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What does your hair actually need? Complete our quick 3-minute assessment to get an instant clinical look at your hair and scalp health.
Please note that this is a preliminary assessment only and does not constitute or replace a medical diagnosis.
Please note that this is a preliminary assessment only and does not constitute or replace a medical diagnosis.
Swiss Trichology Institute does not offer treatments for Alopecia Areata. We advise to visit a Dermatologist as soon as possible.
Please note that this is a preliminary assessment only and does not constitute or replace a medical diagnosis.
Based on the information provided in the questionnaire, we were unable to determine a likely condition.
Due to safety considerations, our treatments are not offered during pregnancy or while breastfeeding.
Free consultation in Lucerne to confirm the preliminary assessment:
Digital dermascope analysis
Objective measurement of hair density and thickness
Personal discussion of findings
You leave with clarity – not assumptions.
Most patients choose in-person confirmation for maximum certainty.
Learn more about:
Causes of your condition
Evidence-based non-surgical treatments
Expected timelines and outcomes
First, one important note: Even if it looks that way, most “bald” spots aren’t truly hairless. Hair follicles are very hard to kill completely – that would require the stem cells in the follicle to be destroyed. Even on many bald heads, there are still active follicles in normal numbers. These follicles have just switched from growing thick, long, colored hair to producing thin, short, almost colorless hair that’s barely visible.
With androgenetic alopecia, the follicles don’t recover on their own. The good news: There are scientifically proven treatments that can stop or even reverse this kind of hair loss.
Androgenetic Alopecia is caused by male hormones – so called androgenes (with Testosterone being the most important androgene). Healthy individuals suffering from Androgenetic Alopecia usually have completely normal levels of male hormones. However, some of their follicles simply react too sensitively to these hormones. These fragile follicles “feel disturbed” by the presence of androgenes and do not grow back to their normal size once a new hair growth cycle begins (a hair cycle takes 2-8 years). Instead, they get smaller and smaller in each hair cycle, a process known as miniaturization. The number of hair follicles remains almost unchanged in this process, but the proportion of fine hairs and dormant follicles increases, resulting in a loss of volume.
The fragile follicles often cluster in the temple and the crown areas, causing the well-known pattern of hair loss. The follicles at the back of the head are usually not susceptible to disturbances by androgenes.
Hair growth is further inhibited by the conversion of Testosterone into Dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which happens directly inside the hair follicles. This process itself is perfectly normal. The problem is that fragile follicles react much more strongly to DHT – about five times more than to testosterone. That’s why stopping too much DHT from forming is an important part of treating hair loss.
The presence of DHT also creates additional stress in the cells – something called oxidative stress, which happens when tiny “reactive oxygen” molecules build up and damage the cells. Strengthening the natural stress defenses of the follicle cells is thus another important building block in an effective hair loss treatment.
Below we outline what needs to be achieved to stop and then reverse hair loss caused by Androgenetic Alopecia. We also summarize the 5 things that you need to do to achieve these goals.
The hair follicles must be kept in the growth phase for as long as possible. The maximum length of the growth phase is determined by your genes and is typically in the range of 2 to 8 years.
Sensitive follicles tend to exit the growth phase prematurely, leading to a higher percentage follicles in the resting phase. This is to be avoided.
Follicle miniaturization must be stopped and ideally reversed. At the start of each growth cycle, the follicle should grow to its original size so it can produce a thick, healthy hair.
Hair loss is often linked to nutrient deficiencies. But here’s the catch: Severe deficiencies are actually much rarer in Western countries than media reports often suggest. And it’s still uncertain whether mild deficiencies truly play as big a role as often claimed. The scientific evidence for this connection remains unclear.
Havily marketed “hair vitamins” or similar products have a very low chance of actually supporting hair growth, simply because something is supplemented that wasn’t missing in the first place.
A balanced “mediterranean diet” that includes colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins from plants and animals is generally sufficient to supply all required nutrients to the body. Vegans should take extra care to eat a wide variety of plant proteins (and supplement vitamin B12).
If you suspect that the reason for your hair loss might be a nutritional deficiency, here’s what to ask your doctor to test for:
Scientists don’t fully know how Minoxidil makes hair grow – it probably works in several ways. But here’s what we do know: When you apply Minoxidil to your scalp (as a topical solution), it helps the tiny blood vessels around your hair roots relax and open up. This lets more blood flow through, bringing extra oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the follicle. This creates an environment conducive to hair growth.
The most common side effect that does occur (rarely) is “itching of the scalp”, which is most often not caused by the Minoxidil itself but by other ingredients in the solution. Switching to a more sensitive mixture usually relieves the problem. More serious side effects are rare.
Topical Minoxidil should never be used without consulting a medical specialist. In Switzerland, it must be purchased at a pharmacy (Apotheke), although it is over-the-counter (rezeptfrei). Minoxidil is off-patent and different brands are available. We recommend to just try the cheapest one first, since the active ingredients are the same for all brands. The generally recommended dosage for men is 5% Minoxidil twice daily. For women it is 2% Minoxidil twice daily.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood plasma preparation made from the patient’s own blood that contains a high concentration of platelets (thrombocytes). PRP is rich in various growth factors and other naturally occurring cell-stimulating substances and is used in medicine to promote healing and regeneration processes.
In cases of androgenetic alopecia, PRP can activate hair follicles that are in the resting phase. It is believed that the growth factors contained in the plasma preparation stimulate the follicle stem cells to divide. To obtain the platelet-rich plasma, 25 to 120 milliliters of blood are drawn. Shortly after separating the other blood components, the plasma is injected into several areas of the scalp, which is numbed beforehand with a local anesthetic.
Microneedling is sometimes used as a supportive approach in cases of Androgenetic Alopecia. The technique involves very fine needles that create micro-injuries in the scalp, which can stimulate local blood flow and trigger repair mechanisms such as collagen production. This process can improve the scalp environment and potentially enhance the penetration and effectiveness of topical treatments like Minoxidil or caffeine-based solutions.
At the same time, microneedling is an invasive procedure and should not be considered risk-free. When performed outside a clinical setting, there is a real concern regarding insufficient sterilization of devices, which increases the risk of infection or inflammation. Mild discomfort, temporary redness, and irritation are common, especially shortly after treatment.
Scalp Massage are a gentle alternative to Microneedling. Scalp massages can help improve blood flow to the hair roots and gently stimulate the scalp – similar to the effect of microneedling, but without needles.
By regularly massaging the scalp, you can relax tense scalp muscles and support the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Over time, this may help create a healthier environment for hair growth. Scalp massages are completely pain-free, and a good option for people who prefer a more natural or non-invasive approach.
Inside each hair follicle cell are tiny structures called mitochondria – about a thousand times smaller than the cell itself. Their main job is to produce energy for the cell in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which powers nearly all cellular activities. This energy production happens through a chain of chemical reactions known as the respiratory chain.
One key molecule in this process is Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO). It helps create a pH gradient – a difference in acidity across the mitochondrial membrane – that drives the production of ATP.
When the mitochondria are exposed to red laser light at a wavelength of 650 nanometers, CCO absorbs the light energy. This enhances its activity, strengthens the pH gradient, and leads to an increase in ATP production.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is administered either via comb-like devices that require active movement through the hair or via “laser helmet” devices that work without necessary movement and can be worn at the desk or while watching TV. Studies show that applying the therapy 3x weekly for 15 minutes each is sufficient to generate the desired effect.
Since there are no comparative studies on the effectiveness of different devices, no recommendation can be made for any specific device. As long as the basic setup (laser light with a wavelength of 650 nanometers and a per-diode power of 5mW) is the same, there is no reason to expect differences in effectiveness.
Some of the product available online are ridiculously expensive with prices up to CHF 1,900. The cheap “no label” solutions are not recommended either. Often these are simple LED devices instead of laser devices – a difference not visible to the naked eye but with dramatic effects on the effectiveness of the device.
Serenoa repens is a plant-based ingredient known for helping reduce DHT, the hormone largely responsible for Androgenetic Alopecia, by 30-50%. There is solid evidence that this can slow down hair thinning and support healthier hair growth. It’s generally well-tolerated and not associated with known side effects, though some caution is reasonable because it works through hormonal pathways.
One third concentrated berry extract (10:1) and two thirds whole berry powder (1:1). This combination delivers both high-strength active compounds and the full spectrum of natural plant nutrients. The result is a balanced, non-pharmaceutical supplement designed to support the body’s natural hair-related functions.
Caffeine solution supports key cellular processes inside the hair follicle. It boosts the follicle’s own defense mechanisms against stress and enhances the energy metabolism that drives growth-related activity.
Caffeine is not sufficiently lipophilic to reliably reach the deeper follicle structures without support.
The active ingredient is always the same – caffeine – but the supporting ingredients that help transport it into the follicle are customized.
This customization is based on a spectrographic analysis of the patient’s scalp sebum, collected with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab. The analysis determines which types of sebum are present and which transport components are needed to overcome caffeine’s poor lipophilicity. Because sebum composition can shift over time, this procedure is repeated after three, six, and twelve months (and more frequently if required) to ensure the formulation always aligns with the patient’s current biological profile.
Unlike Androgenetic Alopecia, Diffuse Effluvium presents as sudden, widespread shedding. Hair thins all over the scalp, often after a physical or emotional shock. It affects both men and women and usually appears a few weeks to months after the trigger.
Triggers may include:
There are two primary forms:
Telogen Effluvium: Hair prematurely enters the resting phase (telogen) and sheds in large amounts.
Anagen Effluvium: Hair stops growing due to a direct attack on the follicle during the active growth phase (anagen), typically caused by toxins or medications.
However, it can be distressing due to the volume of shedding and its sudden onset. Unlike other types of hair loss, diffuse effluvium doesn’t follow a pattern, making it more difficult to spot early.
Diffuse Effluvium can best be treated by addressing the underlying cause: Nutritional supplements (only effective if deficiency exists!), improving nutrition, removing triggers like stress, or switching medications.
Once the underlying cause is identified and addressed, the same treatment options as for Androgenetic Alopecia can be considered for a limited amount of time to jumpstart and boost hair regrowth. Six months of treatment is a generally a good starting point. Normally no long-term treatment is needed after that.
Below we summarize the 5 things that you should do to most effectively reverse hair loss caused by Diffuse Effluvium (after the underlying cause has been addressed).
Havily marketed “hair vitamins” or similar products have a very low chance of actually supporting hair growth, simply because something is supplemented that wasn’t missing in the first place.
A balanced “mediterranean diet” that includes colorful fruits and vegetables, whole grains, healthy fats, and proteins from plants and animals is generally sufficient to supply all required nutrients to the body. Vegans should take extra care to eat a wide variety of plant proteins (and supplement vitamin B12).
If you suspect that the reason for your hair loss might be a nutritional deficiency, here’s what to ask your doctor to test for:
Scientists don’t fully know how Minoxidil makes hair grow – it probably works in several ways. But here’s what we do know: When you apply Minoxidil to your scalp (as a topical solution), it helps the tiny blood vessels around your hair roots relax and open up. This lets more blood flow through, bringing extra oxygen, nutrients, and growth factors to the follicle. This creates an environment conducive to hair growth.
The most common side effect that does occur (rarely) is “itching of the scalp”, which is most often not caused by the Minoxidil itself but by other ingredients in the solution. Switching to a more sensitive mixture usually relieves the problem. More serious side effects are rare.
Topical Minoxidil should never be used without consulting a medical specialist. In Switzerland, it must be purchased at a pharmacy (Apotheke), although it is over-the-counter (rezeptfrei). Minoxidil is off-patent and different brands are available. We recommend to just try the cheapest one first, since the active ingredients are the same for all brands. The generally recommended dosage for men is 5% Minoxidil twice daily. For women it is 2% Minoxidil twice daily.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a blood plasma preparation made from the patient’s own blood that contains a high concentration of platelets (thrombocytes). PRP is rich in various growth factors and other naturally occurring cell-stimulating substances and is used in medicine to promote healing and regeneration processes.
To obtain the platelet-rich plasma, 25 to 120 milliliters of blood are drawn. Shortly after separating the other blood components, the plasma is injected into several areas of the scalp, which is numbed beforehand with a local anesthetic.
Microneedling is sometimes used as a supportive approach in cases of Diffuse Effluvium. The technique involves very fine needles that create micro-injuries in the scalp, which can stimulate local blood flow and trigger repair mechanisms such as collagen production. This process can improve the scalp environment and potentially enhance the penetration and effectiveness of topical treatments like Minoxidil or caffeine-based solutions.
At the same time, microneedling is an invasive procedure and should not be considered risk-free. When performed outside a clinical setting, there is a real concern regarding insufficient sterilization of devices, which increases the risk of infection or inflammation. Mild discomfort, temporary redness, and irritation are common, especially shortly after treatment.
Scalp Massage are a gentle alternative to Microneedling. Scalp massages can help improve blood flow to the hair roots and gently stimulate the scalp – similar to the effect of microneedling, but without needles.
By regularly massaging the scalp, you can relax tense scalp muscles and support the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicles. Over time, this may help create a healthier environment for hair growth. Scalp massages are completely pain-free, and a good option for people who prefer a more natural or non-invasive approach.
Inside each hair follicle cell are tiny structures called mitochondria – about a thousand times smaller than the cell itself. Their main job is to produce energy for the cell in the form of Adenosine Triphosphate (ATP), which powers nearly all cellular activities. This energy production happens through a chain of chemical reactions known as the respiratory chain.
One key molecule in this process is Cytochrome C Oxidase (CCO). It helps create a pH gradient – a difference in acidity across the mitochondrial membrane – that drives the production of ATP.
When the mitochondria are exposed to red laser light at a wavelength of 650 nanometers, CCO absorbs the light energy. This enhances its activity, strengthens the pH gradient, and leads to an increase in ATP production.
Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is administered either via comb-like devices that require active movement through the hair or via “laser helmet” devices that work without necessary movement and can be worn at the desk or while watching TV. Studies show that applying the therapy 3x weekly for 15 minutes each is sufficient to generate the desired effect.
Since there are no comparative studies on the effectiveness of different devices, no recommendation can be made for any specific device. As long as the basic setup (laser light with a wavelength of 650 nanometers and a per-diode power of 5mW) is the same, there is no reason to expect differences in effectiveness.
Some of the product available online are ridiculously expensive with prices up to CHF 1,900. The cheap “no label” solutions are not recommended either. Often these are simple LED devices instead of laser devices – a difference not visible to the naked eye but with dramatic effects on the effectiveness of the device.
Serenoa repens is a plant-based ingredient known for helping reduce DHT, a hormone responsible for limiting hair regrowth, by 30-50%. It’s generally well-tolerated and not associated with known side effects, though some caution is reasonable because it works through hormonal pathways.
One third concentrated berry extract (10:1) and two thirds whole berry powder (1:1). This combination delivers both high-strength active compounds and the full spectrum of natural plant nutrients. The result is a balanced, non-pharmaceutical supplement designed to support the body’s natural hair-related functions.
Caffeine solution supports key cellular processes inside the hair follicle. It boosts the follicle’s own defense mechanisms against stress and enhances the energy metabolism that drives growth-related activity.
Caffeine is not sufficiently lipophilic to reliably reach the deeper follicle structures without support.
The active ingredient is always the same – caffeine – but the supporting ingredients that help transport it into the follicle are customized.
This customization is based on a spectrographic analysis of the patient’s scalp sebum, collected with an alcohol-soaked cotton swab. The analysis determines which types of sebum are present and which transport components are needed to overcome caffeine’s poor lipophilicity. Because sebum composition can shift over time, this procedure is repeated after three, six, and twelve months (and more frequently if required) to ensure the formulation always aligns with the patient’s current biological profile.
This autoimmune condition causes the immune system to mistakenly attack hair follicles, leading to hair loss that typically occurs in round, smooth patches (but rarer diffuse variant can also occur). While it most commonly affects the scalp, Alopecia Areata can also impact eyebrows, eyelashes, and facial or body hair.
What’s happening? The immune system targets the hair follicle as if it were a foreign invader. This disrupts hair growth and can cause hair to fall out suddenly, often overnight. While the follicles remain alive, they lie dormant, making regrowth unpredictable.
Severity Levels:
· Alopecia Areata: Patchy hair loss on the scalp or body.
· Alopecia Totalis: Complete loss of scalp hair.
· Alopecia Universalis: Total loss of all body hair.
Emotional Impact: Due to its unpredictable course and visible effects, Alopecia Areata can be emotionally devastating. Many individuals feel isolated or anxious, particularly if the condition develops in childhood or adolescence.
Treatment Options:
· Corticosteroid Injections or Creams: Reduce immune response and inflammation.
o Pros: Often effective for localized patches.
o Cons: Requires regular treatment; potential side effects include skin thinning.
· Topical Immunotherapy: Chemicals like Diphencyprone (DPCP) provoke a mild allergic reaction, distracting the immune system.
o Pros: Can be effective in severe cases.
o Cons: Causes rash, itching, and needs months of application.
· Minoxidil: Stimulates growth and extends hair cycle phases.
o Pros: Widely available and generally well tolerated.
o Cons: May be less effective alone for autoimmune-based loss.
· JAK Inhibitors (under clinical research): Show promise in regrowing hair by blocking immune pathways.
o Pros: Hopeful for long-term recovery.
o Cons: Still experimental; expensive and may have side effects.
Support Tips:
· Seek support groups or therapy to manage emotional challenges.
· Use wigs or cosmetic solutions to regain confidence.
Scarring alopecia refers to a group of rare disorders that destroy the hair follicle, replacing it with scar tissue. Once the follicle is gone, regrowth is impossible.
What’s happening? Inflammatory skin conditions like lichen planopilaris or lupus trigger chronic inflammation that damages and ultimately scars over the follicle. Hair loss begins with redness, burning, or scaling and progresses to permanent bald spots.
Early Signs:
Long-term Effects: Scarring alopecia leads to permanent loss and is often progressive. Left untreated, it can result in large bald areas and significant psychological distress.
Treatment Options:
Important Note: Early diagnosis is key. Once scarring occurs, reversal is impossible – so prompt attention from a Dermatologist is essential.
These are the possible next steps for Androgenetic Alopecia. Choose how you would like to proceed.
These are the possible next steps for Diffuse Effluvium. Choose how you would like to proceed.
These are the possible next steps. Choose how you would like to proceed.
Schedule a free in-person meeting in Lucerne to confirm the preliminary assessment.
Digital dermascope analysis
Objective measurement of hair density and thickness
Personal discussion of findings and options
Start you journey by reviewing information about your condition, its causes, and the best available non-surgical treatment options.
In order for us to propose guidance on treatment options and next steps, we need three minute of your time.
People have about 100,000 hairs on their heads. Each hair grows from a tiny pocket in the skin called a hair follicle. This pocket goes from the top layer of skin (epidermis) down into the deeper layer (dermis).
At the bottom, the follicle becomes wider – this part is called the hair bulb. The hair bulb is where the magic of hair growth happens. During the growth phase, the hair bulb is filled with special cells called matrix cells and pigment cells that produce the new hair and its color.
Below the bulb is the hair papilla, which extends upwards into the hair bulb. It has small blood vessels that supply the bulb’s cells with oxygen and nutrients. It also has special cells that control the hair growth cycle.
Each hair’s growing time, known as anagen phase, lasts 2 to 8 years. The length of this phase is decided by your genes and determines how long your hair can get.
When the hair’s growing time ends, the follicle moves to the next stage. This next stage is called the catagen phase. In this phase, the cells in the hair bulb stop dividing. The hair lets go of its base but is still held inside the follicle by tiny scales. At the same time, the follicle gets smaller.
The catagen phase lasts about two to three weeks. Then the small, shrunken follicle goes into a resting time called the telogen phase. For about 3 months, not much happens. The detached hair in the follicle will fall out at some time, often when you brush your hair or while showering.
After about 3 months, the follicle wakes up again. It grows longer, new matrix and pigment cells form, and a brand-new hair begins to grow. This starts the anagen phase, or growing phase, all over again.
The age at which hair loss first becomes noticeable – and how quickly it progresses – varies widely. About one in three men shows the first signs before turning 30, one in two has visible hair loss by age 50, and by age 80 only about one in five men still has a full head of hair.
On average, it takes 15 to 25 years for the process to reach its final stage – but some men lose nearly all their hair within just five years.
The first goal of a hair loss therapy is to stop the hair loss and to stabilize the hair density. If the treatment is started in a phase of acute hair loss, the loss should stop 1 – 2 months after the start of the treatment.
The reason for this time delay is simple: It takes 2 – 3 months for a dormant follicle to become active again, after which it will produce hair at a rate of 1 cm per month.
Attention: If a therapy is effective, an increased hair loss may occur after about 2 weeks (it will stop by week 6 the latest). The reason for this Shedding Effect is that a higher than usual percentage of resting follicles enter the anagen phase (growth phase) simultaneously. Detached hair still nested in these follicles gets pushed out by the newly growing hair. This would have happened anyway in the next couple of weeks, so no “additional” hair is falling out. It just falls out in a shorter time frame than usual, which is a good sign in this particular case.
Get the free guide that breaks down the four most common causes – plus what actually works to treat them.
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