“Exosome therapy is a non-surgical topical treatment for alopecia, which is hair loss,” says Dr. Marks. “The technology facilitates the activation and production of hair from a previously dormant follicle unit. It’s used by hair experts all over the country as an important component to the treatment plan.”

To get a better idea of how this therapy works, it’s helpful to start with the basics of exosomes.

What Are Exosomes?

• Exosomes are small sacs within or outside of cells. They float around the body and help repair tissues. 
• They help cells exchange proteins (including growth factors), fats and genetic material, acting as messengers that allow cell-to-cell communication.
• Through this interaction, exosomes set off a spark in the essential parts of hair follicle stem cells. This moves the hair follicle from the resting phase (or telogen phase) into the active phase of the hair growth cycle, which helps stimulate hair regrowth.

How Exosome Therapy Works

• Application: Exosome therapy involves administering exosomes directly to the scalp with a microneedling roller. The roller creates tiny channels in the skin to help the exosomes penetrate more deeply and interact with hair follicle cells.
• Other mechanisms may also be used to apply treatment, including ultrasound instruments.
• Who it’s for: It is most used for people with androgenic alopecia, but it has potential benefits for other types of non-scarring hair loss, such as alopecia areata and telogen effluvium. People with scarring hair loss from diseases, such as lupus, may not benefit from this therapy.
• Treatment plan: One session of treatment usually costs between $600 to $800 and is not covered by insurance. Dr. Marks generally recommends one session a month for four months, though this can vary depending on the person.
• Safety and recovery: Most people tolerate this treatment well, with minimal risks and side effects. Mild pain and tenderness can develop after application to the scalp. In rare cases, the skin of the scalp could become infected.
• When to expect results: Hair growth can take time. Dr. Marks usually tells his patients it could be six months to a year before they see results from the therapy.  

Dr. Marks adds that this less invasive therapy can work as a single treatment but is even more effective when combined with a full spectrum approach that includes other hair loss medications (more on this in a bit).

How It’s Different From Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy

Another popular treatment for hair loss is PRP therapy, which uses the patient’s blood to isolate growth factors to help stimulate hair growth. According to Dr. Marks, exosome therapy works on a very similar idea, but with some key differences:

Process

• PRP therapy: Blood is drawn from the patient and spun in a machine called a centrifuge, which separates the blood into layers. A specific layer containing natural growth factors is removed and injected back into the scalp.
• Exosome therapy: Growth factors are prepared in a lab and packaged ahead of time for optimal delivery, then applied directly on the scalp.

Pain level

• PRP therapy: Can be more painful
• Exosome therapy: Generally well tolerated with minimal discomfort

Procedure time

• PRP therapy: Requires a much more complex process and can take longer
• Exosome therapy: Takes about 15 minutes in the office

One Part of a Full Treatment Plan

The first step in deciding if exosome therapy is right for you is to consult with a hair loss dermatology specialist. They will consider your medical history and evaluate your thyroid function and iron levels. 

“Once we make sure your internal environment is optimized for hair growth, we put together a full spectrum approach,” says Dr. Marks. “This includes hair loss prevention medications, such as spironolactone or finasteride, along with clinically proven hair growth systemic medications like oral minoxidil.”

By combining medication that prevents further loss with external treatments like exosome therapy, you are more likely to see enhanced hair recovery and long-term success. 

Additional Ways to Promote Hair Growth

Whether you’re strolling down the aisle at the drugstore or scrolling through social media, it can feel like there are a million different hair loss solutions out there today. So, what actually works?

“Alopecia, or hair loss, is a complex biologic process,” says Dr. Marks. “The most effective treatment plan involves treating the entire system. Rarely is hair loss a single-method treatment.”

As mentioned earlier, it’s important to get lab work done to identify any deficiencies before using supplements and oral medications. Dr. Marks notes that the following medications can not only promote but also sustain hair growth:

• Finasteride
• Dutasteride
• Spironolactone
• Minoxidil
• Bicalutamide

The Truth About Biotin

Is biotin helpful or a hoax? That depends. If you are deficient in biotin (also known as vitamin B7), increasing your intake may promote hair regrowth. Whole eggs, salmon and sunflower seeds are common food sources rich in biotin. But unless you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, biotin deficiency is rare.

Biotin creates energy at the hair root to support hair growth and helps break down the amino acids that become keratin and collagen. However, there’s no evidence to suggest that taking biotin supplements will reduce hair loss or stimulate hair follicles if you are not deficient.

Before deciding on the best treatment options for you, consult with a hair loss dermatology specialist. You can also learn more about the root causes of hair disorders.