Hair loss is a common concern that transcends gender and age, and has profound impacts on many individuals that affect not only their physical and aesthetic appearance, but also their self-esteem and overall quality of life. Two of its most prevalent conditions, Alopecia Areata and Androgenetic Alopecia, are the different types of hair loss that can be experienced in both male and female patients. Comprehending these underlying causes is crucial for applying effective solutions to fight against them, as well as identifying the stem cell-based therapies that may prove more potent than traditional medications.
Before exploring these innovative treatments, it’s essential to understand the complexities of hair growth and loss. According to the American Academy of Dermatologists, the average person will lose 100-150 strands of hair daily, a statistic that is considered normal as part of the natural hair growth cycle. The cycle involves 4 stages: anagen (the growing phase), catagen (the transition phase), telogen (the resting phase), and exogen (the shedding phase), showing how the hair follicles undergo a rapid sequence of growth, rest, and replacement throughout our lives. However, many factors, both internal and external, can directly influence this course.
Genetics and hormone levels are the main regulators for the amount of hair produced on the scalp, so imbalances caused by circumstances like childbirth, chronic conditions, illnesses like diabetes, or even COVID-19 may have a hand in it. Lifestyle habits such as using hair products that contain harsh chemicals, wearing tight hairstyles, or excessive stress are other potential elements to consider. For hair follicles to thrive requires good blood supply, healthy connective tissue, and balanced hormones to be sustained within the body.
Various treatments exist for addressing hair loss, ranging from conventional remedies like Minoxidill® and Finasteridel®, to more advanced therapies such as Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) treatment. Among these, stem cell-based methods, particularly PRP, have gained attention for their potential to stimulate hair follicles and promote hair growth. It is derived from the patient’s own supply of blood and contains a high concentration of blood platelets and growth factors, which is then injected into the scalp to re-enable the supply of oxygen and nutrients through the blood. This reinvigorates the dormant follicles and boosts regrowth, thus extending the growth phase.
Research findings support the efficacy of PRP in treating hair loss, with studies reporting positive results from patients that show increased hair density, improved hair strand diameter and thickness, and enhanced overall hair growth. The treatment is a non-invasive option and has shown promising outcomes for individuals seeking alternatives to traditional medications. A limit to its use is that the success of results depends on the quality of the patient’s plasma, which naturally depletes with age and other lifestyle factors.
Another method that applies stem cell extract as a powerful stem cell serum to target hair loss is the notable patented ingredient called PTT-6® which was developed by CALECIM® Professional. The brand’s Advanced Hair System contains this specially designed stem cell-derived formula that is rich in proteins, growth factors, and exosomes that work together to stimulate and nourish weakened hair follicles. The serum itself aims to suppress proinflammatory cytokines by addressing the inflammation present within the hair follicles, which is a significant factor in hair thinning.
Conventional medications like Minoxidil® and Finasteride® have long been the go-to options for individuals experiencing drastic hair loss, and while they remain a sensible choice, they are also not without their side effects, often requiring consistent, long-term use in order to maintain the results that users want. On the other hand, stem cell-based therapies like PRP and CALECIM®’s Advanced Hair System are able to offer a more targeted and stable approach by leveraging the body’s natural growth factors and stem cells to enrich the depleted hair follicles without the need for ongoing medication.
Several success stories and case studies highlight the positive outcomes of using the Advanced Hair System, including individuals experiencing chronic telogen effluvium that was acquired post-COVID-19 recovery. Research findings from studies led by Dr. Shu Jin Lee of the National University Health System showcase the positive impact of the serum in treating conditions like COVID-19-related telogen effluvium. The treatment includes using a micro-needling device to infuse the serum into the scalp, which provides targeted application into the hair follicles, and users are recommended to undergo an initial course of 6 or 12 sessions, with maintenance sessions every 3 to 6 months. Overall, users noted considerable improvements in hair density and reduced strand fragility after conducting a series of treatments using the Advanced Hair System, reporting visible vellus hairs (fine and short hair) as early as 5 to 6 weeks.
Additional support also comes from licensed cosmetologists like Dana Plum and aesthetic practitioners like Kelly Morrell that have observed a reduction in hair loss and improved hair texture in their clients’ usage of it. They have attested wholeheartedly to its effectiveness in addressing postpartum hair loss and traction alopecia, particularly when identified early. The serum’s ability to address these various conditions showcases its versatility and effectiveness in boosting overall hair health. Different therapies can also be combined to achieve optimal results as the Advanced Hair System allows for seamless integration with other in-clinic treatments. Using it alongside PRP or hair transplant procedures provides a comprehensive approach to hair restoration and can strengthen overall results.
As individuals impacted negatively by hair loss continue to keep their condition at bay with reliably efficient solutions, CALECIM® Professional provides the type of advanced treatment backed by stem cell technology that works specifically via targeting the affected hair follicles directly. With its successful runs, it is looking more and more like the future of hair loss treatment may indeed lie in the regenerative potential of stem cells and its ability to positively alter the lives of those going through such a distressing experience.