Hair Loss (& Return) Journeys: Amie’s Story

21.07.2026

Hi, I’m Amie, and I work at Collinge & Co in Selfridges. 

 

In December 2024, I noticed my parting had started to widen. I wasn’t too worried at first. Having been a hairdresser for 22 years, I have seen a lot of people with thinning hair, so I assumed it was probably hormonal and just another part of getting older. 

 

 

I first noticed it on 20th December. By 24th December, it had spread towards my crown. Each day it got worse, and by 31st December, the thinning had developed into alopecia areata. 

It was one of the worst things I’ve ever experienced. The patches seemed to appear before my eyes. I was scared to touch my hair because every time I did, a handful would come out. It felt like it had come out of nowhere, and I didn’t know if it would ever stop or if my hair would come back. It really was devastating.  

 

I went to my GP on New Year’s Eve. He was lovely, but he explained that he didn’t know a great deal about hair loss. He probably knew as much as I did. He referred me to a dermatologist but explained it could take up to a year to be seen. He also sent me for blood tests. 

 

The results all came back normal. They didn’t meet the criteria for treatment. However, after learning more about trichology, I discovered that my ferritin levels (the amount of iron stored in the body) weren’t at an optimal level for hair growth. 

I was beside myself because the hair loss wasn’t stopping. The patches were becoming more noticeable, and the rest of my hair was thinning too. In desperation, I started buying anything that anyone said worked. I spent a fortune on products that were advertised so well online, with people sharing success stories and promising hair growth within six months. 

 

Everything I knew about hair seemed to go out of the window, and desperation took over. There was nothing I wasn’t willing to try. 

 

Eventually, I decided to do some proper research. I focused on treatments that were scientifically backed rather than products promoted by influencers online. One thing became very clear: lots of the products that genuinely worked contained minoxidil as the active ingredient. 

 

I knew it was what I needed to do, but I was reluctant because it requires a long-term commitment. I also started taking iron supplements to improve my levels, after previously wasting money on countless supplements that promised results. 

 

Starting minoxidil was difficult because many people experience shedding at first. Although it feels alarming, an initial shedding phase is a common part of starting minoxidil for some people, as hairs in the resting phase may shed before new growth begins. 

 

My shedding phase lasted four weeks, and it was tough. I’d say at this point I’d lost about 70% of my hair. Thankfully, it eventually stopped. 

 

The minoxidil started to work, and my hair began growing back. I was delighted. I took photographs every week and was over the moon watching my patches gradually fill in.  

Around this time, I finally had my appointment with a dermatologist. She was excellent. She explained that I had already started everything she would have recommended, so although she didn’t change my treatment plan, it was reassuring to know I was doing the right things. 

 

After looking into my history, she believed that a significant shock earlier in the year had triggered the hair loss. Stress and trauma can be major causes of hair loss, and finally having an explanation helped me make sense of what had happened. 

 

As happy as I was to see regrowth, I quickly moved past that stage because the new growth was difficult to manage. It stuck up everywhere and was hard to disguise even as a hairdresser. I even went wig shopping and had a complete wobble. I couldn’t stop crying because none of the wigs felt like me. 

 

Eventually, I chose a topper, and it really helped. However, I felt paranoid that people could tell I was wearing it, and I worried that the clips might cause traction alopecia. Looking back at photos now, the topper looked great. It was my state of mind at the time that made everything feel worse.

As soon as my hair grew past that awkward stage, I stopped wearing it. 

 

Because I was constantly researching hair loss treatments, I decided to introduce a derma roller alongside my minoxidil routine. After about a month, I felt it gave my results an extra boost. 

 

At the beginning of this year, I also added red light therapy. Combined with the other treatments, it seemed to take my hair growth to another level. 

 

It’s been a difficult year, working through all the awkward stages of regrowth, but I’m finally getting there. 

 

One positive thing to come out of this experience is my obsession with understanding hair loss and hair growth. I’m so grateful that I now genuinely understand what clients are going through. 

 

I feel lucky to work for Collinge & Co. They supported me throughout my journey and sent me on a trichology course. I’ve never been more interested in anything in my life.

 

There are so many products on the market, but choosing the right products is so important. Over the last few weeks, I’ve helped many clients through scalp analysis consultations, using a microscope to assess scalp health and examine their follicles. I’m delighted looking at my own follicles where the minoxidil has made my hair thicker than it ever was.  

 

We look at the condition of the scalp, identify potential causes of hair loss, and determine whether the follicles need stimulation to encourage regrowth. We can then guide clients towards the most suitable treatments and products for their individual needs. 

 

Just as importantly, we educate people on how to care for their scalp and create the best possible environment for healthy hair growth. 

 

There are many different causes of hair loss, and understanding the root cause is essential. Once we know what’s happening, we can help put the right plan in place and support people on their journey towards healthier hair. 

 

Going through hair loss myself has been devastating but it has given me a deeper understanding, greater empathy, and a real passion for helping others facing the same experience.   

 

 Amie

 

What should I do if I have concerns about hair loss or hair health? 

Because hair loss can have many different causes, the right support will look different for everyone. That’s why we always recommend seeking medical advice first, then working with your stylist to choose gentle products and routines that support your hair and scalp day to day. 

 

Hair loss can have many causes, including medical, hormonal, nutritional and stress-related factors. If you are experiencing sudden, ongoing or worsening hair loss, we recommend speaking to your GP, dermatologist or a qualified trichologist. 

 

What products can I try?  

Nioxin 

If you believe you’ve experienced thinning or have fine hair and would like to explore options for thickening, you may wish to explore the Nioxin Pro Clinical range.  

 

Nioxin products are designed to specifically target scalp care and hair thinning to help promote thicker, stronger and more nourished hair.  

 

In salon: Our Graduates, Bold Street and Selfridges, Trafford Centre salons now offer a Nioxin Scalp Facial Exfoliation Treatment add-on that acts like an exfoliating facial for your scalp, designed to remove build-up and impurities and revitalise skin. You’ll also receive a complimentary scalp analysis to help evaluate your scalp condition, follicle health, sebum levels and any product build-up.  

 

This treatment and consultation is perfect for those who feel they experience product build-up, scalp concerns such as an oily or flaky scalp or anyone who'd like to learn more about scalp health. 

 

At home: We stock a range of Nioxin products across our salons, including: 

  • System trial kits for different levels of thinning and hair condition 

  • Density defending thickening and strengthening products 

  • Fall defence serum and shampoo 

  • Scalp recovery products  

 

Depending on your specific concerns, your stylist can help you find the right products for your hair’s needs, condition and concerns.  

 

If you’d like to know more about what Nioxin options we offer in your local salon, just speak with your stylist. 

 

Collinge & Co Haircare 

Our Wash & Care and Style & Finish ranges are designed with kind-to-hair, vegan ingredients to support your everyday routine. When hair requires extra consideration, whether from thinning, damage, dryness, colour or heat styling, gentle products can help you care for your hair and help protect against further damage. 

 

Collinge & Co products help boost moisture, lock in colour and renew condition, with a range of options for different hair types and concerns. Our ingredients are carefully selected based on their benefits for the hair’s health and condition.  

 

Gentle Shampoo is a lightweight choice for fine, delicate or frequently washed hair, while Moisturising Shampoo and Conditioner help hydrate dry, coarse or damaged hair. Lightweight Conditioner is ideal when hair needs softness and smoothness without feeling weighed down. 

 

Our products are vegan and cruelty-free, with sulphate, phthalate and paraben-free options to help you choose the product most suited to your hair’s needs. 

 

Want to learn more about Collinge & Co products? Visit our website here, or ask your stylist during your next salon visit.

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