Hair Therapy: Causes, Medicines and Hair Transplantation

Hair therapy is not one procedure

The term covers very different strategies. Pattern hair loss, diffuse shedding, alopecia areata and inflammatory or scarring scalp disease require different diagnosis and treatment.

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

Established medicines have limits

Topical minoxidil is established for selected conditions. Response and tolerability are assessed over months, and gains may be lost after stopping.

Finasteride may suit selected men but is not appropriate for everyone. Systemic or off-label treatment needs specific consent and monitoring. Supplements should address a credible deficiency.

A critical view of PRP and exosomes

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

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

When transplantation may fit

Transplantation may be considered for a stable pattern and adequate donor density. FUE and FUT redistribute existing follicles and do not stop progression elsewhere.

Active diffuse loss, unexplained inflammation and some scarring disorders argue against premature surgery. Outcome, scarring, graft survival and future loss require realistic discussion.

When is prompt dermatology assessment needed?

Sudden or patchy loss, pain, redness, pustules, marked scaling, shiny scars, or eyebrow and eyelash loss are warning signs. A cosmetic consultation is not a substitute for dermatological diagnosis.