Hair shedding is normal and a natural part of the hair growth cycle — according to the Cleveland Clinic, humans shed between 50 and 100 single hairs per day. However, when an excessive amount of hair falls out and less hair grows back, that is considered hair loss or alopecia. Studies show that more than 50% of people assigned female at birth will experience noticeable hair loss.
“The root cause of hair loss in women is often difficult to diagnose,” says Andy Goren, M.D., chief medical officer of Daniel Alain, a company specializing in hair loss.
“The most common form of hair loss in women is telogen effluvium," which affects people after they experience severe stress or a change to their body.
"The onset of telogen effluvium is often rapid and is reversible over time. It can be caused by stress, diet, pregnancy, medications, infection, injury, or lifestyle," he says. The most common non-reversible progressive form of hair loss in women ... is due to the influence of genetics and hormones.”
Another common type of hair loss in women is traction alopecia, caused by consistent pull on hair follicles due to styling, excessive brushing, heat, extensions, and ponytails. Traction alopecia is generally not reversible, Goren says.
As more focus is placed on "the skinification of hair," new and innovative treatment options are becoming available. Choosing the best treatment option depends on each client’s individual situation and needs, as hair loss is not a one-size-fits-all category.
“First, the type of hair loss needs to be accurately assessed,” says Nancy Samolitis, M.D., a board-certified dermatologist. “Once we understand the underlying cause of hair loss, the treatment can be tailored to address those issues.”
With new breakthroughs in science and technology come more and better options to address hair loss.
Medspa Hair-Loss Treatments
One such option is at Pura Vida Medspa: the HydraFacial Keravive. It's a non-invasive, three-step process that has gained popularity for its ability to address various hair and scalp issues such as clogged follicles, poor circulation, and dryness. It's designed to cleanse, stimulate, nourish, and hydrate the scalp for fuller, thicker, and healthier-looking hair.
At Attain Med Spa, clients have various options to help treat hair loss including:
- JetPeel Hair Restoration, which helps gently exfoliate dead skin cells from the scalp and infuses the scalp with minoxidil peptides and essential nutrients, stimulating hair growth;
- Ultra Hair Restoration, a procedure that combines a LaseMD laser treatment with the application of KeraFactor topical growth factors to create microchannels in the scalp, enhancing the absorption of vital compounds;
- Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy, a non-surgical treatment that involves the extraction and concentration of the client’s own platelets, which are then reintroduced to stimulate hair follicles; and:
- IV Therapy for Hair Health, in which specialized IV therapy treatments are designed to provide the body with the essential nutrients it needs to support hair growth from within.
Another option is stem cell therapy, available at Biotech Cosmetic Surgery & Medical Spa. This treatment is designed to restore the growth of natural hair follicles found on the scalp to achieve long-lasting results using the client’s own stem cells to help heal and repair tissues.
In all instances, it’s important to remind clients to visit a dermatologist at the first sight of excessive hair shedding or hair loss, to ensure they receive a proper diagnosis and appropriate treatment plan.
Light & Laser Therapies for Hair Loss
Introduced by Lumenis, the FoLix system uses fractional laser and the company's proprietary technology to deliver precise pulses of laser that leverage the body’s natural processes to stimulate hair follicles with no chemicals, needles, anesthesia, surgery, or downtime. Results come after four to six monthly sessions .
Pre-clinical and clinical studies measuring the laser’s effect showed a positive impact on hair growth, with noticeable improvements in scalp hair appearance and an increase in hair count.
“For decades, we’ve been at the forefront of innovation in energy-based devices,” says Lumenis CEO Tzipi Ozer-Armon. “Our latest breakthrough redefines what is possible and further empowers individuals to be their true selves.”
The Red Light Hat from HigherDOSE harnesses the power of 650nm red light to help increase blood circulation to the scalp, promoting healthier hair follicles and rejuvenating the scalp. This can lead to decreased hair loss, optimized hair follicle function, and increased growth.
Made by the brand of the same name, the LaserCap is a light and flexible cap lined with true laser diodes to illuminate the hair follicles with monochromatic red laser light at a finely tuned wavelength and intensity. It helps to re-energize inactive hair follicles using low-level laser therapy to help promote hair regrowth.
The Restore Hair Therapy System by Celluma Light Therapy pairs a proprietary growth serum with a red-light cap. The serum contains clinically optimized percentages of Redensyl, Capixyl, and Anargy. It works with the red-light therapy to boost hair thickness, extend the growth phase, and reduce the catagen stage, resulting in increased hair volume and improved scalp health.
AI Technology to Restore Hair
VenusAI's ARTAS iXi Robotic Hair Restoration System is an intelligent hair transplant platform that's an upgrade to the original ARTAS robot for natural, longer-lasting results . The ARTAS iXi, unlike previous models, uses AI to analyze and select grafts with no risk of linear scarring, and protect terminal hair to maintain a natural appearance.
Its advanced robotic technology performs follicular unit extraction and can identify and extract individual hair follicles without damaging the surrounding tissue, leading to better graft survival.
The upgrades have improved the efficiency of hair restoration procedures, resulting in better physician experience and patient outcomes, as the robot mimics natural hair-growth patterns.
This article was originally published in American Spa.