Hair Health Blood Test2026-02-17T18:49:08+00:00

Hair Health Blood Test

Hair Health Blood Test

Your hair’s health is closely linked to your overall wellbeing. Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and inflammation can all affect hair strength, growth, and texture. The Hair Health Blood Test looks at key markers that influence hair condition—helping you find the cause of changes and take steps to improve it.

  Clinician advice included

No GP referral needed

Share results anywhere

Our pricing

Identify the root causes of hair loss, thinning, or changes in hair condition.

Hair Health Blood Test

£220

Why take this test?
  • Have noticed increased hair shedding or thinning
  • Are experiencing changes in hair texture or strength
  • Suspect a nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance
  • Have a family history of hair loss
  • Want to track hair health while making lifestyle or dietary changes

Who is this blood test for?

This test is suitable for men and women who:

  • Are experiencing increased hair shedding or thinning
  • Have noticed changes in hair texture, strength, or growth rate
  • Suspect a nutritional deficiency or hormonal imbalance may be the cause
  • Have a family history of hair loss
  • Are going through hormonal changes such as menopause, postpartum recovery, or androgen-related conditions like PCOS
  • Want to rule out thyroid dysfunction as a contributing factor
  • Are making dietary or lifestyle changes and want to track the impact on their hair health

What’s included?

The Hair Health Blood Test includes hormonal, thyroid, and nutritional markers linked to hair growth:

Here’s what is measured:

  • SHBG (Sex Hormone Binding Globulin) – Regulates hormone availability
  • HSCRP (High Sensitivity C-Reactive Protein) – Measures inflammation
  • Ferritin (FERR) – Indicates iron storage levels essential for hair growth
  • TSH (Thyroid Stimulating Hormone) – Checks for thyroid-related hair issues
  • FT4 (Free Thyroxine) – Measures active thyroid hormone
  • Testosterone (TES) – Imbalances can affect hair growth patterns

What to expect?

  • Quick appointment – Simple blood draw at the clinic
  • Fast results – Usually available in a few working days
  • Clear report – Easy-to-understand results with explanations
  • Optional follow-up – Discuss results with a specialist if needed

Why a blood test for hair loss?

Hair loss is a symptom, not a condition in itself. The cause can range from low iron or a thyroid imbalance to hormonal shifts or chronic inflammation – and these often look identical from the outside.

A GP’s standard blood tests are designed to detect illness, not to identify the subclinical levels that can disrupt hair health. For example, ferritin may return within the “normal” range and still be too low to support a healthy hair growth cycle.

A targeted private blood test for hair loss looks specifically at the markers most relevant to hair health – giving a more useful picture than a general health screen, and faster than waiting for NHS investigation.

What can cause hair loss?

Hair loss is rarely random. In many cases there is an internal cause that a blood test can identify. The most common include:

Iron deficiency

Low iron – specifically low ferritin, the stored form of iron – is one of the leading causes of hair shedding, particularly in women. Hair follicles are among the first tissues to be affected when iron stores fall, even when levels appear within a standard normal range.

Thyroid dysfunction

Both an underactive thyroid (hypothyroidism) and an overactive thyroid (hyperthyroidism) can disrupt the hair growth cycle, leading to diffuse thinning across the scalp. Thyroid-related hair loss often goes undiagnosed for some time because the changes are gradual.

Hormonal imbalances

Elevated androgens – testosterone and related hormones – are directly linked to pattern hair loss in both men and women. In women, conditions such as polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) can cause androgen levels to rise, leading to thinning at the crown or widening of the parting. SHBG levels play a key role in determining how much active testosterone is affecting the hair follicle.

Telogen effluvium

This is a temporary but significant increase in hair shedding that occurs when a large number of follicles prematurely enter the resting phase of the growth cycle. Common triggers include illness, significant stress, rapid weight loss, surgery, or childbirth. Shedding typically begins two to four months after the trigger event.

Chronic inflammation

Low-grade systemic inflammation, detectable through markers such as high-sensitivity CRP, can interfere with healthy hair follicle function. It is also associated with autoimmune hair loss conditions including alopecia areata.

Important:

Not all hair loss has an internal cause identifiable through blood testing. Genetic pattern baldness, scalp conditions, and certain medications can also contribute. A blood test is a valuable first step, but results should always be discussed with a healthcare professional.

Why choose a private hair health blood test?

A GP may arrange blood tests if you present with hair loss, but NHS investigation tends to follow a stepwise approach that can take time – and standard reference ranges used in general practice are designed to detect illness, not to assess the subclinical imbalances that are often behind hair changes.

Ferritin is a good example. The standard NHS reference range for ferritin is wide, and a result that falls within it can still be low enough to affect the hair growth cycle. A trichologist or hair specialist will typically look for ferritin levels considerably higher than the minimum threshold used in a GP assessment.

A private blood test for hair loss gives you a targeted panel of the markers most clinically relevant to hair health, reviewed by qualified professionals, with results available in a few working days – without a referral or a wait.

How the process works

Step 1

Book your hair loss blood test

Book online or by phone — no GP referral needed. Same-day appointments are often available. Simply choose a time that suits you and we will confirm everything you need ahead of your visit.

Step 2

Attend your appointment

Your appointment takes around 10 to 15 minutes from arrival to completion. A small blood sample is taken by our qualified phlebotomist in a private consultation room, using sterile, single-use equipment. Most patients find the process straightforward and comfortable.

Step 3

Laboratory analysis

Your sample is sent to our accredited laboratory partner for analysis of all six hair health markers — ferritin, TSH, FT4, testosterone, SHBG, and HSCRP. Testing follows strict quality standards throughout.

Step 4

Receive your results and share

Your results are returned within a few working days via secure email. Each marker is clearly explained so you understand what your levels mean for your hair health. Results can be shared with your GP, a trichologist, or any other specialist you choose.

Paying for your blood test

All blood test services offered by Vitalscan are self-pay only. We do not accept private medical insurance for these tests, and they cannot be claimed through your insurer. Payment must be made in full at the time of booking.

Why choose Vitalscan for thyroid blood testing?

  • Fast access, no delays: Same-day and next-day appointments are often available. Get answers to what is causing your hair loss without waiting weeks for NHS investigation.

  • No GP referral needed: Book directly based on your symptoms or concerns. You do not need to see a GP first or explain yourself to anyone before testing.

  • Targeted hair loss panel: Six clinically relevant markers tested in a single appointment — covering iron storage, thyroid function, hormone balance, and inflammation. Not a generic health screen.

  • Clear, understandable reports: Every marker is explained in plain language so you know what your levels mean for your hair health – not just a page of numbers.

  • Convenient Milton Keynes location: Based in central Milton Keynes with free parking nearby. In-and-out appointments designed to fit around your schedule.

Tested by qualified professionals
at a CQC-regulated clinic

Tested by qualified professionals
at a CQC-regulated clinic

Your blood test is carried out by our qualified phlebotomist using CE-marked, MHRA-approved equipment. All procedures follow clinical protocols aligned with evidence-based best practice, with quality checks in place to ensure accuracy.

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and registered with the Information Commissioner’s Office (ICO) under UK GDPR. Your data is stored securely and handled in strict confidence.

We are a private diagnostic clinic, not a walk-in testing service. Every test is reviewed by a qualified professional before results are released to you.

Where would my blood test take place?

Your blood test will be carried out at Vitalscan, our modern health clinic located at 100 Avebury Boulevard, Milton Keynes (MK9 1FH).

Our friendly, trained professionals will ensure the process is quick, comfortable, and stress-free. You’ll be welcomed into a clean, private clinical setting with minimal waiting time and expert care from start to finish.

Our patient pathway

Complete Booking

Schedule your test online.

Confirmation

Receive booking info instantly.

Quality Check

Ensure test accuracy & safety.

Test Day

Attend your appointment.

Receive Results

Get your test results quickly.

Sharing Report

Share findings with your doctor.

Ready to book your blood test?

Ready to
book your test?

Booking your blood test is quick and easy – no referral needed and appointments available as soon as the same day. Get fast, accurate results for peace of mind.

Hair Health Blood Test FAQs

What blood tests check for hair loss?2026-02-17T18:40:23+00:00

The most clinically relevant markers for hair loss are ferritin (iron storage), TSH and FT4 (thyroid function), testosterone and SHBG (hormone balance), and HSCRP (inflammation). Our Hair Loss Blood Test panel covers all of these in one appointment.

Does the NHS test for hair loss causes?2026-02-17T18:45:49+00:00

A GP may arrange some blood tests if you present with hair loss, but NHS testing is typically limited to ruling out serious illness. Markers like ferritin are often interpreted using wide reference ranges that may miss the lower levels associated with hair loss. A private test allows a more focused assessment.

What causes sudden hair loss?2026-02-17T18:46:32+00:00

Sudden or increased hair shedding is often caused by a condition called telogen effluvium, where hair follicles prematurely enter a resting phase. Common triggers include iron deficiency, thyroid dysfunction, hormonal changes (such as after pregnancy or during menopause), significant stress, or illness. A blood test can help identify whether an internal cause is contributing.

Is this test suitable for men?2026-02-17T18:47:02+00:00

Yes. While hormonal hair loss is often discussed in the context of women, the same markers — testosterone, SHBG, thyroid function, ferritin, and inflammation — are equally relevant for men experiencing thinning or shedding.

How soon will I get my results?2026-02-17T18:47:28+00:00

Results are usually available within a few working days of your appointment. You will receive a clear written report with explanations for each marker.

Do I need to fast before the test?2026-02-17T18:47:58+00:00

For most patients, fasting is not required. Our team will confirm any preparation instructions specific to your test when you book.

Can I share my results with another doctor or specialist?2026-02-17T18:48:24+00:00

Yes. Your results are yours to share with any healthcare professional – your GP, a trichologist, a dermatologist, or any specialist you choose.

Book a Hair Health Blood Test

Patient reviews

Contact

01908 755556

100 Avebury Boulevard,
Milton Keynes, MK9 1FH

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Legal

Vitalscan is regulated by the Care Quality Commission (CQC) and operates in accordance with all applicable healthcare standards. Our location ID is 1-14644634325. Our diagnostic imaging services are designed to support clinical decision-making but do not replace medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment provided by your own healthcare professional.

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