What is the best treatment for hair loss in 2024?

*This is a collaborative guest post

For countless of people all around the world, the prospect of losing a headful of once-healthy hair can be one of the most distressing occurrences to deal with in one’s lifetime. It’s an issue that involves more than just vanity, and can have an especially significant impact on a person’s self-esteem and the way they are regarded in society. Related hair loss treatments, therefore, are instrumental in helping to target the different types of hair loss that can be experienced, via a culmination of advances in medical science and a growing understanding of the complex mechanisms behind hair loss.

Historically, traditional remedies have been used to manage hair thinning and loss, such as over-the-counter minoxidil solutions, which promote hair growth by improving blood flow to the scalp to revitalize hair follicles, and finasteride, an oral medication that inhibits a hormone that’s responsible for shrinking hair follicles in genetic alopecia. These are established, well tested, and popular choices for those seeking non-invasive options for their hair loss. However, with recent discoveries and advancements in medical technology, stem cell therapies have begun to reframe such female hair loss treatment styles into newer and more precise remedies, developing advanced solutions designed to work beneath the surface and within the cells. These include targeting the most common forms of hair loss; Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA), Alopecia Areata, and Telogen Effluvium.

AGA, or male or female pattern baldness, is identified by a progressive thinning of the hair, which may originate at the temples in men and at the crown in women. It is hereditary and results from an interaction of genes and a particular hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) that leads to a gradual loss in hair volume and visible scalp exposure. In contrast, Alopecia Areata is deemed as an autoimmune condition that causes hair loss in specific, randomized patches, and can occur suddenly when the body’s immune system mistakenly attacks the hair follicles. Telogen Effluvium, the third most common type, involves the resting phase of the hair growth cycle to be affected by factors like stress, illness, hormonal changes, or nutritional deficiencies.

From genetic predispositions to stress-related factors, the reasons behind hair loss are many and varied, and to reverse or improve these alopecia conditions requires a strong understanding of such factors. As previously mentioned, genes play a significant role in determining an individual’s susceptibility to hair loss, and those with a family history of pattern baldness are more likely to experience it as they age. Additionally, hormonal imbalances can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, where thyroid disorders can cause fluctuations and affect the hair follicles’ growth phases. Certain medical conditions, like psoriasis and lupus, or treatments such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy, can also lead to hair loss as a side effect. Even nutritional deficiencies, particularly of essential vitamins and minerals like iron, zinc, and vitamin D, can impact hair health, especially with inadequate intake or malabsorption issues that can compromise the strength and vitality of hair follicles. Finally, scalp conditions like fungal infections and excessive oil production can create an unfavorable environment for hair growth, leading to inflammation and hair shedding.

One of the most promising solutions for hair restoration lies in stem cell applications, which is considered amongst aestheticians and dermatologists as an innovative approach that bypasses traditional treatments’ limitations by leveraging the body’s innate regenerative potential. Stem cells, especially those sourced from the patient’s own tissue or stem cells, are rich in growth factors that can spur dormant hair follicles back into action. Injecting stem-cell-derived mixtures into the scalp has shown impressive regrowth rates, often surpassing conventional treatments. An appreciative aspect about this technique is its non-invasive nature, where it offers a more tolerable alternative to surgical interventions like transplants. Topical solutions that utilize peptides and growth stimulants are being refined to be more effective and better tolerated by users.

One example is PTT-6®, a patented stem cell ingredient that can suppress inflammatory reactions within the body. PTT-6, in Calecim’s stem cell hair growth serum, promotes hair growth by reactivating dormant hair follicles stuck in the telogen phase. The blend contains huge amounts of proteins and exosomes, the latter of which are bubble-like structures produced by all cell types that contain molecules like cytokines and growth factors essential for stimulating cell growth. The regenerative effects encouraged in hair follicles greatly supports the PTT-6®’s potential in addressing hair loss by overcoming inflammatory barriers that hinder its growth. With how similar they are to triggering wound healing responses, these stem cell-derived exosomes are able to reverse certain patterns of alopecia by boosting follicle repair and renewal, and promoting hair regrowth through inflammation suppression.

Case studies echo success stories of individuals conquering various types of alopecia with this methodology. Human studies involving the topical application of PTT-6® on patients with post-COVID-19 telogen effluvium and medical alopecia therapy demonstrated positive results in terms of hair regrowth, improved texture, and density without adverse effects, as observed by Dr Shu Jin Lee of National University Health System. In another case carried out by Sage Medical Clinic that included patients with androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, it showed visible improvements in hair growth and quality in patients after receiving treatments involving PTT-6® over a 12-week course. And notably, patients with greying hair experienced a darkening of hair color, indicating a positive response to the treatment.

Modern research is actively uncovering the intricate processes of cellular self-renewal and repair facilitated by the stem cells within the body. These cellular proteins, inspired by the body’s own healing mechanisms, hold influence as reparative solutions, presenting a viable and effective treatment for many. As different treatments continue to combat hair loss, there is a stronger recognition amongst dermatologists and cosmetologists that fostering scalp health through cellular mechanisms yields highly favorable results, even better than traditional medications.