If you’re concerned about hair loss on your scalp, eyebrows, or beard but want simpler alternatives to hair transplant surgery, you’ll be pleased to know that there are many nonsurgical solutions. There are many options to choose from, such as medications to laser treatments to scalp injections. There are even cosmetic cover-ups that don’t require a prescription and still deliver natural-looking and feeling hair replacement and enhancement.
To treat your hair loss, the hair thinning treatments recommended for you will depend on the extent of your hair loss, the reasons for it, and your desired hair restoration results. Let’s take a look at some of the most innovative nonsurgical alternatives and how they work.
PRP Injection Therapy for Treating Hair Loss
One of the most effective nonsurgical treatments for this medical condition is platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy. PRP therapy is an injected concentration of platelets and plasma that is derived from your own blood. This treatment is a rich source of growth factors that stimulate hair growth and healing of the underlying scalp tissue.
Each PRP treatment is a simple in-office procedure in which the doctor obtains a small sample of your blood and spins it in a lab centrifuge to separate the platelets from the other blood components. The concentrated PRP solution is injected directly into the targeted areas of the scalp. Each platelet-rich plasma treatment only takes about 10 minutes, and there is no downtime after treatment. You can resume your regular activities immediately following the procedure.
PRP therapy is most effective when the patient is in the earliest stages of hair loss and hair thinning. Most hair regrowth research indicates that these regenerative medicine treatments work for a few types of hair loss. One is androgenic alopecia or hair thinning/recession related to male hormones. The other is alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss (spot baldness). It can even work for female pattern hair loss. This is typical of women who are past menopause, use birth control pills, or have thyroid conditions and also may respond well to platelet-rich plasma therapy.
PRP Therapy + ACell
Regenerative medicine techniques have become more prevalent and effective in recent years as doctors try new ways to apply them and enhance their effectiveness for many more patients. This trend applies to PRP therapy as hair restoration doctors, such as Dr. Robert Niedbalski at Northwest Hair Restoration, strive to protect and restore thinning hair and areas of baldness.
Dr. Niedbalski successfully combines PRP injections with a product called ACell Matristem. A pharmaceutical-grade protein complex injected along with the patient’s own platelet-rich plasma, ACell Matristem forms a scaffold to support and encourage the growth of hair follicles in areas of baldness or thinning on the male and female scalps.
This powerful combination of materials encourages new tissue growth and stabilizes existing tissue so it becomes healthier and more productive. Often used as a pre-operative treatment for hair transplant surgery patients, or as a holding solution for hair transplant grafts, PRP + ACell therapy works for patients who have:
- Genetically-related hair loss
- Alopecia areata
- Hypertrichosis is an autoimmune condition that causes noticeable hair loss in the areas of the beard in men and in the eyebrows of both men and women
As with PRP therapy, PRP + ACell treatments work best when the care plan begins soon after noticeable hair loss. Even though they’re highly effective, injections are not a permanent hair loss cure. Instead, you must have a regular plan of maintenance injections. Also, many people who are in good health and are 18 years old and up can qualify for this remarkably effective hair restoration program.
Minoxidil (Rogaine) And Finasteride (Propecia)
These FDA-approved medications may slow down hair loss in males pattern hair loss or even stimulate new hair growth. They can be used separately or in combination, as recommended by your hair loss doctor. Note: women should not use Propecia due to adverse side effects.
When applied daily to the scalp, the Rogaine solution prolongs the length of time the hair grows. Its primary goal is to prevent further hair loss, and it may take up to six months before a patient notices measurable improvements.
You can get Rogaine over the counter or by prescription, and the varying strengths can be used by both men and women. Rogaine is very helpful before hair transplant surgeries to slow the rate of hair thinning and hair loss. For the most part, people obtain observable and satisfactory results. However, the downside to Minoxidil is the need to keep using the product to maintain hair growth cycles and to produce sufficient amounts of hair regrowth.
Propecia acts to block the formation of the male hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT) – a key factor in the development of male-pattern hair loss – by up to 60 percent. Because of its documented results, Propecia is one of the most effective prescription non-surgical hair loss treatments for men. Clinical studies have shown that up to 66% of men demonstrate hair regrowth after 12-18 months of using Propecia
Like Rogaine, Propecia still has side effects for male hair restoration patients. These side effects include testicular pain, erectile dysfunction, gynecomastia (enlarged breast tissue), and low libido.
Your hair loss physician will tell you if either one of these hair restoration products would be appropriate for your hair loss, your overall health, and your realistic expectations for hair regrowth. Plus, Dr. Niedbalski will monitor the condition of your hair follicles, regrowth results, and any side effects as you use your products at home for the recommended period of time.
Cosmetic Cover-Ups for Hair Loss
Cosmetic cover-ups for hair loss are non-prescription products that can help camouflage thinning hair and improve one’s personal appearance, and there are a few different kinds.
One of the most popular cosmetic cover-ups for hair loss is hair fibers. These microscopic fibers are made from natural keratin protein and are designed to cling to existing hair, creating the illusion of thicker and fuller hair. They come in a range of colors to match your natural hair color and can be easily applied directly to the scalp or hair with a special applicator.
Another option for those looking for a temporary cosmetic solution for hair loss is scalp makeup. This type of makeup is specially formulated to cover bald spots and thinning hair on the scalp. It comes in a variety of shades and can be applied using a brush or sponge. Scalp makeup is waterproof and can last up to three days.
For those looking for a more permanent solution, hair extensions are a great option. At Northwest Hair Restoration, we offer HALOCOUTURE hair extensions, which come in a variety of lengths and 30 natural-looking shades. These extensions add both length and volume to many kinds of hairstyles and can be applied at home without causing any damage to the scalp or existing hair shafts.
In addition to these cosmetic solutions, it’s important to address any underlying medical issues that may be causing hair loss. Nutritional deficiencies, hormonal imbalances, and stress are just a few factors that can contribute to hair loss. Consulting with a healthcare professional can help identify these factors and provide appropriate treatment options.
Overall, cosmetic cover-ups for hair loss can provide individuals with a temporary solution while they explore more long-term options. Hair fibers, scalp makeup, and hair extensions are all effective ways to camouflage thinning hair and improve personal appearance. However, it’s important to address any underlying medical conditions that may be contributing to hair loss in order to achieve long-lasting results.
LaserCap
As its name implies, this treatment uses laser technology and a light, flexible cap. During LaserCap treatment, red laser light is absorbed by specialized cells deep within the hair follicles, providing the energy necessary to enhance cellular restoration and hair growth. The result is an overall reduction in the appearance of hair thinning and a noticeable improvement in the quality of hair growth. This is because LLLT has been shown to increase blood flow to the scalp, stimulate hair follicle cells, and improve the delivery of nutrients to the hair shafts.
LaserCap therapy is FDA-cleared and can be used for both male pattern baldness and female pattern baldness. It is a non-invasive, pain-free treatment option that can be done in the comfort of your own home. All you need to do is wear the cap for 30 minutes every other day, and you may begin to see results in as little as 12 weeks.
One of the biggest advantages of the laser cap is its portability and convenience. Unlike other hair loss treatments that require visits to a clinic or doctor’s office, the laser cap can be used at home while you go about your daily routine. The cap is also lightweight and comfortable to wear, making it easy to use on a regular basis.
It’s important to note that while the laser cap can be an effective solution for hair loss, it may not work for everyone. It’s important to consult with a healthcare professional to determine if laser cap therapy is right for you. In addition, it’s important to manage expectations and understand that results may vary from person to person.
Nonsurgical Hair Loss Treatments in Seattle, Spokane, and Tacoma, WA
There are many ways to deal with hair loss other than undergoing hair transplant surgery. The most important thing is to select the treatment that is right for your unique situation. That starts with a complimentary consultation with Dr. Robert Niedbalski, a leading authority on every viable hair restoration solution right here in Washington State.
To schedule an appointment with Dr. Niedbalski at our offices in Tacoma, Seattle, or Spokane, call Northwest Hair Restoration today at (253) 572-2949. Or, fill out our appointment request form online now. We look forward to being your medical partner in successfully restoring your hair!
