Hair loss- an annoyingly stubborn condition which seems to be the new global pandemic these days! And if you have suffered from it, you would know how much it can impact your self-esteem and quality of life. As a board-certified internal medicine physician, I am always looking forward to the latest advancements in the field of hair restoration to help my patients. Recently I’ve seen a promising role of exosomes and oral minoxidil in treating hair loss, offering safe and effective options for different types of hair loss.
Exosomes for Hair Regrowth: How It Works
Exosomes are emerging as a cutting-edge solution for hair regrowth. If you’ve been in our universe for a while, you may remember that I discussed Exosomes in my previous article “Unveiling the Science of Exosome Therapy”! These tiny vesicles, secreted by stem cells, are rich in growth factors and proteins that play a crucial role in cellular communication and regeneration. When applied to the scalp, after micro-needling, exosomes can stimulate dormant hair follicles, enhancing scalp health and increasing hair density.
The process is non-surgical and minimally invasive, making it an attractive option for individuals looking to avoid more invasive procedures. Exosome therapy involves applying these powerful vesicles directly to the scalp, where they can penetrate the skin and reach the hair follicles. By providing a concentrated dose of regenerative signals, exosomes can effectively awaken inactive follicles, promoting new hair growth and improving overall hair quality.
Oral Minoxidil: A Game-Changer in Hair Loss Treatment
While almost all of you must be familiar with topical rogaine or minoxidil, which has been a staple in hair loss treatment for years, recent studies have highlighted the benefits of oral minoxidil as a complementary approach. Oral minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles, which in turn prolongs the growth phase of the hair cycle. This can lead to thicker, fuller hair over time.
One of the primary advantages of oral minoxidil is its convenience. Unlike topical applications that require daily application which I personally do not like to use as it makes my hair greasy, and most women will understand how that feels, and can sometimes cause scalp irritation, oral minoxidil is taken as a simple pill, making it easy to incorporate into one’s daily routine. Moreover, it is suitable for both men and women, offering a versatile solution for various types of hair loss.
Combining Both Treatments for Optimal Hair Regrowth
Combining exosome therapy with or without PRP injections ( platelet-rich plasma) and oral minoxidil can provide synergistic effects, leading to better overall results. By targeting hair loss from different angles, these treatments can work together to enhance hair regrowth and density. Exosomes can stimulate and repair the scalp environment, while oral minoxidil ensures that the hair follicles receive adequate blood supply and nutrients.
Contrary to my usual conservative approach towards addressing concerns, when it comes to hair loss I do believe “More is more”. And I say that because it is distressing to witness hair loss, it’s a slow process to revive hair growth and I recommend following a multi-faceted inside out approach and then once we see a result in 4-6 months, backing off to a maintenance plan.
And stay tuned to find out more about an exciting new topical hair loss treatment which will target hair follicle stem cell activation which is still in clinical trials. But you’ll need to keep reading to know when it gets approved, because it looks like it’s going to be revolutionary!
