles. Central Centrifugal Cicatricial alopecia is another type of scarring alopecia caused by inflammation that destroys hair follicles.

We create custom lightweight wigs with breathable lace bases for added comfort and reduced irritation.

10. Other Medical Conditions: Lupus, Thyroid Disorders, Hoffman’s Disease

Autoimmune and inflammatory conditions are types of hair and scalp disorders that can lead to permanent or cyclical hair loss. Chronic illness can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair loss that may occur several months after a triggering event. Each case is unique, and so is our approach, no matter the cause.

Our bespoke wig service allows for full personalisation — from foundation to hair type, ensuring maximum comfort and discretion.

Diagnosing Hair Loss

Diagnosing hair loss involves a thorough medical history and physical examination. Your doctor should ask about the onset, duration, and pattern of your hair loss, as well as any accompanying symptoms like itching or redness. A physical examination of your scalp and hair can reveal signs of thinning or balding. In some cases, additional tests such as a hair pull test, where a small amount of hair is gently pulled to see how many hairs fall out, or a scalp biopsy, where a small section of scalp skin is removed for examination, may be necessary to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. You can get further, more specialised advice from a trusted trichologist or dermatologist.

Treatment Options for hair loss

There are several treatment options available for hair loss, tailored to the underlying cause. For male pattern hair loss, treatments include medications like minoxidil and finasteride, as well as hair transplantation. Female pattern hair loss can be treated with minoxidil and spironolactone, along with hair transplantation if needed. Alopecia areata may respond to corticosteroid injections or immunotherapy. Telogen effluvium often improves with time, but treatments like minoxidil and iron supplements can help. For traction alopecia, changing hairstyles and using gentle hair care products are key. Each treatment plan should be personalised to address the specific type of hair loss and promote hair regrowth. We see wigs and hairpieces as supplementary to those undergoing treatment for hair loss.

For many, who have sought advice and answers for many years without being able to regrow hair, wigs are a reliable and safe option that allows them to break free from the cycle of getting their hopes up about different treatments that don't get them the results they desperately want. The psychological impact of this can be all consuming and for some clients, taking a completely new approach in the form of hair replacement systems such as wigs or toppers gives them the instant results they need to carry on with life feeling confident.

Hair Loss Prevention

Preventing hair loss is not always possible, depending on the cause but can involve a combination of good hair care practices and a healthy lifestyle. Eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and biotin supports healthy hair growth. Reducing stress through relaxation techniques and regular exercise can also help, as high stress levels can contribute to hair loss. Avoiding excessive heat styling and using gentle hair care products can prevent damage to your hair and scalp. Ensuring you get enough sleep and maintaining overall health are also important. By following these tips, you can promote healthy hair growth and reduce your risk of some types of hair loss.

See what our clients have to say about our hair loss solutions.

"THANK YOU SO, SO MUCH!!!!!!! Caroline, you are amazing. I called Caroline approximately 4 months ago, crying and in tears due to losing hair due to androgenic alopecia and not knowing what to do, due to my daughters wedding approaching fast. Caroline was amazing from start to finish. Firstly she made me feel at ease when crying whilst talking on the phone to her. She was understanding, gave me hope and invited me to see her together with my daughter.

On arrival, again, so caring, understanding, gave me hope, explained how she can give me my density back. Caroline seemed very positive, and although I didn't understand everything that Caroline had on her mind, she knew exactly what I would work for me - this is due to her knowledge and experience. Caroline called me in again for hair match, and she wasn't happy so after a couple of weeks roughly she tried again and worked with me and my daughter, involved her team and talked about how she was going to make this work. Recently when she called me for the final visit, I saw the piece and although it just seemed like a piece, when she placed in on my head, in the right position, OMG!!!! - My dream came true, and my confidence has come back too. It was not only natural, it was so real, didn't look fake, actually it looked like my own hair and the texture, just like my own - No one will be able to tell any difference. I was overwhelmed and my daughter was stunned and amazed too! My hair piece is worth every penny.

Caroline didn't rush me, she showed me how to wear it, how to clip it in and out and gave me all her time. With this piece, Caroline designed it so that I can have it down, up in a bun, in a pony or in a plait - My dream has come true!!! On leaving, I talked about it all the way home, rang my best friend and told her all about it. I was so worried due to having lost my confidence and thought what am I going to do for my daughters wedding. I won't only be wearing for the wedding buy also to out and about when I need to use it - It takes literally seconds to put in on and take it off!

THANK YOU CAROLINE AND THE TEAM SO SO MUCH, YOU'RE AMAZING AND REALLY KNOW HOW TO GET CUSTOMERS CONFIDENCE BACK AND KNOW HOW TO REVERSE SAD CUSTOMERS TO HAPPY!!!!!" PD

We invite you to browse through our Gallery or visit our Instagram to see more transformations our clients have experienced.

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Why Choose Mandeville London for Hair Loss Solutions?

At Mandeville London, we offer: Contact us to book your complimentary consultation.

• Over 50 years of expertise in medical hair loss.
• Handcrafted European human hair wigs.
• Private consultations in a warm, welcoming studio.
• Realistic hairlines, breathable lace caps, and expert colour matching.
• Ongoing aftercare, styling, and repair services.

Whether you’re navigating a temporary hair loss condition or a permanent change, we’re here to support your journey with dignity, care, and artistry.

Get in Touch for a Free Consultation

We offer no-obligation consultations in our London studio or via video call. Come talk to us in confidence — we’re here to listen and help you discover the most natural solution for your unique needs.

👉 Book Your Consultation Today

FAQs About Types of Hair Loss and Wig Solutions

Can you help if my hair loss isn’t permanent?

Yes! Many of our clients come to us for temporary hair loss solutions, especially following stress, illness, chemotherapy treatment or hormonal changes.

What if I don’t know what type of hair loss I have?

We’re not doctors, but our experience allows us to help identify patterns and more importantly, how we can help. We always recommend working alongside your GP or dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment and can recommend trusted professionals to assist with this.

Do I need a full wig or a smaller piece?

It depends on your hair loss distribution. In some cases, a topper or fringe enhancer may be more appropriate than a full wig - and we’ll guide you to the best fit.

How do I book a consultation?

Just visit our Contact page or call us directly. You’re welcome to bring a loved one with you for support.