A Comprehensive Guide to Hair Loss and Treatment Methods
The Root Causes of Hair Loss
Hair loss (alopecia) can stem from many different causes. The most common form, androgenetic alopecia (genetic hair loss), is classified in men using the Norwood scale and in women using the Ludwig scale. This form occurs through the gradual miniaturisation and loss of function of hair follicles under the influence of hormones.
Other common causes include: nutritional deficiencies (iron, zinc, vitamin D, B12), thyroid disorders, stress-related telogen effluvium, alopecia areata (autoimmune), fungal infections and excessive chemical or heat damage. For this reason, a comprehensive analysis and blood tests where necessary are extremely important before any treatment.
What Is PRP (Platelet Rich Plasma) Treatment?
PRP involves injecting platelet-rich plasma separated from the patient's own blood into the scalp. The platelets contain growth factors (PDGF, VEGF, EGF, etc.) that can activate dormant hair follicles, increase stem cell activity and support capillary formation.
PRP is applied every 4–6 weeks and 3–6 sessions are generally recommended, followed by maintenance sessions every 3–6 months. It can be used alone or as a supportive treatment alongside hair transplantation. Side effects are extremely low since no foreign substance is involved.
Mesotherapy and Micrograft Applications
Mesotherapy is a treatment in which personalised cocktails containing vitamins, minerals, amino acids and growth factors are delivered into the scalp through very fine needles. The goal is to nourish hair follicles and increase microcirculation. Ideal candidates: early-stage hair loss, cases with miniaturisation detected on trichoscopy, and use in combination with PRP.
Micrograft involves extracting small tissue particles with a high stem cell density from the scalp and transplanting them to areas of hair loss. It differs from a full hair transplant and is considered more of a regenerative approach.
Exosome Treatment: Cellular Renewal
Exosomes are nano-sized vesicles that facilitate cell-to-cell communication and contain growth factors, microRNAs and proteins. Exosome preparations used in hair treatment aim to increase the regenerative capacity of hair follicles and reduce tissue damage.
As they contain a higher concentration of bioactive molecules than PRP, faster and more pronounced responses have been observed in some patients. Can be used alone or in combination with PRP and mesotherapy. Clinical studies on its efficacy are still ongoing and the most up-to-date protocols are applied at Checklife.
Laser Support (Low-Level Laser Therapy — LLLT)
LLLT is a treatment that increases follicular activity by applying low-intensity red or near-infrared light to the scalp. Hair follicle cells that absorb the energy accelerate ATP production and facilitate the transition to the growth phase (anagen).
Clinical studies show it can be beneficial especially in the early stages of androgenetic alopecia. It has no side effects and can easily be combined with other treatments. Available through clinical or home-use devices applied daily or several times a week.
How Do You Choose the Right Treatment?
There is no single "magic" solution for hair loss. The right treatment is determined by the type and stage of loss, the patient's age and general health. At Checklife, every patient goes through the following steps:
1. Trichoscopy: Digital hair-scalp analysis to evaluate follicle density, miniaturisation rate and scalp condition. 2. CheckAI™ Analysis: A preliminary report generated by photo-based artificial intelligence evaluation. 3. Blood Tests: Iron, zinc, B12, vitamin D, thyroid hormones and androgen profile are examined. 4. Personalised Protocol: A programme including PRP, mesotherapy, exosome or a combination is prepared based on all data. 5. Periodic Follow-Up: Results are compared via 3-monthly photographs; the plan is updated as needed.