Hair Loss

Hair loss can be caused by stress, genetics, medical conditions, and everything in between. Certain types of hair loss can be halted or even reversed with the right treatments and strategies. At Believe Image in Greenville, SC, we are medical professionals and long-time consumers in the beauty and cosmetic industry, and we enjoy working with patients to uncover the root causes of their hair loss. We strive to help them regain healthy hair through comprehensive and personalized care.

What Types of Hair Loss Can We Treat?

• Androgenetic Alopecia: This genetic cause of hair loss, often referred to as male or female pattern baldness, is the most common form. It is typically characterized by thinning hair on the crown and a receding hairline in men, while women usually experience diffuse thinning over the scalp.
• Alopecia Areata: This type of hair loss occurs when the immune system mistakenly attacks hair follicles, leading to patchy hair loss. Alopecia areata can affect people of all ages and often appears suddenly.
• Telogen Effluvium: Telogen effluvium is a temporary condition usually triggered by stress, illness, or hormonal changes. It causes a significant number of hair follicles to enter the resting phase, leading to noticeable shedding a few months after the triggering event.
• Traction Alopecia: This type of hair loss is caused by prolonged tension on the hair, often from hairstyles that pull tightly, such as braids or ponytails. Over time, this tension damages the hair follicles, leading to thinning and hair loss, particularly around the hairline.
• Nutritional Deficiencies: A lack of essential nutrients like iron, zinc, and vitamins can lead to hair loss. Poor diet or certain medical conditions that affect nutrient absorption can result in weakened hair and increased shedding.

What Are the Benefits of Our Hair Loss Treatments? 

Improved Hair Density

Our treatments can promote the growth of new hair and reduce the progression of hair loss, leading to increased hair density. This improvement can help fill in thinning areas and give your hair a fuller appearance. By targeting the underlying causes, we aim to stimulate healthy hair growth from the inside out.

Improved Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is one of the most important factors in the health and abundance of hair. Promoting scalp health is the first step to addressing hair loss. Many of our treatments focus on creating an optimal environment for hair growth by nourishing the scalp and improving circulation. This can help reduce inflammation and other issues that hinder hair growth.

Enhanced Hair Quality

In addition to increasing hair density, our treatments aim to improve the overall quality of your hair. Healthier hair strands are often stronger, shinier, and less prone to breakage. With us, you can work towards having hair that not only looks better but also feels more resilient and manageable.

Individual Treatment Plans

Each patient experiences thinning hair differently, so we create personalized treatment plans that cater to your needs. This approach allows us to address the unique factors contributing to your hair loss such as poor nutrition or hormonal imbalance.

Non-Invasive Options

We offer a variety of non-invasive treatments that do not require surgery or extensive downtime. These options include topical treatments, medications, and advanced therapies that can be easily integrated into your daily routine. Non-invasive solutions provide effective results with minimal disruption to your life.

Our Treatment Options

Topical Medications

Topical medications like Minoxidil are available in various strengths and formulations which offers flexibility for those dealing with different degrees of hair thinning. Applied directly to the scalp, these thinning hair treatments revitalize hair follicles and extend the growth phase of the hair cycle. Consistent use can lead to noticeable improvement in hair density and coverage over time.

During the treatment process, you will apply minoxidil to the affected areas of the scalp once or twice daily. Initially, you might experience some increased shedding as weaker hairs fall out to make way for stronger growth. Patience is key, as visible results typically appear after several months of regular use.

Corticosteroids

Corticosteroids are often used to treat inflammatory conditions that contribute to hair loss. These medications help reduce inflammation and suppress the immune response that might be attacking hair follicles. They can be administered as topical creams, injections, or oral medications, depending on the severity of the condition.

The treatment process for corticosteroids can vary. Topical applications are usually applied to the scalp daily, while injections may be given in a series of sessions over several weeks. Your response to the treatment will be monitored to adjust dosages or methods as needed for optimal results.

Topical Hair Serum

Defenage Pro 150k Hair Follicle Serum is designed to support hair health and promote growth. This serum contains a blend of peptides and growth factors that nourish the scalp and strengthen hair follicles. Applied directly to the scalp, it helps create a favorable environment for hair growth.

To use the serum, you will typically apply it to clean, dry scalp daily. The lightweight formulation absorbs quickly, making it convenient for daily use. Over time, you should notice improvements in hair texture and thickness.

Oral Medications

Finasteride, spironolactone, and metformin are oral medications commonly used for hair thinning solutions. These medications work by addressing hormonal imbalances that can contribute to hair loss. Finasteride, for example, reduces DHT levels, a hormone linked to androgenetic alopecia.

When taking oral medications, you can expect a straightforward process of daily ingestion. Regular follow-ups with your provider will be necessary to monitor your progress and adjust dosages if needed. Visible results may take several months, and consistent use is important for maintaining benefits.

Hormone Therapy

Hormonal imbalances can lead to hair thinning and loss. Hormone replacement therapy balances these levels so hair growth can be restored. Depending on your situation, treatments might include testosterone replacement therapy or other methods.

Smooth Threads

Smooth threads are a minimally invasive hair loss treatment that involves inserting fine threads into the scalp to stimulate collagen production and improve blood flow. This method enhances the scalp environment, encouraging hair growth and strengthening existing hair. During the appointment, threads are strategically placed under the skin of the scalp using a thin needle called a cannula. Local anesthetic is used to minimize discomfort. Over the following weeks and months, the threads dissolve naturally, leaving behind a network of new collagen to support hair growth.

Nutritional Supplements and Advice

Proper nutrition is important for healthy hair growth. Supplements specifically formulated for thinning hair can help address deficiencies that might contribute to hair loss. These supplements often contain vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients essential for hair health. We also offer support through personalized dietary plans, management of your individual nutritional needs, and education so you can promote your overall health while working to improve your hairline.

Shampoo

Specialized shampoos for hair loss contain ingredients that promote a healthy scalp and hair growth. These shampoos can help cleanse the scalp of excess oil and debris while delivering nutrients that support hair follicles. Using these shampoos is simple: replace your regular shampoo with the hair loss-specific one. Massage it into your scalp and leave it on for a few minutes before rinsing.

Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) or Platelet-Rich Fibrin (PRF) Injections

PRP and PRF involve using your blood’s growth factors to stimulate hair growth. These hair restoration treatments use the body’s natural healing abilities to rejuvenate hair follicles and encourage new growth.

The treatment involves drawing a small amount of blood, processing it to concentrate the platelets and growth factors, and then injecting it into the scalp. The process typically takes about an hour, and most patients can resume normal activities immediately. Results develop gradually as the growth factors work to improve hair density and health.

Microneedling

Microneedling, combined with topical serums like exosomes, PRP, or PRF, can enhance hair growth by stimulating the scalp and promoting absorption of growth factors. This hair loss treatment involves using tiny needles to create microchannels in the scalp, causing your body to initiate healing processes in the area. We use the Dp4™ microneedling device because it is the gold standard for microneedling.  

During a microneedling session, the scalp is numbed, and a device is placed on the skin where 16 needles precisely puncture the skin. This is repeated over the entire scalp. The treatment takes about 30 minutes, and you might experience mild redness or swelling afterward. Over the following weeks, the treatment can be repeated for improved hair density and quality.

LED Light Therapy

LED light therapy uses specific wavelengths of light to stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. This non-invasive treatment improves cellular activity and blood circulation in the scalp, supporting healthier hair. Treatment sessions involve sitting under an LED light cap or device for a set period, usually around 20-30 minutes. The process is painless, and there is no downtime. Consistent sessions over several months can help enhance hair growth and thickness.

Using Pro-Nox™ for Easier Treatments 

Pro-Nox™ is a self-administered nitrous oxide system that helps reduce anxiety and discomfort during hair loss treatments. This easy-to-use system allows you to control your own pain relief, making the treatment process more comfortable. It can be used with any treatment, allowing you to focus on your hair restoration without unnecessary stress.