Forget fancy skincare routines… 2026 is the year the beauty industry is turning its attention to scalp care. Perhaps thanks to the increase in use of GLP-1 fat-jab medicines (which has been linked to hair shedding) or just the ever-growing cultural obsession with obtaining perfection, hair density has never been a hotter topic. Subsequently, the global hair serum market is booming, with projections anticipating its worth to reach more than £2.2billion by 2030.
As someone who has recently noticed my own hair thinning, especially around the parting, it’s become my mission to try to restore my hair back to its former (relative) glory. Over the years I have tried close to thousands of pounds worth of hair serums, masks and scalp scrubs, using a whole array of tools (think scalp brushes and gua sha) and techniques such as hair oiling and scalp tapping.
My conclusion? Nothing works! I’m not denying that some people may have been able to use these things to subtly improve the quality of their hair, if they’ve had previous hair damage from the likes of chemical products or over-styling. But none of these products seem to make any difference to someone, like me, whose hair thinning is entirely genetic.
So, when I heard about London-based skincare expert Lisa Franklin’s scientifically backed hair restoration services, I was immediately intrigued. Offering personalised treatments from qualified doctors, it sounded entirely different to the influencer-promoted products I’d previously been trying.
While no two people’s treatments are the same – as each are tailored to individual’s needs – I was recommended the platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. In short, this involves the practitioner taking a small amount of your blood, which is then separated in a machine, allowing them to extract a platelet-rich plasma which in turn is carefully injected back into your scalp.
Scalp before and after photos following platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy with Lisa Franklin
According to the Lisa Franklin team, platelets contain naturally occurring growth factors that are believed to help stimulate circulation, support tissue repair and encourage healthy follicular function. It’s not entirely pain-free and does take a few minutes to get used to, but the whole treatment is over quickly and not an unbearable sensation.
You’ll have to wait a couple of months to see proper regrowth, but after about a week my hair did start to feel bouncier and healthier. For the best results, the team also suggest you should commit to around three to six sessions. Unfortunately, with each treatment costing £500, it’s definitely not a cheap fix.
Despite this, getting one-to-one attention and advice from Dr Naveena Pulla (who saw me for the treatment) was invaluable. Never have I had someone sit down with me and talk through my personal hair concerns in such detail. Her deep understanding and thorough, yet realistic, approach to tackling hair thinning was eye opening. She even shared some more affordable ways that I can adapt my lifestyle to help improve hair density day-to-day. Read on to see what she suggested.
1. Add more protein to your diet
Human hair is made almost entirely from the protein keratin. So, a deficiency can make hair become weak and prone to breakage. On average, women should consume about 50g of protein a day. This increases to around 70g once you reach 40, as muscles become less responsive to protein. Chicken, fish, Greek yogurt and lentils all offer a high percentage of protein.
2. Don’t waste money on expensive shampoos
Dr Pulla explains that fancy shampoos promising to give you thicker hair rarely (if ever) work. Instead, she says to focus on shampoos that clarify the scalp. Dead skin cells, oils and product build-up can clog hair follicles, which prevents healthy hair growth. Save your money and look for products that focus on offering a deep clean.
3. Try a D3 spray
Hair thinning can sometimes be a sign of a D3 deficiency as the vitamin helps stimulate hair follicles and reduces shedding. Dr Pulla recommends adding a D3 spray (it’s easier for your body to absorb than in tablet form) to your daily routine. To improve absorption further, look for options that also include K2.
4. Ditch collagen supplements
Containing amino acids which help the body produce keratin protein, collagen is often cited as a must-try for anyone looking to improve hair health. However, supplements are expensive and, more importantly, aren’t proven to work. Collagen ingested in this way is broken down by the body in the gut, rather than being delivered to the scalp. For a more targeted approach, try bone broth. It’s cheaper and the amino acids are less likely to be prematurely broken down.
5. Be kind to your hair
One of the easiest ways you can help support hair density is by being kind to the hair you already have. Dr Pulla suggests combing your hair with a gentle brush slowly, as if stroking a flower petal. Avoid tight hair styles that can pull on hair and contribute to traction alopecia. Additionally, avoid blow-drying your hair too regularly as the high heat can strip moisture and damage the scalp, leading to increased brittleness.
