Hair Therapy: Causes, Medicines and Transplantation

Hair therapy is not one procedure

The term covers many strategies. Androgenetic alopecia, diffuse shedding, alopecia areata and inflammatory or scarring scalp disease need different diagnoses and methods.

History, distribution, scalp condition and progression determine whether trichoscopy, photographs, laboratory tests or dermatological biopsy are useful.

Established medicines also have limits

Topical minoxidil is established for selected diagnoses. Response and tolerability take months to assess, and gains may be lost after stopping.

Finasteride may suit selected men but not everyone. Oral and off-label treatment needs clear consent and monitoring. Supplements should address a credible deficiency.

PRP and exosomes need critical assessment

PRP is prepared from a person's own blood. Research suggests possible benefit in androgenetic alopecia, but protocols are heterogeneous. A fixed session number or guaranteed density cannot be promised.

Exosomes are scientifically interesting, but products, manufacturing and use lack standardisation. They should not be presented as a proven replacement for established care.

When is transplantation considered?

Transplantation may be considered for a stable pattern and adequate donor density. FUE and FUT redistribute existing follicles but do not stop loss outside the treated area.

Active diffuse loss, unexplained inflammation and some scarring disorders argue against rushing. Scarring, graft survival and future thinning need discussion.

Signs that need prompt dermatology

Sudden patches, pain, redness, pustules, marked scaling, smooth scars or eyebrow and eyelash loss are warning signs. An aesthetic consultation does not replace dermatological diagnosis.