What hair loss treatments are available?
Hair loss treatments fall into two main categories:
- Non-surgical medical treatments
- Hair transplantation
The choice depends primarily on the cause of alopecia, the condition of the hair and the medical assessment. In many cases, the aim is to strengthen existing hair before considering surgery.
Non-surgical options include:
- Pharmacological treatments
- Scalp mesotherapy
- Growth factors
- Cytokines
These treatments aim to strengthen existing hair and address certain types of hair loss.
A hair transplant, meanwhile, involves transferring hair from a donor area to another area of the scalp where hair density has decreased. It may be considered when strengthening treatments do not achieve sufficient hair restoration.
Why does hair loss occur and how is the cause identified?
Hair loss can have several causes, although the most common, accounting for approximately 87% of cases, is androgenetic alopecia, which is associated with the action of androgens, a group of hormones that includes testosterone.
Hair loss can also be associated with stress and seasonal changes, a condition known as telogen effluvium, which can be acute or chronic.
To guide the diagnosis, it is important to establish when the hair loss began, how it has progressed and whether it coincides with periods of stress or other changes. This information, together with a scalp examination, helps identify the most likely cause and select the appropriate treatment.
Although androgenetic alopecia has a genetic component, it is primarily associated with hormonal factors.
In short, not all types of hair loss should be treated in the same way. The first step is to determine what is happening in each individual case.
What does a medical hair assessment involve?
A medical hair assessment includes:
- Reviewing the patient’s medical history
- A consultation to help identify the cause of hair loss
- An examination of the scalp and hair shafts
It may also include trichoscopy, a microscopic examination technique that allows the condition of the scalp and hair to be assessed in greater detail.
Trichoscopy makes it possible to examine aspects such as the condition of the hair follicle openings and the characteristics of the hair shaft. The information gathered during the consultation and examinations helps guide the diagnosis and determine which treatment may be most appropriate for each patient.
Non-surgical hair loss treatments: medical and complementary options
Non-surgical hair treatments aim to address hair loss and help strengthen existing hair. Available options include:
- Oral medication
- Scalp mesotherapy
- Growth factors
- Cytokines
The choice depends on the cause of hair loss and the findings of the medical assessment.
Pharmacological treatments for hair loss
Pharmacological treatments are among the main options for addressing hair loss, particularly in certain types of alopecia. The choice of treatment may differ between men and women depending on the characteristics of each case.
In androgenetic alopecia, some treatments act on the hormonal mechanisms involved in the weakening of hair follicles. The aim is to regulate the action of androgens to reduce their harmful effects on the follicles and help preserve existing hair.
Pharmacological treatments can be administered orally or topically and are particularly indicated for androgenetic alopecia. Their aim is to slow the progression of hair loss, help preserve existing hair and improve hair density when functional follicles are still present.
Depending on the specialist’s assessment, different medications may be considered. Treatment selection must be individualised, as not every medication is suitable for every patient.
Hair growth factors
This treatment involves applying a concentrate obtained from the patient’s own blood that contains growth factors. These factors are involved in cellular signalling processes and may help stimulate cellular activity and improve the environment in which hair grows.
The aim is to promote scalp biostimulation and the formation of blood vessels that help nourish the hair follicles. This improves the conditions needed for healthy hair growth.
The procedure begins with a blood sample, which is then processed through centrifugation to obtain a concentrate of growth factors. At Clínica Planas, we combine this treatment with hypoxia, which involves reducing oxygen concentrations during treatment under the supervision of our medical team. This procedure aims to stimulate the release of growth factors.
Scalp mesotherapy
Scalp mesotherapy involves administering medication directly into the scalp through injections. Its purpose is to allow the medication to act locally, helping to slow hair loss and strengthen existing hair over a specific period.
The interval between sessions depends on the treatment used and the medical assessment, but it is generally around two to three months, depending on how long the medication takes to be absorbed.
There is ongoing debate about the role of mesotherapy in treating alopecia. Some approaches suggest that it could be used as an alternative to certain pharmacological treatments, while others consider it a complementary option. For this reason, it should not be assumed that mesotherapy can replace medication in every case.
Cytokines
In addition to growth factors and scalp mesotherapy, cytokine-based treatments are also available. Cytokines are molecules involved in communication between cells that can help regulate various biological processes.
Autologous cytokines, known as SARC (Serum Autologous Rich in Cytokines), are used to significantly accelerate cellular regeneration, reduce inflammation and act as highly targeted molecular messengers to reactivate the hair growth cycle. Like growth factors, they are obtained from the patient’s own blood, although their technology and composition represent a significant development.
What are autologous cytokines used for in aesthetic medicine?
- Reactivating dormant hair follicles: They act directly on the hair root by sending signals that promote cell division. This reactivates follicles in the resting phase (telogen), encouraging them to enter the active growth phase (anagen).
- Slowing hair loss and increasing density: They prolong the hair growth phase and help prevent miniaturisation, the progressive thinning of individual hairs, significantly improving overall hair volume and thickness.
- Stimulating microcirculation (angiogenesis): They increase the formation of new blood vessels around hair follicles, helping ensure an optimal supply of oxygen and nutrients to each follicle.
- Regulating scalp inflammation: Purified cytokines have powerful anti-inflammatory and regenerative effects. By reducing cellular microinflammation, a common contributing factor in conditions such as androgenetic alopecia, they help stabilise the scalp environment.
- Enhancing combined treatments: By improving tissue quality, they are frequently used to accelerate recovery and support follicle survival before or after a hair transplant.
As an autologous material, meaning it comes from the patient’s own body, it offers the significant advantage of being 100% biocompatible, which eliminates the risk of allergic reactions or rejection.
Cytokine treatment aims to promote scalp homeostasis, meaning the balance of its cellular environment. Its purpose is to help regulate the inflammatory response and it may be particularly relevant in certain types of reactive hair loss associated with stress.
To obtain cytokines, a blood sample is taken and subsequently processed through centrifugation.
Hair transplantation: what it involves and when to consider it
Hair transplantation is a surgical procedure that involves transferring hair from a donor area to a recipient area with reduced hair density or no hair. It may be considered when hair loss cannot be sufficiently addressed through strengthening treatments.
Before recommending the procedure, it is important to assess:
- The condition of the hair
- The distribution of areas affected by hair loss
- The response to medical treatments
The decision must be based on an individual assessment and the patient’s expectations.
How is a hair transplant performed?
Hair transplantation involves transferring follicular units from a donor area to a recipient area. The donor area is usually located at the back and sides of the head, while the recipient area is where greater hair density is desired.
During surgery, hair is extracted from the donor area and small incisions are made in the recipient area to implant the follicles. This procedure requires precision and time, as each follicular unit is individually positioned in the planned area.
Results, recovery and maintenance
Recovery after a hair transplant is generally straightforward. The medical team provides specific instructions on washing the hair, allowing scabs to come away and the precautions that should be followed during the first few days.
After the first week, as the scabs begin to fall away, the transplanted hair may initially become visible. However, this appearance does not represent the final result. It is normal for transplanted hair to shed temporarily during the first or second month after surgery.
New hair growth gradually becomes visible, potentially beginning around the fourth month, although the first noticeable results generally appear from approximately the sixth month onwards.
It is important to understand that the final result is not immediate. The full process can take approximately one year to eighteen months after surgery. Patients should therefore maintain realistic expectations and follow the medical team’s instructions throughout recovery.
Hair transplant cost
The cost of a hair transplant depends on each patient’s individual characteristics and the requirements of the procedure. Factors such as:
- The degree of alopecia
- The size of the area to be treated
- The number of follicular units required
all influence surgical planning.
At Clínica Planas, we assess every case individually to determine the most appropriate approach. To find out the cost of a hair transplant, patients must attend a free assessment with a hair transplant surgeon, who will examine the condition of the hair and donor area, explain the available options and provide a personalised quotation.
Non-surgical hair treatment or hair transplant: how to choose
Choosing between non-surgical hair treatment and a hair transplant depends on the cause of hair loss, the condition of the hair and the results of the medical assessment. The patient’s expectations and treatment goals must also be considered.
When hair is weakened or miniaturised, strengthening treatments may initially be recommended to help preserve it and improve its condition. If the response is insufficient and areas of significant hair loss remain, the specialist may consider a hair transplant.
There is no single solution suitable for every patient. A medical assessment helps determine which options may be appropriate, whether treatments should be combined and what results can reasonably be expected based on each patient’s individual characteristics.
Where can you get a hair loss assessment in Barcelona?
If you are looking for a hair clinic in Barcelona, Clínica Planas offers the opportunity to have a medical assessment to investigate hair loss and explore the available treatment options. The aim is to identify the cause of alopecia and determine the most appropriate approach for each case.
Our clinic offers various solutions for hair loss, ranging from medical treatments and hair biostimulation techniques to hair transplantation. These include:
- Hair growth factor treatments
- Scalp injections
- Hair transplantation using the Sapphire FUE technique
Treatment selection begins with an individual assessment that considers the condition of the scalp, the progression of hair loss and the characteristics of the hair. Based on this assessment, the specialist may recommend medical treatment, surgery or a combination of approaches when appropriate.
If you would like to find out which hair loss treatment may be best suited to your needs, book an assessment at Clínica Planas in Barcelona and receive professional medical guidance on the available options.
Frequently asked questions about hair loss treatments
What is the most effective treatment for hair loss?
Oral medication is currently one of the options with the strongest scientific evidence for treating certain types of hair loss. Other treatments, such as scalp injections, may be used as complementary therapies depending on the individual case.
Effectiveness depends on the cause of alopecia and the patient’s characteristics. It is therefore important to identify the underlying cause of hair loss before selecting a treatment.
Can lost hair grow back without surgery?
In some cases, yes. When hair loss is associated with stress or seasonal changes, the hair may recover naturally. However, when other factors are involved, such as androgenetic alopecia, certain medical conditions or some forms of scarring alopecia, recovery may be more difficult.
For this reason, before starting any hair treatment, it is important to identify the cause of hair loss and assess whether the follicles are likely to respond to medical treatment.
How many hair growth factor treatment sessions are needed?
The number of hair growth factor sessions depends on the individual patient, and there is no single treatment schedule suitable for everyone. As a general guide, between three and six sessions may be performed over the course of a year, with intervals adjusted according to the medical assessment.
The treatment may form part of a broader hair care strategy that includes other strengthening and revitalising therapies, as well as follow-up appointments. Any maintenance schedule should be personalised.
How much does hair loss treatment cost?
If you are looking for information about the cost of a hair transplant in Barcelona, the first step is to understand what your hair needs. Not every case of alopecia requires the same procedure. The size of the area to be covered, the availability of hair in the donor area and the degree of hair loss are important factors when planning treatment.
At Clínica Planas, the cost is determined following a personalised medical assessment. During the free consultation, a hair transplant surgeon examines your case and determines whether transplantation is a suitable option, as well as the characteristics of the proposed procedure. This allows you to receive a quotation tailored to your needs before making a decision.
How long does it take to see hair transplant results?
The first noticeable results of a hair transplant can generally be seen from approximately the sixth month onwards. Before this, it is normal for the transplanted hair to shed temporarily during the first or second month, while new growth begins progressively.
Final results may take approximately one year to eighteen months. Progress should be assessed gradually, taking each patient’s individual characteristics into account.
When should I consult a specialist about hair loss?
It is advisable to consult a specialist if you repeatedly notice excessive hair shedding, for example, when showering, getting out of bed or finding large amounts of hair on your pillow. These signs may warrant a medical assessment to identify the cause and determine whether treatment is necessary.
It is also advisable not to wait until a significant loss of hair density becomes obvious before seeking advice. A medical assessment makes it possible to investigate the problem and evaluate the available treatment options based on the condition of your hair.
RECOMMENDED TREATMENTS
Hair transplant
Hair transplant surgery involves implanting follicular units into areas affected by hair loss, allowing new hair to grow and providing natural-looking, permanent results.
Scalp injections
This treatment involves injecting medication directly into the scalp through microinjections.
Hair growth factors
Hair growth factor treatment aims to stimulate new hair growth and prevent further hair loss through hair regeneration therapy.
