Hair Loss Therapies
In 2023, it is generally not necessary to go bald any longer. While people lose hair for various reasons, the vast majority suffer from androgenic alopecia, or pattern hair loss due to a combination of hormones and genetics. While there is no perfect solution that works equally well for everyone, there are a number of therapies for hair loss that are very effective for most.
Much of the consideration around effective hair loss therapies depends on what stage of hair loss you are in. If you are relatively young with thinning hair or a receding but intact hairline, oral medications or solutions that you apply directly onto your scalp may promote healthy hair growth. Below are a list of medications that have been used for years by millions of people and are widely regarded as safe and effective.
Finasteride: Finasteride is an oral medication that is primarily used to treat male pattern baldness. It works by inhibiting the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone linked to hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals. Recent formulations of Finasteride are available for application directly onto your scalp, avoiding the need to take a pill.
Minoxidil: Minoxidil is available as an over-the-counter medication that comes in the form of a foam or liquid that you apply directly onto your scalp. It is approved by the FDA for both men and women and has been shown to promote hair regrowth and slow down hair loss. Minoxidil was originally used as an oral medication used to treat high blood pressure with a noted “side effect” or “hirsutism” - excessive hair growth. It is still available in pill form and, at low doses, is safe and very affordable. A prescription from a licensed health professional is necessary, however, to get the pill form from a pharmacy. Minoxidil is most effective for androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness.
Other therapies for hair loss involve regular use of low-level laser therapy or minimally invasive procedures. Below is list of such therapies:
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): LLLT, also known as red light therapy or cold laser therapy, is a non-invasive treatment that uses low-level lasers or light-emitting diodes to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. This safe, FDA-approved, and easy-to-use therapy can be administered in a doctor’s office, or at home with a portable unit. Not all red light therapy units are the same, however, and it is recommended you consult with a hair loss specialist to determine which is best for you. While not everyone notices substantial benefits from laser light therapy, it has been shown to improve hair growth, slow hair loss, and improve thickness and density for many people. It is often recommended to use laser light therapy in conjunction with other medical, lifestyle and/or minimally invasive therapies.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: PRP therapy involves drawing a patient's blood, processing it to concentrate platelets, and then injecting the platelet-rich plasma into the scalp. PRP therapy has been FDA approved and utilized for over 30 years for advanced wound healing. PRP therapy is rich in growth factors and hair follicle stimulating cells. It has been found to be an effective elixir for hair growth for many. Not all PRP is the same, however, and when poorly done, PRP therapy can actually cause further hair loss by inducing unwanted inflammation. It is recommended that you consult with a hair loss specialist to determine if PRP is a good option for you.
Stem Cell (Exosome) Therapy: Exosomes are tiny communication vesicles within your stem cells that have incredible power to regenerate new tissue (including hair). These tiny nano-particles contain over 1000 protein growth factors. Exosome therapy may begin promoting natural hair growth in as little as two to three months. New hair growth can continue over the course of a year, with the most noticeable results usually being seen six months after treatment has been administered.
Hair Transplantation: Hair transplantation involves surgically removing hair follicles from one part of the body (usually the back of the scalp) and grafting them onto areas with thinning or no hair. It is an effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia and some other forms of hair loss and provides permanent results. For people with advanced hair loss (bare scalp), a hair transplantation is widely considered the only effective way to regrow hair. Follicular unit extraction (FUE) is a type of hair transplant done by taking individual hair follicles from your skin (scalp) and moving them to another part of your body where hair's thinner or absent. Widely regarded as the most modern and sought after technique, this approach has the unique advantage of leaving no visible scarring.
Aside from the therapies listed above, it is always a good idea to consider lifestyle factors such as stress, diet and underlying health conditions if you are losing hair. Consult with a primary care physician to get a full physical and lab work done if you are experiencing rapid and sudden hair loss. Anecdotally, we have found that some people who take significant amounts of supplements experience hair loss that is reversed when the supplement use is curtailed.
At Omni Health Institute, we employ experienced hair loss specialists who offer all of the above therapies in addition other cover-up and aesthetic solutions. We also provide primary care services in select locations. If it is possible to grow more hair, we can make it happen. Contact us for a free consultation in which we will review the specifics of your needs and help guide your journey to a fuller head of hair.