Every day, many people choose to undergo hair transplant operation to restore their looks to the older days. While many opt for hair transplantation operations, some are reluctant to do so. To retaliate, they go with alternative hair loss treatments. Generally, the first line of defence is vitamin and mineral supplements. Vitamin B7, or as popularly known, biotin is often the first thing that catches people’s attention.

We often see biotin sugar-coated for hair loss treatments. It does indeed have a function in producing enzymes that help hair and nail growth, although some studies report no positive effect associated with biotin intake. The bottom line about biotin is: We are still not sure if it helps or not, but usually it poses no health risk to take lots of it. Many people who increase their biotin intake consistently for several months report some degree of hair restoration.

Another option for non-surgical hair restoration is PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy. This therapy includes taking blood from the patient and spinning it in a centrifuge for a while. A centrifuge is a machine that spins your blood very fast to separate fluids with different density. This way, the red blood cells divide from the nucleus-free platelet cells. After spinning in the centrifuge for 15-20 mins the end product, platelet-rich plasma, is put inside a syringe. Then, operators will inject this into the patient’s scalp under their skin. 

PRP treatment has risen its popularity with its success in sports injury treatments. Usually, clinics do this treatment every 3-6 months. There is still some controversy about its effectiveness. Still, the treatment has a really low side effect profile mainly because the injected material comes from the patient’s own bloodstream. 

So far, the treatments we talked about contained nothing foreign to the body. Let’s move on to medication territory. We have two main options. The first option we have is a topical spray. You can find this medication with the market name Minoxidil. Patients apply this spray directly on their scalp. This medication works by dilating smaller veins, capillaries, around the applied area. This way, follicles around the scalp can have more blood supply. More blood supply for this area means more blood and more nutrients get carried to your hair follicles. So, the limp hair around this area becomes stronger and does not fall off. 

Even though the treatment is effective, this is just a management therapy. Meaning, when the patient quits taking the medication, the hair starts falling off once again. Also, patients should begin therapy with the first signs of hair loss. The reason for this is, the hair that has fallen off gets no benefits from this treatment. This treatment does not help with follicles that lost their capacity to create more hair.

When considering a treatment option for your hair loss, please consult a doctor before taking any medications or supplements. Our doctors here at Gold City Hair will be more than happy to help you restore and retain your looks.