If you’ve been looking for effective solutions for hair loss, you’ve probably come across treatments like micro needling, minoxidil, and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). But with so many options, which one is the best? Recent research has compared these treatments head-to-head to give us a clearer picture of what works and why.
What the Research Shows
A study was done with three different groups of men suffering from androgenetic alopecia (the most common type of hair loss). Here’s how the groups were treated:
- Micro needling Only: The first group had micro needling done three times, with sessions spaced a month apart.
- Micro needling with Minoxidil: The second group had micro needling plus daily applications of minoxidil, a popular over-the-counter treatment.
- PRP Injections: The third group received only PRP injections, which involves using the patient’s own blood to concentrate platelets and growth factors and then injecting it into the scalp to stimulate hair growth.
After two months of treatment, all three groups showed similar results in terms of hair growth—meaning, they all had new hair sprouting. However, the hair that grew was thicker in the PRP-only group, compared to the others.
Micro needling and Minoxidil: A Powerful Combo
Interestingly, micro needling alone or combined with minoxidil didn’t lead to thicker hair compared to PRP. But when PRP was combined with micro needling (in a different study), the results were even more impressive. Not only did the patients experience new hair growth, but the thickness of the hair was greater than when PRP alone was used.
What’s the Best Treatment?
The answer is a bit complicated. If you’re looking for a simple and less invasive treatment, micro needling combined with minoxidil might be a good option. However, PRP—especially when combined with micro needling—seems to offer the best results in terms of hair thickness and quality.
But it’s important to note that other factors, like underlying health issues (hypothyroidism, stress, or rapid weight loss), can also impact hair growth, so addressing those is essential for long-term success.
Ethical Considerations in Hair Loss Treatment
As we all know, hair loss can be a sensitive topic. With the rise of weight loss medications, many people are experiencing rapid weight loss and hair thinning. It’s important to be transparent with patients—while the hair may grow back once the weight loss stabilizes, treatments like PRP and micro needling can speed up the process.
Conclusion:
There’s no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to hair loss treatments, but micro needling, minoxidil, and PRP are all effective in their own ways. If you want to maximize results, consider combining treatments, especially micro needling with PRP. And remember, hair growth takes time—so be patient and work with your healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for you!
