Non-surgical aesthetic hair loss therapies are designed to slow hair loss, promote regrowth, and improve the appearance of thinning hair. These treatments range from topical solutions and energy-based devices to in-office procedures and cosmetic camouflage.
Medical and Topical Treatments
These are generally the first line of treatment and are applied consistently over time to maintain results.
Minoxidil: Available over the counter (e.g., Rogaine), minoxidil is a topical solution or foam that is applied directly to the scalp one or two times daily. It is believed to work by widening blood vessels and increasing blood flow to the scalp, which helps strengthen and thicken existing hair follicles.
Finasteride: This is a prescription-only oral medication (e.g., Propecia) for men. It works by blocking the conversion of testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that shrinks hair follicles and causes male pattern baldness.
Specialized Shampoos and Serums: Shampoos and serums containing ingredients like ketoconazole, salicylic acid, or natural extracts such as rosemary oil can help maintain a healthy scalp environment, reduce inflammation, and provide nutrients to support hair health.
Supplements: Dietary supplements containing essential vitamins, minerals, and proteins (e.g., biotin, zinc, iron, omega-3s, and marine complexes like in Viviscal) help address any nutritional deficiencies that might be contributing to hair loss.
In-Office and Energy-Based Procedures
These professional treatments often provide more significant results and can be used in combination with at-home care.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy: This procedure involves drawing a small amount of the patient's own blood, processing it in a centrifuge to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and then injecting the resulting plasma into areas of the scalp experiencing thinning. The growth factors stimulate dormant follicles, increase blood supply, and promote thicker, healthier hair growth.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT): Also known as red-light therapy, LLLT uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity in hair follicles, increasing blood flow and promoting the growth phase of the hair cycle. LLLT devices are available as in-clinic treatments or at-home devices like laser caps and combs.
Microneedling (Dermarolling): This involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-punctures on the scalp. This process stimulates the body's natural healing response and collagen production, and it enhances the penetration and efficacy of topical treatments like minoxidil or PRP.
Mesotherapy: In this technique, a cocktail of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and other nutritional boosters is injected directly into the mesoderm (middle layer) of the scalp to nourish hair follicles and improve circulation.
Cosmetic and Camouflage Solutions
These options provide immediate visual improvement for individuals with advanced hair loss or for those seeking a quick fix.
Scalp Micropigmentation (SMP): A cosmetic tattooing procedure that uses tiny, precise dots of pigment on the scalp to mimic the appearance of a closely shaved haircut or to add density to thinning areas.
Hair Fibers: These are tiny, electrostatically charged keratin fibers that adhere to existing hair strands, instantly making the hair look fuller and thicker.
