Simple 20-minute high street test costing £99 'could prevent hair loss'

Superdrug has launched a £99 test that measures key nutrients linked to hair health, which its says can help identify deficiencies linked to hair thinning, brittleness and other common problems. The high street pharmacy chain says the test, which involves blood analysis, could help to prevent hair loss.

Customers will have their blood drawn in Superdrug Health Clinics by a nurse during a 20-minute appointment, before it is sent to a laboratory for analysis. The test analyses levels of nutrients including ferritin, vitamin B12, iron, folate and vitamin D.

More than 15 million people in the UK are thought to suffer from some form of hair loss.

The launch comes after research for the chain found that 89% of people felt their hair was essential to their identity, with half saying it had a significant effect on their self-esteem.

Some respondents admitted to skipping social events, cancelling job interviews and avoiding being photographed due to hair thinning.

Two thirds of women felt they were judged more harshly than men for experiencing hair loss.

Results are available within three to five days and could help users make changes to improve their hair health.

Beckie Bishop, head of Superdrug Healthcare Services, said: "Our findings shed light on an often-overlooked issue, highlighting the importance of empathy, awareness, and practical solutions for people experiencing issues with hair health.

"We're proud to launch the first high street hair health test providing people with greater choice and a convenient yet clinical way to assess their internal health, specifically, the levels of vitamins and minerals that can directly impact hair strength and growth" explains

Hair loss is not usually anything to be worried about but can sometimes have an underlying cause such as illness, stress, weight loss or iron deficiency.