Non-Surgical Hair Loss Treatment

Hair loss and thinning hair are common conditions that affect as many as 50 million men and 30 million women during their lifetime. Hair loss can occur for many reasons, ranging from genetic conditions like androgenetic alopecia (also known as androgenic alopecia, male pattern baldness, or female pattern baldness), to autoimmune disorders like alopecia areata, acute stressful events such as telogen effluvium, medications, or hormonal fluctuations. Regardless of the cause of hair loss, noticing a decrease in hair thickness and density in various areas of the scalp can be extremely distressing for patients, leading to low self-esteem and symptoms of depression. With many treatment options available on the market and varying levels of effectiveness, determining the best way to treat and prevent hair loss can be difficult. Therefore, the best first step toward developing a hair loss treatment plan is to seek out an expert board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green in NYC, who can recommend the most effective treatment option for hair rejuvenation.

Dr. Green offers various treatment options at her New York City dermatology office, depending on the type of hair loss you are experiencing. First, Dr. Green will conduct a thorough examination of the hair and skin, perform blood tests, which may include a scalp biopsy to identify the cause of the hair loss, and develop a personalized treatment plan tailored to your needs. For some patients, the ideal treatment may be a topical solution, such as Rogaine (topical Minoxidil) or Spironolactone. Oral medications, such as Finasteride, can be prescribed by a dermatologist in conjunction with topical treatments. Topical and oral medications can also be paired with in-office treatments like platelet-rich plasma injections (PRP), stem cell therapy, or low-level laser therapy to strengthen the hair follicles, enhance blood flow, and promote new hair growth. Dr. Green can also recommend the best hair products, including shampoos, serums, supplements, and conditioners, that will help prevent additional hair shedding or thinning. To embark on your hair care and regrowth journey, schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Michele Green.

Dr. Michele Green, a board-certified dermatologist with over 25 years of experience, has been expertly treating patients at her dermatology office in the Upper East Side of New York City. With extensive knowledge in addressing a wide range of cosmetic concerns and medical conditions, Dr. Green excels at identifying the root causes of hair loss and creating individualized treatment plans to slow hair shedding and strengthen hair follicles for thicker hair regrowth. Additionally, Dr. Green specializes in cosmetic treatments such as Botox, dermal fillers, laser therapy, microneedling, chemical peels, platelet-rich plasma injections, and more. Renowned for her high patient satisfaction, Dr. Green has been recognized as one of the best dermatologists in New York City by prestigious publications like Castle Connolly, Super Doctors, and New York Magazine.

What are the different types of hair loss?

The most important step in beginning hair loss treatment is obtaining an accurate diagnosis of the underlying causes of hair loss. Hair shedding and thinning can result from genetic predisposition, stress, autoimmune disorders, thyroid issues, cancer treatments, hormonal imbalances, or as a side effect of certain medications. Below are some of the most common conditions that lead to bald spots, hair loss, or rapid hair shedding:

Androgenetic Alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia, also known as female or male pattern baldness, is a hair loss condition associated with elevated levels of androgen hormones, which bind to and damage hair follicles. In men, male pattern hair loss typically begins with thinning at the temples, resulting in a receding hairline that creates the characteristic “M” shape. Hair loss continues on the crown of the head and can worsen over time. In women, thinning hair typically begins along the top of the head, causing the part to widen. This condition can begin affecting both men and women in their 20s and 30s and may become more prominent with age. The risk factors for developing androgenetic alopecia are not yet known, though researchers believe that there is a strong genetic component.

Alopecia Areata

Alopecia areata is an autoimmune condition that occurs when white blood cells damage the hair follicle, causing new hair growth to slow and the follicle to shrink. Characterized by bald patches that appear most commonly on the head (though the condition can develop anywhere on the body), alopecia areata can occur suddenly. However, it is not associated with stress-related situations. Researchers believe that the condition is genetic, and while some patients may experience alopecia areata followed by full hair regrowth, for others, hair loss may be permanent. For the most part, patients with alopecia areata experience small patches of hair loss the size of a quarter; however, for some, the extent of hair loss may be more extreme. Alopecia areata can affect patients of any age and gender and often comes on quickly, within the span of a few days.

Telogen Effluvium

Telogen effluvium is a hair loss condition caused by extreme stress or shock, which triggers hair to enter the resting phase of hair growth (known as the telogen phase) prematurely. As a result, many hairs enter the shedding phase simultaneously — sometimes, up to 70% of the hairs on the scalp can be shed at once, leading to noticeable hair thinning and shedding. Stressful events that can trigger telogen effluvium include:

• Severe illness, such as chronic illness or high fever
• Childbirth
• Overactive thyroid
• Severe infections
• Severe psychological distress
• Major surgery or injury
• Losing weight quickly, such as crash diets, and weight loss medications
• Anorexia
• Some medications

Typically, hair will regrow in three to six months once the stressful event has been resolved, but seeking treatment from a dermatologist can help speed up the regrowth process and ensure the overall sound health of the hair follicles.

Is it possible to regrow your hair without surgery?

Non-surgical hair restoration treatments are highly effective options for hair regrowth. Numerous treatment choices are available at board-certified dermatologist Dr. Michele Green’s Upper East Side office in New York City, and the most effective treatment plan for you will be tailored based on the underlying cause of your hair loss. Non-surgical hair loss treatments may include topical medications, oral medications, in-office procedures, and recommendations for over-the-counter products. To determine which treatment option is best for you, schedule your initial consultation with Dr. Michele Green.

What are the different types of non-surgical hair loss treatments?

Dr. Green offers various non-surgical hair loss treatments at her dermatology office in New York City. The first step in your treatment process will be for Dr. Green to examine the treatment area and conduct necessary tests to determine the underlying cause of your hair loss. After that, Dr. Green will create a treatment plan designed to help restore lost hair or strengthen the remaining hair follicles. Depending on the cause, Dr. Green may utilize oral medications, such as oral Minoxidil or Finasteride; topical medications such as topical Minoxidil; or in-office treatments, such as platelet-rich plasma treatment or low-level laser therapy (LLLT). Dr. Green can also recommend hair growth products like shampoos and conditioners for hair regrowth.

Platelet-Rich Plasma Treatment

PRP for hair loss functions by injecting the high platelet count plasma derived from the patient’s blood into the scalp areas where hair loss is beginning to show. This platelet-rich plasma activates proteins in the body known as “growth factors,” which serve various beneficial purposes. In terms of preventing hair loss, growth factors improve circulation in the treatment area, which aids in thickening the hair follicle. Consequently, the new hair growth at the injection site appears thicker and healthier. Furthermore, these growth factors help heal and reactivate hair follicles, increasing the hair count in the area. The proteins also stimulate the papilla cells, promoting new hair growth. Overall, this means that PRP treatment strengthens the hair follicle for thicker hair and reactivates previously inactive hair follicles for new growth, helping to counteract hair loss.

PRP for hair loss yields long-lasting results but typically requires maintenance treatments to sustain the effects in the long term. The PRP therapy can produce effects lasting up to 18 months after the initial injection treatments. However, Dr. Green recommends a touch-up treatment approximately once a year to maintain the full results. At your follow-up appointment with Dr. Green, her office will assist in scheduling regular maintenance treatments to keep your hair growth full and strong.

Low-level laser therapy – Light therapy for hair growth

Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a hair restoration procedure that utilizes specific wavelengths of light to promote hair regrowth. Approved by the FDA for the treatment of patients of all genders, low-level laser therapy can yield up to a 51% increase in hair density for female patients and a 35% increase for male patients. When the light wavelength is applied to the treatment area, the number of cells increases, helping to fortify the hair follicle for fuller hair and natural-looking results. As a non-invasive procedure, LLLT offers good results without requiring any downtime. Dr. Green may combine LLLT treatment with topical or oral medications to further enhance the results.

Finasteride for hair restoration

Finasteride is a DHT (dihydrotestosterone) blocker that helps prevent and treat hair loss. Also known by the brand name Propecia, Finasteride is a 5-alpha-reductase inhibitor, which means it binds to the 5-alpha-reductase enzyme to prevent the conversion of free testosterone into DHT. DHT can contribute to the development of male-pattern baldness, as the hormone binds to hair follicles, damaging them and hindering healthy hair growth. Patients prescribed Finasteride can take the medication in pill form once a day.

Minoxidil for hair regrowth

Oral Minoxidil was initially prescribed to manage high blood pressure when it was discovered that one of its side effects was stimulating new hair growth. Since then, it has been established that a low dose of oral Minoxidil is a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. Oral Minoxidil strengthens hair follicles, promoting improved hair retention and regrowth. In clinical trials, nearly 80% of patients reported that their hair became thicker and longer while taking oral Minoxidil. For many patients, the oral version of Minoxidil presents a convenient alternative to the topical form, as it does not leave any residue on the scalp, is easier to apply than a solution twice daily, and can be safely combined with other hair loss treatment options.

Scalp Micropigmentation

Scalp micropigmentation is a procedure in which pigmentation is applied to the scalp to conceal thinning hair. Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is not truly a non-surgical hair restoration treatment; rather, it resembles a scalp tattoo that fills in small areas of hair thinning to create the appearance of fuller hair. The treatment involves the application of small dots of ink that match the color of your hair and are designed to follow your natural hair pattern. Scalp micropigmentation may be effective for some individuals, but if balding worsens, it can become quite noticeable. The treatment is most suitable for patients who wear their hair very short or in very small areas.

Does Nutrafol really work for hair loss?

Nutrafol is a proprietary blend of vitamins that is clinically proven to restore hair growth. It is available both as an oral vitamin supplement and a topical vitamin-enriched solution. The vitamin and nutrient formulation in Nutrafol prevents the conversion of male androgen hormones into DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a contributing factor to hair follicle damage that leads to hair thinning and baldness. On its own, Nutrafol is not the most effective treatment for hair thinning and hair loss. However, when paired with in-office therapies like LLLT or PRP injections, Nutrafol can help achieve and maintain thicker, fuller hair.

Which is better for hair loss, Rogaine or Nutrafol?

Rogaine is the brand name for the medication Minoxidil, which can be applied topically or taken orally. The medication widens the blood vessels in the scalp, increasing blood flow to promote stronger, thicker hair follicles. Rogaine also helps to maintain hair in the growth phase of the hair growth cycle for a longer duration. Nutrafol is a supplement that blocks the conversion of androgens into DHT, helping to prevent damage to hair follicles. Rogaine has been extensively studied and is FDA-approved to treat androgenetic alopecia. However, Nutrafol has not received FDA approval for hair loss treatment. Typically, Dr. Green does not recommend Nutrafol on its own; instead, she may suggest pairing Nutrafol with other treatments like Rogaine, Finasteride, or PRP injections.

Is there downtime associated with a hair transplant?

A hair transplant surgery is a surgical procedure that involves harvesting hair follicles from an area of dense hair growth and transplanting them to an area with thinning or balding hair. Two main types of surgical hair transplants are available: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) and Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT). FUE hair transplant surgery is the most popular form of surgical hair transplant, involving the extraction and implantation of donor grafts during a one-day surgical procedure. FUT hair transplant surgery is more invasive and entails the removal of a strip of skin from an area with denser hair growth and grafting onto the treatment area. Since the FUT surgical option is more invasive, the downtime associated with the treatment is longer. Most patients return to their regularly scheduled activities after 2-3 days, but the scarring will still be noticeable for 10-14 days as the treated area heals.

What is the best non-surgical treatment for hair loss?

The best hair loss treatment option depends on the root cause of the hair loss. Many patients experiencing hair loss will turn to companies like “Hims,” which offers hair loss solutions without conducting any tests beforehand. Some treatment options are ineffective for certain types of hair loss and can actually worsen hair shedding. Therefore, it is essential to start your hair loss treatment by visiting an experienced board-certified dermatologist, who will identify the root cause of your hair loss through a range of tests and recommend the best treatment option for you. Depending on the type of hair loss patients are experiencing, Dr. Green may use topical medications, such as minoxidil or spironolactone, oral medications, such as Finasteride, injectable steroids, such as corticosteroids, platelet-rich plasma injections, low-level laser therapy, or, in extreme cases, hair transplant or hair graft.

What is the best oral medication for hair loss?

The best medication that Dr. Green prescribes to address hair loss depends on the specific condition being treated. For androgenetic alopecia, Dr. Green may prescribe topical Minoxidil, which is FDA-approved to manage the condition. By increasing blood flow to the scalp and helping to transition dormant hairs into the growth phase, topical Minoxidil promotes new hair growth. It can be applied to the scalp via a dropper or as a foam. In some cases, Dr. Green may prescribe oral Minoxidil, which was initially used to treat high blood pressure. Another oral medication that Dr. Green often utilizes is Finasteride, sometimes referred to by the brand name Propecia. This DHT blocker helps to prevent future hair loss. Patients facing female pattern hair loss or PCOS may be prescribed Spironolactone, which, like Finasteride, inhibits the production of DHT and helps to avert future hair loss.

What are the disadvantages of non-surgical hair replacement?

Non-surgical hair replacement is an excellent treatment option for hair thinning that provides patients with fuller, healthier hair, all without the need for invasive procedures. Compared to surgical options, non-surgical hair loss treatments are not as long-lasting. Surgical hair transplants are permanent after one treatment, whereas the effects of non-surgical hair loss treatments diminish over time or once you stop taking the prescribed medication. That said, hair loss treatments can be repeated to maintain full, healthy, natural-looking results.

Can hair grow back after thinning?

Hair loss is very distressing since a person’s hair often forms a large part of their identity. Many people find that hair thinning seriously affects their self-esteem. Depending on the underlying cause, hair loss may or may not be reversible. When hair loss occurs due to an acute event, such as pregnancy, injury, or sudden severe stress, most patients find that their hair regrows completely when the hair growth cycle resets. When hair loss is caused by a medication or an underlying medical condition, full hair regrowth is often possible when the medication is stopped and the condition is addressed. For hormonal hair loss conditions like androgenic alopecia, full hair regrowth may not be possible, as damage to the hair follicle often occurs. However, expert board-certified dermatologist Dr. Green has many treatment options that can slow the rate of hair thinning and strengthen the hair follicles.

How long does non-surgical hair restoration last?

The duration of non-surgical hair restoration treatments depends on the underlying cause of hair loss and the specific type of treatment received. Some forms of hair loss are temporary, allowing restoration treatments to strengthen hair follicles and promote regrowth effectively. In such cases, these treatments yield very long-lasting results. Patients with hair thinning due to androgenetic alopecia will need to repeat in-office treatments approximately every six months to sustain the outcomes. Those taking medications will observe hair restoration results contingent upon their continued use of the medication.

How much does non-surgical hair restoration cost?

The cost can vary based on your geographic location, the type of institution where you receive treatment, the severity of hair loss, and the size of the treatment area. While seeking treatment from a board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Green, may be more expensive than getting treatment from a less experienced practitioner or ordering over-the-counter products online, the efficacy of the treatment will be significantly higher when you consult an expert medical professional. The number of treatments can also influence the total cost, and the number of sessions needed can depend on the size and scope of the treatment area as well as the condition being treated. After your initial consultation with Dr. Green, her office will provide you with a clearer estimate of the treatment cost based on these factors.

Is non-surgical hair replacement worth it?

Yes! Patients experiencing hair loss often seek ways to restore hair growth, and non-surgical treatments are highly effective options. The most important step is to consult an expert dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, at the beginning of your hair restoration journey. Dr. Green will diagnose the underlying cause of your hair loss to create the most effective treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. As you commence the treatment process, it is crucial to maintain realistic expectations about the extent of hair restoration that is possible based on the existing underlying condition.

How do I get started with non-surgical hair loss treatment today?

Hair loss is extremely common, affecting as many as 80 million Americans. However, it can be very distressing, causing patients to experience increased anxiety or lower self-esteem, which leads many to seek solutions. With numerous hair loss treatments available over-the-counter or advertised by companies like “Hims,” it can be difficult to determine which option is the safest and most effective. Additionally, using the wrong product can exacerbate hair loss and damage hair follicles. Therefore, it is essential to seek treatment from an expert board-certified dermatologist, such as Dr. Michele Green, who has been treating patients in her New York City dermatology office for more than 25 years. Dr. Green conducts a comprehensive examination of the skin, scalp, hair, and nails to determine the root cause of hair loss and provide a treatment plan that best meets patients’ needs.

Dr. Michele Green is an internationally renowned board-certified dermatologist with over two and a half decades of experience providing her patients with the best non-invasive treatment options. Dr. Green takes a holistic approach and embraces a less-is-more philosophy, creating customized skincare routines and treatment plans that cater to the unique concerns and aesthetic goals of her patients. She is consistently recognized as one of New York’s best dermatologists by Castle Connolly, New York Magazine, and Super Doctors for her dedication to her patients and expertise. Please call us at 212-535-3088 or email our New York City-based office today to schedule a consultation with Dr. Michele Green and find out which hair loss treatment is best for you.