Hair Loss: Understanding Every Possible Option to Regrow your Hair
Hair loss is a common issue that can affect anyone, regardless of age or gender.
Millions of people looking for effective hair restoration treatments has led to the development of multiple options, ranging from non-invasive topical solutions to surgical interventions, with varying success and prices.
Among these, PRP has gained attention for its natural approach, but how does it stack up against alternatives like minoxidil, finasteride, microneedling, derma rollers, or hair transplants?
In this article, we’ll provide a detailed comparison of these popular hair restoration methods, helping you make an informed decision about which treatment might be best for you.
PRP Therapy
PRP therapy involves using a patient’s own blood to promote hair growth.
The process begins with a blood draw, where a small amount of blood is taken from the patient.
The blood is then placed in a centrifuge, which separates the platelet-rich plasma from other components.
The concentrated plasma, rich in growth factors, is injected back into the scalp in areas experiencing hair thinning or loss, stimulating hair follicles and encouraging the growth of new hair.
The growth factors in the plasma help improve blood flow to the hair follicles and enhance the hair growth cycle, resulting in thicker, denser hair and improved hair quality.
While PRP is effective, it requires multiple sessions for optimal results.
Patients need to have 3 treatments spaced one month apart, followed by maintenance sessions every 4 to 6 months, depending on their own individual response to the treatment.
The cost of PRP can be significant, ranging from $500 to $1,500 per session, depending on the clinic and location.
At Revery Medical Aesthetics, you can get microneedling with PRP for hair restoration for $700 per session, getting faster results and healing than if you were to undergo PRP therapy alone.
PRP is most effective for individuals experiencing early stages of hair thinning, especially those with androgenetic alopecia.
It is less effective for individuals with extensive hair loss or complete baldness, as the treatment relies on the presence of active hair follicles.
Minoxidil
Minoxidil, often recognized by the brand name Rogaine, is a well-known over-the-counter solution for hair loss.
Unlike PRP, which involves injections, minoxidil is a topical treatment applied directly to the scalp.
It was initially developed as a treatment for high blood pressure but was found to have the side effect of promoting hair growth. Today, it is one of the most commonly prescribed treatments for hair loss.
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the scalp, which helps stimulate the hair follicles and prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle.
It is available in two concentrations: 2% and 5%.
The 5% formula is the most effective and it’s recommended for both men and women.
One of the key advantages of minoxidil is how easy you can use it.
It can be applied directly to the affected areas of the scalp once or twice a day, making it a convenient option for many people.
However, it requires consistent and long-term use to maintain its effects.
If you stop using minoxidil, hair loss will come back, often within a few months.
While minoxidil is generally safe, it can cause side effects such as scalp irritation, redness, or dryness.
Some users may also experience increased shedding initially, as old hairs are pushed out to make way for new growth.
Despite these drawbacks, minoxidil is a popular choice due to its availability and proven efficacy.
Finasteride
Finasteride, marketed under the brand name Propecia, is an oral medication primarily used for male pattern baldness.
Unlike minoxidil, which is applied topically, finasteride is taken as a daily pill.
DHT is a hormone linked to the shrinking of hair follicles and hair loss, particularly in men.
By reducing DHT levels, finasteride helps slow down hair loss and, in some cases, even stimulates hair regrowth.
Clinical studies have shown that finasteride can be highly effective, with many users experiencing a reduction in hair loss and an increase in hair density within three to six months of starting the treatment.
However, finasteride is not without its drawbacks.
The most significant concern is the risk of sexual side effects, including reduced libido, erectile dysfunction…
These side effects are rare,only happening to less than 5% of men using finasteride.
Additionally, finasteride is not recommended for women, particularly those who are pregnant, as it can cause birth defects.
For men with androgenetic alopecia, finasteride can be a powerful option, especially when combined with topical treatments like minoxidil.
It is important to use it under the supervision of a healthcare provider to see any adverse effects.
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using a device with tiny needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp.
These micro-injuries help stimulate the body's natural healing process, which can lead to increased blood flow and the release of growth factors that promote hair growth.
Microneedling is often combined with other treatments, such as PRP or minoxidil, to enhance their effectiveness.
When done properly, microneedling can improve your scalp’s health and increase the absorption of topical products.
Microneedling is considered safe when performed correctly, but there is always a risk of scalp irritation or infection if the device is not properly sanitized.
Something that doesn’t happen with an experienced provider.
Hair Transplants
Hair transplants offer a “permanent” solution for hair loss by relocating hair follicles from a donor area (usually the back of the head) to areas of thinning or baldness.
There are two types of hair transplant procedures: Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) and Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE).
FUT involves removing a strip of skin from the donor area, while FUE extracts individual follicles.
FUE is less invasive and leaves minimal scarring, making it the preferred method for many patients.
Hair transplants are highly effective, but they are also costly, ranging from $4,000 to $15,000.
The procedure requires a skilled surgeon and a long recovery period.
However, not everyone is a candidate for a hair transplant, as it requires sufficient donor hair.
Comparing the Treatments: Which One Is Right for You?
Choosing the right hair restoration treatment depends on your individual needs, the severity of your hair loss, your budget, and your lifestyle.
Here is a quick comparison of the treatments we’ve covered in this article:
PRP Therapy: Best for those in the early stages of hair thinning who prefer a natural and minimally invasive approach.
Requires multiple sessions and can be costly.
Minoxidil: An affordable and easy-to-use topical solution available over-the-counter.
Effective for both men and women but requires ongoing use.
Finasteride: A prescription oral medication for men targeting hormonal causes of hair loss.
Effective but may cause significant side effects in some individuals.
Microneedling: Enhances the effectiveness of other topical treatments like PRP or minoxidil.
Hair Transplants: A permanent solution for those with sufficient donor hair.
Requires surgery and is expensive, but results are often long-lasting.
Combination Treatments for Optimal Results
Many individuals find that a combination of treatments yields the best results.
For example, using minoxidil or PRP with microneedling enhances absorption and its effectiveness.
Similarly, finasteride can be combined with PRP or minoxidil to address both hormonal and growth factors.
Hair loss is an issue for millions of people worldwide, and finding the right solution can feel overwhelming given the range of treatments available.
PRP therapy offers a natural, non-surgical option for those in the early stages of hair thinning.
Coupled with microneedling, you can get incredible results with as little as 3 sessions.
Schedule a FREE consultation with Dr. Bryce Leontowicz to create a personalized treatment plan for your exact situation.
