Hair loss is an enormous issue with a global alopecia market valued at over 7.5 billion as of 2015. Amazingly, over half of that amount resulted from sales to women (57%). Within the next 2 years, that number will increase to $11.8 billion!
Androgenic alopecia (pattern baldness) represents 90% of hair loss cases. In the USA alone, 50 million men and 30 million women are affected. Noticeable hair thinning in women usually begins in their 40’s, with women experiencing general thinning over the entire scalp and a widening of the midline part. (AAD, 2015).
While hair loss in men is considered a normal process of aging, it is NOT considered a normal part of female aging. The average adult has 100,000-150,000 hairs and loses up to 100 per day naturally. There are 3 phases to the cycle of a hair follicle:
- Anagen – active phase 2-6 years.
- Catagen – transition phase of 2-3 weeks.
- Telogen- resting phase – 2-3 months where the hair sheds and a new hair replaces it.
Growth of hair occurs everywhere on the body except soles of the feet, lips and palms of the hand. All three of the hair follicle phases occur simultaneously. One strand may be in Anagen, while another may be in Catagen or Telogen.
There are some FDA approved treatments for androgenic alopecia. These include:
Minoxidil – increases the duration of the Anagen phase. Takes 6-9 months to increase follicular size and duration. Has a high success rate.
Finasteride acts by blocking dihydrotestosterone and stops progression in 90%. Regrowth occurs in approximately 65% of individuals. When used together, Minoxidil and Finasteride offer a synergistic effect.
Low level light therapy is often used, however, the effectiveness is unclear. Hair transplants are effective. They do not address the ongoing hair loss, and in the USA they cost anywhere from $10,000 to $25,000.
Stem Cell Exosomes for Hair Loss Therapy
Exosomes are nano-sized byproducts of stem cells, which have over 1000 signaling proteins that ignite the following body effects:
- Anti-inflammation
- Angiogenesis (new blood flow)
- Anti-tumor signals
- Inhibit cell death
- Regenerative & healing signals
They contain MessengerRNA, MicroRNA, Growth Factors, Cytokines and other proteins. Amazingly, they are 1000 times smaller than a stem cell. Exosomes are not cells and they do not have a nucleus and cannot replicate. They can be frozen without the need for cryopreservatives.
In a 2022 study by sasaki, exosomes were found to be safe and effective when injected intradermally for male and female hair loss. Another review paper by shimizu et al in regenerative therapy looked at several papers on prp therapy and exosomes for hair loss therapy. These cell-free therapies with exosomes and prp remain attractive emerging options that have been shown to be both safe and effective.
R3 Anti-Aging offers regenerative therapies for both male and female hair restoration. This includes stem cell therapy for hair restoration, along with exosomes and PRP therapy. Sometimes PRP alone works wonders for patients, and even post Covid hair loss has responded to PRP therapy.
Call R3 Anti-Aging today for stem cell, exosome and PRP hair restoration in both Scottsdale/Phoenix and Nashville. We offer a free consultation by calling (833) R3-AGING
