Hair loss is one of the most common concerns in dermatology and aesthetic medicine: androgenetic alopecia accounts for the vast majority of cases in men and is increasingly common in women. The professional trichology market has expanded significantly with new techniques such as exosome therapy, advanced mesotherapy cocktails and medical-grade devices. This guide gives practitioners a comprehensive overview of current options.
Types of Hair Loss
Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA)
The most common form, affecting 50% of men by age 50 and up to 40% of women by age 70. It is caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which miniaturises follicles in genetically predisposed areas. Progressive without treatment.
Telogen Effluvium
Diffuse shedding triggered by stress, illness, medication or nutritional deficiencies. It usually resolves on its own once the trigger is identified and corrected, but can become chronic.
Alopecia Areata
Autoimmune patchy hair loss. May progress to alopecia totalis or universalis. Requires dermatological management.
Traction Alopecia
Caused by chronic tension on the follicles from tight hairstyles. Reversible if identified early, but prolonged traction damages the follicles permanently.
Professional Techniques
1. Exosomes for Hair Care
EXO OX Hair is the latest advance in regenerative trichology. Plant-based exosomes deliver growth factors and signalling molecules to the follicular environment, which research has linked to:
- Activation of the Wnt/β-catenin pathway (the main growth signalling cascade for hair follicles)
- Dermal papilla cell proliferation
- Angiogenesis around follicular units
- A calm scalp microenvironment
Clinical protocol: 4-6 sessions at 2-4 week intervals, applied via mesotherapy or microneedling. Maintenance sessions every 3-6 months. Combined with EXO OX Hair Serum at home between sessions.
2. Hair Mesotherapy
Mesoceutical cocktails designed for scalp infiltration deliver nutrients directly to the dermal papilla. Effective actives:
- PDRN: stimulates tissue repair and follicular regeneration
- Biotin: B-group vitamin essential for keratin production
- Dexpanthenol: improves scalp hydration and follicular health
- Zinc and copper peptides: GHK-Cu has specific evidence for hair follicle support
3. Devices
- LED therapy: red light (650-670 nm) and near-infrared (830 nm) stimulate mitochondrial function in follicular cells. Professional LED systems deliver clinically validated wavelengths
- Microneedling: the Medical Pen at a depth of 0.5-1.5 mm creates controlled micro-injuries that activate repair growth factors. Significantly enhances absorption of topical growth factors and exosomes
- LLLT (low-level laser therapy): FDA-cleared for AGA. Most effective as maintenance and adjunct treatment
4. Drug Delivery Serums
Hairox Deep Serum uses advanced drug delivery technology to enhance penetration of active ingredients through the scalp, reaching the dermal papilla at concentrations not achievable with conventional topical products.
5. Food Supplements
Nutritional support is the foundation of healthy hair:
- Hairox Plus: food supplement with biotin, zinc and selenium, which contribute to the maintenance of normal hair, plus botanical extracts
- Correct underlying deficiencies: ferritin, vitamin D, zinc, biotin, iron
- Blood tests are recommended before starting to identify correctable causes
Comprehensive Treatment Protocol
Initial Assessment
- Detailed history: onset, pattern, family history, medication, diet, stress
- Trichoscopy: miniaturisation, follicular density, perifollicular signs
- Blood tests: full blood count, ferritin, thyroid function, vitamin D, zinc, hormonal panel
- Standardised baseline photographs for progress tracking
Phase 1: Foundation (Months 1-3)
- Correct nutritional deficiencies: Hairox Plus supplement
- Scalp-care shampoo: Hairox Shampoo
- Daily topical treatment: Hairox Serum
- In-clinic mesotherapy sessions every two weeks
Phase 2: Intensive Treatment (Months 3-6)
- Continue the home care routine
- Monthly EXO OX Hair exosome treatments via microneedling
- LED therapy sessions (2 per week in clinic, or daily with a home device)
- Consider the Hairox 360 kit for a comprehensive oral and topical approach
Phase 3: Maintenance (Month 6 Onwards)
- Quarterly exosome maintenance sessions
- Continued home care (shampoo, serum, supplements)
- Quarterly trichoscopy for objective progress tracking
- Adjust the protocol based on response
Comparing Hair Loss Treatments
| Treatment | Mechanism | Time to Results | Evidence Level |
|---|---|---|---|
| Exosome therapy | Growth factor signalling | 3-6 months | Growing clinical evidence |
| Mesotherapy | Direct nutrient delivery | 3-6 months | Moderate clinical evidence |
| Minoxidil | Vasodilation, follicle stimulation | 4-6 months | Strong (authorised medicine) |
| Finasteride | DHT inhibition | 6-12 months | Strong (prescription only) |
| PRP | Growth factor release | 3-6 months | Moderate |
| LED/LLLT | Photobiomodulation | 3-6 months | Moderate (FDA cleared) |
| Microneedling | Repair cascade | 3-6 months | Growing clinical evidence |
Training
Skymedic Academy offers training in hair restoration and scalp health covering:
- Trichoscopy and diagnostic assessment
- Scalp mesotherapy technique
- Exosome protocols
- Device-based treatments (LED, microneedling)
- Patient management and progress tracking
Frequently Asked Questions
How do exosomes compare to PRP for hair loss?
Exosomes offer several advantages over PRP: consistent potency (not dependent on the quality of the patient's blood), no blood draw required, and more targeted signalling. PRP results vary significantly between patients.
When should I refer to a dermatologist?
Refer when you suspect alopecia areata, scarring alopecia, sudden diffuse shedding without a clear trigger or a hormonal disorder, or when prescription treatment (finasteride or dutasteride) is indicated.
Can women use the same treatments as men?
Most treatments are suitable for both sexes. Key exception: finasteride is generally not recommended for pre-menopausal women due to its teratogenic risk. Exosomes, mesotherapy, LED and topical treatments are equally suitable for men and women.