Establishing and Prioritizing Research Questions for the Prevention, Diagnosis, and Treatment of Hair Loss (Excluding Alopecia Areata): The Hair Loss Priority Setting Partnership

In 2018, a study was conducted to establish the top 10 research priorities for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of hair loss, excluding alopecia areata. The study involved 912 participants who submitted 2,747 treatment uncertainties. After refining these uncertainties and removing those already answered by existing evidence, 884 relevant questions remained. These were further condensed and ranked through online surveys and a final workshop, leading to a consensus on the most critical research areas. The process was inclusive, involving individuals with hair loss, their carers, healthcare professionals, and hair loss organizations. The study aimed to direct future research and funding towards these prioritized questions, highlighting the need for better information and education on hair loss, especially among general practitioners. The study was supported by various organizations, including the British Hair and Nail Society and Alopecia UK, and followed the James Lind Alliance methodology.