Hair loss can affect people of any gender, at any age. While hair loss is usually not considered harmful to our overall health, losing hair can leave many people feeling insecure and uncomfortable with their appearance. Hair loss can come in many different forms, which can also range in severity from very mild to more serious hair loss. 

But is there a way we can biohack hair loss? While resolving hair loss completely is not always possible, some biohacking techniques may help keep hair loss to a minimum. Here’s how.

Understanding the Root Cause of Hair Loss

Before understanding the various ways biohackers work to improve hair loss, it’s important to differentiate the root cause of many types of hair loss. Telogen Effluvium (TE) is a short-term type of hair loss that can be caused by stress, weight changes, changes in hormones, or nutritional deficiencies. This type of hair loss often resolves on its own.

However, other forms of hair loss may be genetic, such as Androgenic Alopecia (Male or Female Pattern Hair Loss). This type of hair loss occurs gradually over many years and may be more likely in families with a history of hair loss. Other types of hair loss, such as Alopecia Areata, are caused by problems with the body’s immune system.

Understanding the type of hair loss you’re dealing with can make it easier to appropriately target treatments. Seeking an examination by a dermatologist or hair loss specialist is the best way to determine why you may be losing hair.

Treatments Available for Hair Loss

Lots of hair loss treatments are available on the market – but which are effective? Depending on the root cause of your hair loss, one or more of the following treatments may help you to reduce hair shedding and/or encourage the growth of new hair.

Microneedling

Microneedling is one treatment available for hair loss that has gained a lot of popularity in the last few years. This treatment pricks the skin by using small, sterilized needles that create microscopic tears in the scalp. The idea behind this treatment method is to increase growth factors by stimulating the scalp and encouraging the body’s production of collagen.

Research suggests microneedling may help support new hair growth for people with AA or AGA but this method is likely ineffective for hair loss that is caused by stress or nutritional deficiencies. Microneedling can be performed at home or in a clinic setting by a professional.

Laser Therapy

Low-level laser therapy helmets or hair brushes are also sold for home use as a potential treatment for hair loss. The laser may help encourage circulation and stimulation of hair follicles, with repeated exposure. Research shows this type of laser therapy can be safe and effective for some people and may be useful for several different types of hair loss.

Pharmaceuticals 

Some medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, might be useful in slowing down the progression of hair loss. For example, Rogaine foam or liquid is often used to address male and female pattern balding. This over-the-counter medication works by enhancing blood flow to the scalp. Other oral medications, such as Spironolactone, may also be prescribed by a healthcare professional depending on the root cause of the hair loss.

PRP Injections

Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections are used to stimulate hair growth in a specific area of hair thinning or balding. This procedure is performed by a professional and requires the use of a syringe that injects the plasma into the area of concern. While lots of research suggests the effectiveness of PRP, it is not suitable for all forms of hair loss.

Vitamins and Supplements

Many forms of hair loss may be caused by nutritional deficiencies. Testing for common deficiencies, such as Vitamin D and Iron levels, may be helpful for these forms of hair loss. Supplementation with hair growth/hair loss vitamins may be useful in supporting hair loss due to nutritional deficiencies, but is not a useful treatment in treating genetic or autoimmune forms of hair loss.

Hair Transplants

Hair transplants are often used in scenarios where a person is experiencing advanced hair loss. This is a procedure performed by an advanced surgeon that can transfer hairs from one area of the body to the area that has balded. While a hair transplant has been an effective option for many, the costs associated with the procedure make this an option that is not available to everyone.

  1. English, R. S., Ruiz, S., & DoAmaral, P. (2021). Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review. Dermatology and Therapy, 12(1), 41–60. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-021-00653-2
  2.  Avci, P., Dua, K., Clark, J. A., Wikonkál, N., & Hamblin, M. R. (2014). Low-level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) for treatment of hair loss. Lasers in Surgery and Medicine, 46(2), 144–151. https://doi.org/10.1002/lsm.22170
  3. 5. Nina Semsarzadeh, MD, Shilpi Khetarpal, MD, Platelet-Rich Plasma and Stem Cells for Hair Growth: A Review of the Literature, Aesthetic Surgery Journal, Volume 40, Issue 4, April 2020, Pages NP177–NP188, https://doi.org/10.1093/asj/sjz146