Platelet-rich plasma therapy (PRP) uses your blood platelets and the many growth factors that they contain to stimulate hair growth and decrease inflammation. A fast, non-surgical treatment in the comfort of your hair specialist’s office can be done in conjunction with an FUE hair transplant or on its own.

PRP injected to the scalp has been shown to promote hair growth where follicles are present. The hair is nourished, and new blood supply stimulated, which shows denser growth and thicker hair shafts after treatment. PRP is typically performed in a series of 3 or 4 sessions, so PRP clients will usually see results after a few months and can maintain them with 1 or 2 treatments per year.

Hair-thinning shampoos are available over the counter, and you may see a few varieties stocked at the local pharmacy. It’s crucial to talk with your hair specialist about the ingredients that may (or may not) benefit you. Plenty of labels claim to “grow thicker hair”. They may contain amino acids, vitamins, and essential oils. They may contain medications or ingredients that function as DHT blockers (DHT is the hormone responsible for male pattern baldness). While they will not grow hair where there are no active follicles, hair loss shampoos can help improve thin or thinning hair.

Healthy hair depends on good health. Most people who eat a balanced diet won’t experience malnutrition to the degree that their hair falls out. However, in cases of iron anemia, restrictive diets, or deficiencies, it is possible for hair, skin, and nails to suffer. You need protein, iron, zinc, folic acid, and more to see healthy, shiny hair. Talk to your primary care physician about your health and nutrition. They may order blood tests to determine your needs and rule out other issues. Vitamins and herbal supplements have a reputation for being “natural” and “healthy,” yet they can be harmful in the wrong formulations or doses. Talk to your doctor before proceeding with supplements to boost your hair growth.

If you are planning to have an FUE hair transplant, being in excellent health can help you heal fast without any complications.

Omega-3 and omega-6 are essential fatty acids. They can’t be manufactured by your body, so they must be consumed in whole foods that contain healthy fats. Omega-3 is linked to reduced inflammation, and inflammation is linked to premature hair loss in some people. Omega-6 is connected to overall skin health. Most people can take a quality fish oil supplement to improve their hair, skin, and nails. Ask your doctor if supplementing could be right for you.

Commonly known as Rogaine, this hair loss treatment is a topical product applied to the scalp. Available as liquid or foam, men and women can use Minoxidil to thicken hair and halt fallout. This product is meant to be applied to the scalp twice per day, and it may take 2 to 6 months for the full effects to be seen. Minor side effects like scalp irritation and itching do occur. While many people report slowed hair loss with the use of this product, the results disappear once they are discontinued, and it won’t grow hair back where you are bald. Ask your doctor for a full list of pros and cons related to Rogaine.

Finasteride is also known as Propecia. This is a prescription hair loss medication for men only. Taken in pill form daily, finasteride’s effects are similar to Minoxidil in that it’s known to slow or stop hair loss as long as the patient is using it. There are some unpleasant side effects associated with its use that you will need to discuss with your doctor before starting treatment.

Low-level laser therapy has now been cleared by Health Canada and the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use at home. Usually available in the form of combing devices and caps, these futuristic-looking LLLT tools are designed to stimulate blood flow and target the DHT that damages follicles. They need to be used only briefly a few times per week. The results take several months due to the natural growth cycles, but this is a completely painless, non-invasive treatment with minimal risk, which makes it appealing to many people. FUE hair transplants are often complimented with PRP and LLLT for rapid results.

Known as SMP or hair tattoos, micropigmentation uses tiny tools to place pigment just under the scalp skin. The pattern and direction of your hair growth along with careful colour matching leads to a hyper-realistic look. Patients can have longer “strands” marked on the scalp to create the illusion of thicker hair.

For people who are bald or don’t want to undergo FUE for any other reason, tattooing is a low-maintenance and stylish alternative. SMP can deposit tiny “stubble-like” hairs across the scalp to create the impression of a freshly shaved head. Clients who opt for SMP find that the aesthetic works well in the corporate world or the casual world. The results fade after roughly 5 years and will need to be touched up.