HeadStrong Clinic in Cheltenham is launching a brand-new Hair Health Scan, to help people struggling with hair loss or thinning to understand what's going on with their hair and scalp.
Pairing powerful AI technology with HeadStrong founder Russ Nicholson's real-life experience and expertise, HeadStrong is the first clinic in Gloucestershire to offer this service independently, with no ties to specific products or brands – something Russ hopes will get people thinking of their scalp as skin, and taking better care of it, to help keep their hair healthy, too.
Understanding that scalp is skin
Many people cleanse, tone, moisturise, and use SPF on their faces, but give their scalp nothing more than a quick shampoo.
The scalp is home to around 100,000 hair follicles, making it warmer, darker, and more humid than anywhere else on the body, with one of the highest densities of oil glands, too. Research suggests that the scalp also ages up to six times faster than facial skin. Sun, heat and pollution can break down the hair and scalp's barriers over time, leading to things like dryness and irritation.
Russ said: 'People spend a fortune on their face, but the care often stops at the hairline. Great hair starts beneath it. Your scalp is skin, too, so give it the same attention as your face.'
How does HeadStrong Clinic's Hair Health Scan work?
HeadStrong Clinic uses the Becon AI scanner, developed by a Samsung-backed vision technology company.
A handheld AI camera takes highly magnified images across the scalp, scoring what it sees to provide a detailed report on scalp and hair condition in real time.
Russ then interprets the results, drawing on years of experience treating and managing hair loss, alongside clients' lifestyle and any specific concerns. He’ll explain what the numbers mean, what might be contributing to them, from pattern hair loss and hormonal changes to stress and diet, and what the next steps could be.
Clients leave with their results, a full explanation of what their scan means, and a personal care plan tailored to their individual needs – which could include anything from deep scalp care, scalp micropigmentation (SMP), hair systems, or a recommendation to see your GP if the results suggest an underlying medical cause for your hair concerns.
What does HeadStrong Clinic's Hair Health Scan measure?
The scan measures 10 scalp and hair health indicators, including:
- Hair volume and thickness
- Follicle density and hairs per follicle
- Keratin build up
- Scalp moisture and sebum
- Scalp temperature and odour
The scan also tracks changes over time, so before-and-after comparisons can be made.
Why choose HeadStrong Clinic?
The key difference that sets HeadStrong Clinic apart is its founder, Russ. Having been through hair loss himself, he has a deep understanding of both the physical and mental effects of losing your hair.
Coupled with his expertise in scalp and hair health, and SMP, HeadStrong Clinic clients benefit not just from a detailed scan of their scalp, but from Russ's expert interpretation, which removes the guesswork and helps you understand how lifestyle and health factors could be affecting your hair.
Russ's policy is always honesty – if your hair looks healthy and there's nothing to be done, he'll say so. If there's something going on which HeadStrong Clinic can't treat, he'll say that, too. And he'll always recommend talking to your GP if there's anything that needs a further assessment.
'The scanner gives me the data. My job is to read it with you, alongside everything going on in your life, and tell you honestly what I think is behind it.' Russ says.
'Sometimes the answer is stress, sometimes it's hormones, sometimes it's just a dry scalp that needs the right shampoo. And sometimes it's nothing at all. I'd rather tell someone they're fine than sell them something they don't need.
'I lost my hair. I know the worry of watching the plughole. If I can help someone understand what's happening earlier, that's half the battle.'
How to book a Hair Health Scan at HeadStrong Clinic
HeadStrong Clinic is offering Hair Health Scans at an introductory price of £35, compared to the standard price of £64.99.
The clinic is also hosting a free Hair Health Scan open day on Saturday 14 November 2026, where it is offering a limited number of free Hair Health Scans to customers interested in learning more about their scalp health, with booking open now.
To find out more about HeadStrong Clinic and the Hair Health Scan, see headstrongclinic.co.uk/hairhealthscan, or to register your interest in attending the open day, visit https://forms.gle/Jov2qEjF8j3pCZG69.
Free Hair Health Scans are offered on a first come, first served basis so HeadStrong Clinic recommends booking early.
