Hair Growth Stimulants act as accelerators for hair follicles by propelling their normal, natural growth pattern, extending their length, improving their width and diameter and, in some cases rehabilitating hair follicles which would otherwise remain inactive.
Minoxidil is a vasodilator, an over the counter pharmaceutical available in a topical solution or foam, which has been clinically proven to stimulate hair regrowth.
Minoxidil is the only chemical known to generate a micro capillary contact with the hair follicle, and improve blood flow and micro circulation to the papilla, the base of the hair which absorbs nutrients.
By creating this microcapillary contact, minoxidil triggers the reaction of small resting hair follicles which results in slightly longer and thicker hair growth.
Overall minoxidil is the most widely used hair growth product worldwide but requires a daily use and has a limited stimulus. But when used consistently. it will produce positive results by gradually enlarging and lengthening miniaturized hair follicles.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (or LLLT) uses non-invasive pain-free light technology to stimulate energy production within the cell and scientifically induce regrowth of thicker, fuller hair.
It has been clinically proven that red light therapy, administered typically at wavelengths of 633-670 nm with a power of 5mW, improves the width and diameter of the hair shaft by 48% over the course of 90 days.
LLLT aims to accelerate cell regeneration and expedite healing in certain areas of the scalp by simulating cell division.
Low-Level Laser Therapy’s results are variable. For example, the patient has already reached a stage of hair loss in which the hair follicles have seen a drastic decreased in size, the laser’s stimulation may not be sufficient to regrow lost hair.
LLLT is FDA cleared, and must be used at least twice a week in order for it to show results.
Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP), is a blood component that carries a concentration of platelets five times higher than ordinary plasma and is used as a growth stimulant in PRP procedures.
It is obtained by placing the blood, contained in a 20-22cc specialized tube, in a centrifuge and spun around at a specific speed. The force set in motion during the rotation triggers the separation of the different blood components. This results in a clear division between red blood cells and white blood cells, platelet poor plasma, and platelet-rich plasma.
Once PRP is isolated it is immediately injected into the scalp to deliver growth factors directly to hair follicles that have been impacted by hair loss.
Injections may vary in number and in size. Each practitioner may use different techniques including whether PRP is delivered through the subcutaneous fat layer of the scalp or the dermal layer of the scalp.
Using PRP as a growth stimulant decreases inflammation and propels hair growth beyond the point of its own natural inclination. PRP also has been seen to rehabilitate resting hair follicle and deliver much needed nutrients to the cells.
PRP is a safe, non-surgical procedure which takes between half an hour and forty minutes (from the drawing of blood to the actual injection) and requires no downtime. Platelet Rich Plasma is not a permanent hair growth solution. It requires a sequence of 3 to 4 treatments over a course of four to five months, and additional maintenance procedures are recommended over time in order to maintain results.
To boost hair growth to maximum levels, clients/patients could possibly use all three stimulants at the same time. But it’s important to remember that although each stimulant has great potential unless ALL THREE HAIR LOSS REASONS behind hair loss are BLOCKED, results will be minimal.
The underlying cause(s) behind hair loss should be addressed prior to proceeding with any type of hair growth stimulation therapy for maximum hair regrowth.