What causes hair thinning & loss?
Hair naturally moves through cycles of growth, rest and shedding. With pattern hair loss, also known as androgenetic alopecia, inherited sensitivity to hormones can gradually shorten the growth phase, causing affected follicles to produce finer, shorter hairs and progressively less visible density.
Not all hair loss is pattern hair loss. Increased shedding can also follow hormonal changes, illness, significant stress, nutritional deficiencies, medications or other health conditions. Sudden, patchy or unexplained hair loss may need medical assessment before cosmetic treatment is considered.
Common Causes & Contributing Factors
Genetics & androgen sensitivity
Pattern hair loss often runs in families. Genetically sensitive follicles can gradually produce finer, shorter hairs over time.
Hormonal changes
Hormonal shifts can influence the hair-growth cycle, including changes associated with ageing, pregnancy, postpartum periods and other life stages.
Stress & physical triggers
Illness, surgery, significant emotional stress or rapid weight change can temporarily shift more hairs into the shedding phase.
Health, nutrition & medications
Iron or other nutritional deficiencies, thyroid conditions, some medications and certain scalp or medical conditions can contribute to hair loss and should be appropriately assessed.
Expectations & Recovery
Appointment Length
Around 30 minutes, depending on the size of the area being treated.
Treatment Details
HAIRestart uses Fotona’s 2940 nm Er laser in non-ablative SMOOTH mode. Controlled thermal pulses are delivered across the scalp without needles or surgical incisions, creating gentle heating designed to support regenerative signalling involved in the hair-growth cycle.
Treatment Sensation
You may feel repeated warmth or heat as the laser moves across the scalp. Sensation varies between people; published research using this laser approach reported generally low pain scores.
After Treatment
There is usually minimal to no clinic-required downtime. The scalp may look slightly pink or feel warm, and temporary mild scaling can occur. Follow your aftercare instructions and avoid excessive heat, strenuous exercise and direct sun while the scalp is sensitised.
Results & Sessions
Hair growth is gradual, so changes are assessed over months rather than immediately. Published HAIRestart research has used courses of approximately 6–8 sessions, although the number and timing recommended for you will depend on your presentation and response. Improvements may include increased visible density, thicker-looking hair or stabilisation of some thinning, but results vary and maintenance treatment may be recommended.
Who is Suitable for this Treatment?
HAIRestart may be suitable for people who:
☑ Have gradual pattern hair thinning with existing hair follicles still present
☑ Want to support visible hair density and thickness
☑ Prefer a non-surgical treatment without injections
☑ Understand that hair growth is gradual and results vary
☑ Are comfortable with a course of treatment and possible ongoing maintenance
Because hair loss can have many different causes, assessment comes first. Sudden, patchy, rapidly progressing or unexplained hair loss, or hair loss accompanied by scalp changes, may require review by a GP or dermatologist.
Treatment may not be suitable during pregnancy, with an active scalp infection or significant irritation, recent sun exposure or tanning of the treatment area, or when certain medications or health conditions are present. Suitability is assessed individually.
Why Choose Our Approach?
HAIRestart offers a non-surgical way to support existing hair follicles using controlled Er laser energy, without blood collection, scalp injections or donor-hair harvesting. Compared with injectable PRP, it avoids venepuncture and repeated needle entry; compared with hair transplantation, it avoids surgical graft harvesting, incisions and surgical scarring. It may also involve a lower upfront cost than transplantation, although treatment requirements and costs vary between individuals and providers.
Sources: Origin Skin treatment and aftercare protocols; Day D, McCarthy M & Talaber I, Non-ablative Er:YAG Laser is an Effective Tool in the Treatment Arsenal of Androgenetic Alopecia; Fotona, HAIRestart®: Non-Invasive Laser Stimulation of Hair Growth; Stevens J & Khetarpal S, Platelet-rich plasma for androgenetic alopecia: A review of the literature and proposed treatment protocol; Better Health Channel, Victorian Government, Hair transplant surgery; Hair Doctors, FUE Hair Transplant Sydney: Cost and Pricing. General comparison only. Individual suitability, responses and aftercare may vary.
Before & After Results
Results from Origin Skin clients. Individual results my vary.
Frequently Asked Questions
HAIRestart uses non-ablative Er laser energy to create controlled warming within the scalp. Research suggests this thermal stimulation may influence regenerative signalling, blood flow and the transition of follicles into the active growth phase.
Most people can expect repeated warmth or heat across the scalp rather than an invasive sensation. Sensitivity varies, but a published study of non-ablative Er treatment reported a low pain rating.
A course of treatment is generally required rather than a single session. Published HAIRestart studies have used approximately 6–8 treatments, but your recommended schedule will depend on your hair-loss pattern and response.
Hair grows slowly, so visible change takes time. Progress is generally assessed over several months, with photographs helpful for comparing changes in density and hair quality. Results vary between individuals.
The number of treatments required varies between individuals and depends on the size, location and extent of the spider veins being treated.
Pattern hair loss is an ongoing biological process, so treatment cannot guarantee permanent regrowth or prevent all future thinning. Maintenance may be recommended where treatment has been beneficial.
Different types of hair loss have different causes and require different management. Sudden, patchy, scarring or unexplained hair loss should be appropriately investigated before cosmetic laser treatment.
Sometimes. Laser treatment may form part of a broader hair-management plan, but medicines such as minoxidil or prescription hair-loss treatments should be discussed with your doctor. Do not start or stop prescribed treatment based on cosmetic treatment alone.
Usually, but avoid strenuous exercise or excessive heat while the scalp remains warm or sensitised after treatment. Follow the specific aftercare advice given at your appointment.
Yes. HAIRestart does not usually require restrictions on flying after treatment.
Avoid significant sun exposure to the scalp for at least two weeks and do not attend with sunburn or a fresh tan. Arrive with a clean scalp without styling products, and tell us about medications, supplements and any recent changes in your health or hair loss.
Yes. Virtual video consultations are available, and we can often provide initial guidance and quotes from your photos. Because the cause of hair loss matters, an in-person or medical assessment may be recommended if your hair loss is sudden, patchy, unexplained or associated with scalp changes.
Your Origin Skin Journey: What to Expect
From concern to conclusion, we guide you step by step
The Origin Skin Difference
We put the care back into skincare
Genuine
Care
We understand the emotional journey behind the physical concern. We listen without judgement, and support you with genuine care every step of the way.
Honest
Guidance
As qualified professionals, we guide you through next steps with clear advice, honest responses, and realistic expectations.
Real
People
This is not a clinic built around unrealistic beauty standards. We care for real people with different needs.
Welcoming
Inclusion
Everybody, and every body, deserves to feel safe and respected. Our clinic is welcoming, neutral and accessible.
Thoughtful
Responsibility
Care extends beyond one appointment. We consider our clients, team, community, environment and long-term skin health.
Ready to take the first step?
Every skin journey has an Origin story
Whether you know exactly what you would like help with or you are still unsure where to begin, ORIGIN SKIN is here to listen without judgement, guide you with honest advice, and support you with qualified care that respects your skin, your comfort and your unique skin story. However you prefer to reach out, we look forward to hearing from you.
Skincare Clinic • Advanced Laser • Aesthetic Therapies • North Sydney
10am–6pm Monday to Friday
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the land on which we live and work. We pay our respects to Elders past and present, and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.