Hair loss is a common concern that affects people of all ages and genders. While it’s often associated with aging, hair loss can occur for various reasons, including genetics, hormonal imbalances, medical conditions, and lifestyle factors.
While traditional treatments like medications and topical solutions have been effective for many, recent advancements in medical technology have introduced innovative approaches to combating hair loss.
At Clinique Antiaging we have multiple cutting-edge techniques to help with hair loss in both men and women: microneedling, PRP, exosome therapy, and laser treatments, all which offer promising results in the fight against hair loss.
What are the causes of hair loss?
The most common form of hair loss, known as androgenetic alopecia, is often hereditary and typically occurs gradually over time. Other causes of hair loss include:
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder that causes hair to fall out in small, round patches.
- Telogen Effluvium: A condition where an unusually high number of hair follicles enter the resting phase, leading to temporary hair shedding.
- Medical Conditions: Certain illnesses, such as thyroid disorders, scalp infections, and nutritional deficiencies, can contribute to hair loss.
- Hormonal Changes: Hormonal imbalances, such as those associated with pregnancy, menopause, or polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), can trigger hair loss.
- Stress: any big stressor in a person’s life including illness, illness in a family member, separation, and /or major moves can affect hair loss
What are the different types of hair loss in men and women?
Male and female hair loss, also known as male pattern baldness (androgenetic alopecia) and female pattern baldness, respectively, share some similarities but also have notable differences in terms of patterns, causes, and treatment options. Here’s a comparison of male and female hair loss:
What are the different types of hair loss patterns?
- Male Hair Loss (Androgenetic Alopecia): In men, hair loss typically follows a distinct and recognizable pattern. It often begins with a receding hairline, forming an “M” shape, and progresses to hair thinning at the crown of the head. Over time, these areas may merge, leaving a characteristic horseshoe-shaped pattern of hair around the sides and back.
- Female Hair Loss (Female Pattern Baldness): Female hair loss tends to be more diffuse and less predictable in its pattern. Women may experience overall thinning of the hair, especially at the crown and part line. Unlike men, women usually do not develop a receding hairline or the same degree of balding.
What are the causes of male hair loss vs female hair loss?
What is the age of onset in male vs female hair loss patterns?
- Male Hair Loss: The primary cause of male hair loss is genetics and the influence of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone derived from testosterone. DHT gradually shrinks hair follicles, causing them to produce thinner and shorter hair until they eventually stop producing hair altogether.
- Male pattern baldness typically begins in the late teens to early twenties and progresses over time.
- Female Hair Loss: Female hair loss also has a genetic component, but hormonal factors play a more complex role. Hormonal changes due to pregnancy, menopause, polycystic ovary syndrome also affect female hair loss.
- Female pattern baldness often occurs later in life, usually after menopause, but it can start earlier for some women.
What are the possible non-surgical treatments for hair loss?
Combination therapy for hair loss involves using multiple treatment approaches simultaneously to address the condition more effectively. This approach is often recommended for individuals with moderate to severe hair loss or for those who have not responded well to single treatments. Here are some common combination therapies for hair loss:
1. Medication
Minoxidil and Finasteride:
- Minoxidil (Rogaine): Minoxidil is a topical medication that is applied directly to the scalp. It is available over the counter and can help stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth.
- Finasteride (Propecia): Finasteride is an oral medication that works by reducing the levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss in genetically susceptible individuals. It is available by prescription and is typically used by men.
Combining minoxidil and finasteride can address hair loss from both a growth-stimulation and hormonal perspective.
- Hormone therapy: correction of hormone deficiency will often help improve hair loss, particularly if the hair loss is related to hormone losses. In addition, topical hormone therapy in combination with medication can be applied to enhance results.
2. Microneedling and Topical Treatments:
- Microneedling: Microneedling creates tiny punctures in the scalp, promoting increased blood circulation and the absorption of topical treatments.
How does Microneedling help hair regrowth?
- Stimulation of Collagen Production: Microneedling stimulates the production of collagen and increases blood flow to the scalp, promoting a healthier environment for hair follicles.
- Enhanced Topical Absorption: The tiny channels created by the microneedles allow for better absorption of topical treatments, such as minoxidil, exosomes or PRP, making them more effective.
- Activation of Hair Follicles: Microneedling activates dormant hair follicles, potentially leading to new hair growth.
- Minimal Downtime: It’s a minimally invasive procedure with minimal downtime, making it a convenient option for many individuals.
- Topical Treatments: Along with minoxidil, topical treatments containing growth factors, peptides, or vitamins can be applied immediately after microneedling to enhance their absorption and effectiveness.
The combination of microneedling and topical treatments can improve the overall health of the scalp and stimulate hair growth.
More recently we have added exosomes to our treatments following microneedling due to their enhanced regenerative properties.
3. Hydrafacial Keravive
What is the HydraFacial Keravive?
The HydraFacial Keravive is a technology that uses a patented Vortex-fusion technology to exfoliate and extract debris from the scalp.
This unique technology cleanses hair follicles of debris. This action helps improve scalp exchange and ensures that the pores available for hair growth are active again.
How long does it take?
The treatment is quick and easy. In less than 30 minutes, the head is cleansed and is completely free of debris.
Is it painful?
Most people who have received this service have found it very relaxing and soothing.
How many treatments are necessary for maximum effectiveness?
We recommend a series of a minimum of 3 sessions, once a month. This will optimize the reduction of dead cells on the scalp, to oxygenate the entire hair follicle.
Is it safe?
Yes, this treatment can be used by anyone, at any age. It is a non-invasive treatment with very few risks.
What are the contraindications?
- Active infection or lesion on the scalp
- Pregnancy
Why combine it with mesotherapy or laser treatments?
The Hydrafacial Keravive combined with lasers, vitamins, exosomes or PRP treatments can optimize results. Having thoroughly cleansed the scalp, it leaves room for healthy, oxygenated cells, which will optimize the reception of all other treatments.
4. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) and Microneedling:
- PRP Therapy: PRP involves drawing a small amount of the patient’s blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets, and then injecting the PRP into the scalp. Platelets contain growth factors that can stimulate hair follicles.
- Microneedling: Microneedling can enhance the absorption of PRP and improve its effectiveness.
PRP and microneedling together create a powerful combination to promote hair growth and improve hair quality.
Exosomes can also be added post PRP treatment to enhance the regenerative properties of the PRP.
5. Exosome Therapy for Hair Loss
Exosome therapy is a relatively new and promising approach to treating hair loss.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles released by various cells, including stem cells. They contain growth factors, cytokines, and microRNAs that can stimulate tissue repair and regeneration.
Here’s how exosome therapy is utilized for hair loss:
How does Exosome therapy work for Hair Loss?
- Regenerative Properties: Exosomes contain growth factors that stimulate the regeneration of hair follicles, promoting hair growth.
- Anti-Inflammatory Effects: Exosomes have anti-inflammatory properties, which can reduce inflammation on the scalp, a common factor in hair loss.
- Natural and Safe: Exosomes are derived from the patient’s own cells or donated sources, making them a safe and natural treatment option.
- Promising Results: Early studies suggest that exosome therapy can significantly improve hair density and thickness.
6. Laser Therapy / Fotona’s Hair Restart (Hairlase) Erbium Laser and Topical Medication / PRP
- Laser therapy such as Fotona’s smooth Erbium laser help to stimulate hair follicles and increase blood flow to the scalp.
- Topical Medications: Minoxidil or other topical medications can be used in conjunction with laser therapy to further encourage hair growth.
This combination approach is generally well-tolerated.
We often combine laser therapy with microneedling in a single session, beginning the treatment with the laser followed by microneedling with either PRP or micronutrients/exosomes.
Several sessions are required for optimal results. We recommend a series of treatments 2-4 weeks apart as well as maintenance treatments.
This combination approach is generally well-tolerated as there is zero downtime with the laser.
7. Hair Transplant and Additional Therapy:
- Hair Transplant: For individuals with advanced hair loss, a hair transplant can provide a long-lasting solution by surgically relocating healthy hair follicles from one area of the scalp to another.
- Medical Therapy: Following a hair transplant, continuing with medications like minoxidil and finasteride can help maintain the health and density of the transplanted hair and prevent further hair loss.
- PRP: Following surgical hair transplant, it is often recommended to continue doing PRP treatments to help maintain both the newly transplanted hairs as well the native hairs.
Combination therapies should always be personalized based on the individual’s specific type and degree of hair loss, medical history, and response to treatment.
Consultation with a hair loss specialist or clinic that performs treatments is the best way to determine the most suitable combination therapy and to monitor progress over time. Additionally, it’s important to have realistic expectations, as results may vary from person to person.