DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...DR HILARY...

DR HILARY'S DIAGNOSIS

Hair loss in women can be a generalised thinning all over, or balding in patches.

The first is likely to be caused by an iron or thyroid deficiency, the latter by localised inflammation such as ringworm.

Jennie’s small patch of hair loss, however, is almost certainly a condition known as alopecia areata.

It is relatively common and is an autoimmune condition where antibodies in the bloodstream destroy a group of hair follicles, leaving bald patches behind.

Nobody actually knows why that happens but there is a genetic link.

There is no cure yet.

Cortisone injections into the scalp can be used to stimulate growth, but the results are usually disappointing.

The good news is that the hair almost always starts to grow back again a few months after the bald patch has appeared.

In the meantime, electrostatic Nanogen Nanofibres (0845 673 2222) in your own hair colour can disguise the problem brilliantly.

'What can I do to stop my hair loss?'

EVERY WEEK A CELEB ASKS OUR FABULOUS DOCTOR FOR DIAGNOSIS. THIS WEEK IT’S TV PRESENTER JENNIE BOND, 57

I’ve always had lovely thick hair, but about 18 months ago, I noticed it was thinning at the front.

It was only a small patch so I didn’t let it bother me, but after spending eight weeks filming a television show and having my hair styled every day, it got worse.

All the blow-drying and brushing had caused more hair to come out at the front and, although it wasn’t a completely bald area, it had become more noticeable.

It was severe enough for my 18-year-old daughter Emma to admit she could see it when I was on television.

The patch was only the size of a 50p piece, but I still felt really self-conscious and tried to disguise it as much as possible by sweeping my hair across it.

Even so, I was always aware of this part of my scalp showing through, which seemed to be getting shinier by the day.

I had to do something about it so I bought some hair-thickening shampoos, but they didn’t work.

Since then, I’ve discovered a natural protein-based treatment called Viviscal, which has helped thicken up my hair, but is there anything else I should be doing?

Jennie Bond is supporting Hair Loss Awareness Month in June. For more information, visit Managinghairloss.com.

Words: Claie Wilson; Photography: Famous

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