Hair Thinning AND LOSS
Hair loss in men, known as male pattern hair loss, and women, known as female pattern hair loss, happens in different ways.
In men, hair loss typically starts with a receding hairline or a thinning crown (the top of the head). This is caused by genetics and a hormone called DHT, which stands for dihydrotestosterone, a hormone derived from testosterone. It plays a significant role in the development and regulation of certain masculine characteristics in both men and women. DHT is produced when an enzyme called 5-alpha-reductase converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone.
In the context of hair loss, DHT is particularly relevant. It can bind to receptors in the hair follicles, which are tiny structures in the skin where hair grows. When DHT attaches to these receptors, it can cause the hair follicles to shrink and enter a shorter growth cycle. This process is known as miniaturization, leading to thinner and shorter hairs. Over time, if left unchecked, this can result in hair follicles producing only tiny, fine hairs or ceasing to produce hair altogether.
The sensitivity of hair follicles to DHT is genetically determined. Some individuals may have hair follicles that are more susceptible to the effects of DHT, leading to a higher likelihood of experiencing hair loss. This is why DHT is commonly associated with male pattern hair loss (MPHL) and, to a lesser extent, female pattern hair loss (FPHL).
Various treatments for hair loss, such as medications like finasteride, work by inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha-reductase, thus reducing the production of DHT. By decreasing the levels of DHT in the scalp, these treatments can help slow down hair loss and, in some cases, promote hair regrowth.
In women, hair loss is usually more spread out and not as specific. It often shows up as thinning hair all over the scalp, rather than in specific spots like in men. Female pattern hair loss is also influenced by genetics and hormones, but the role of DHT is less important compared to men. It’s important to know that hair loss can have different causes, including factors other than genetics and hormones. Medical conditions, certain medications, hormonal imbalances, nutrient deficiencies, and stress can also contribute to hair loss.
There are treatments available for both men and women experiencing hair loss, such as medications like minoxidil and finasteride, hair transplantation, low-level laser therapy, platelet rich plasma, exosomes and microneedling. These treatments can help slow down hair loss and manage the condition. In our clinic we treat hair thinning and loss with a combination of platelet rich plasma, exosomes and microneedling.
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP), exosomes, and microneedling are three treatments that can be used to slow down hair loss and promote hair growth. Let’s explore how each of these treatments works:
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP)
is a procedure that involves extracting a small amount of the patient’s blood and spinning it in a special centrifuge to separate the plasma, which is rich in platelets. Platelets contain growth factors and other bioactive substances that can stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. The concentrated platelet-rich plasma is then injected into the scalp, targeting areas of hair loss or thinning.
PRP can help slow down hair loss by promoting hair follicle health, prolonging the growth phase of the hair cycle, and stimulating new hair growth. The growth factors in PRP can improve blood flow to the scalp, nourishing the hair follicles and enhancing their function. It may also have anti-inflammatory effects, which can be beneficial for certain types of hair loss.
Exosomes
are tiny vesicles that are naturally secreted by cells. They contain various growth factors, proteins, and genetic material that can influence cell behavior and promote tissue regeneration. Exosome therapy involves using these exosomes, often derived from stem cells, to deliver growth factors and signaling molecules to target tissues. Exosomes are applied topically on the scalp, followed by the microneedling procecure.
Source: https://www.benev.com/exosome
3. Collagen P.I.N. Microneedling
is a procedure that involves using a device with 36 tiny needles to create small punctures or micro-injuries in the skin. These micro-injuries stimulate the body’s natural healing response, leading to the production of new collagen and increased blood flow in the treated area. When it comes to hair loss, microneedling can be beneficial for weak or dying hair follicles. The micro-injuries caused by the needles stimulate the follicles and encourage them to become more active. This can potentially result in thicker and healthier hair growth. However, when microneedling is combined with the application of exosomes, the positive effects on hair follicles are amplified. Exosomes are tiny vesicles that contain growth factors, proteins, and genetic material that can influence cellular behavior and promote tissue regeneration. When exosomes are applied during and after microneedling, the micro-injuries created by the needles act as channels to deliver the exosomes directly to the deeper layers of the skin. By delivering exosomes through the micro-injuries, they can more effectively reach the hair follicles and provide their beneficial properties. The growth factors and other bioactive components in exosomes can further stimulate the follicles, promote their health, and potentially awaken dormant follicles. This can lead to enhanced hair growth and a reduction in hair loss.
Each of the modalities mentioned above – PRP, exosomes, and microneedling – can be effective as standalone treatments for hair thinning and loss. However, when these treatments are combined, their positive effects on the hair follicles are magnified, leading to a significant reduction in hair loss and noticeable hair growth in a shorter period of time.
By combining PRP, exosomes, and microneedling, we can harness the unique benefits of each treatment. PRP contains growth factors that promote hair follicle health and stimulate growth, while exosomes deliver additional growth factors and signaling molecules to enhance the rejuvenation process. Microneedling creates micro-injuries that trigger the body’s natural healing response and improve the absorption of the treatment components.
When used together, these modalities create a synergistic effect, working in harmony to nourish and stimulate the hair follicles. The combination of PRP, exosomes, and microneedling can lead to a more comprehensive and accelerated improvement in hair thickness, density, and overall hair growth.
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