Does Exosome Therapy Work for Hair Loss? - eMediHealth (2024)

Exosome therapy is an exciting new way to tackle hair loss, especially the common type called androgenetic alopecia (AGA).

Existing treatments for AGA often fall short, either lacking effectiveness or causing unwanted side effects.

What makes exosome therapy so appealing is its ability to promote significant hair growth without reported negative effects. (1)(2)

Exosomes, which are tiny vesicles released by cells, carry therapeutic substances and show promise in treating various conditions, including hair regeneration. Stem cell-derived exosomes, which mimic stem cells, have proven effective in repairing damaged hair follicles and encouraging regrowth.

AGA happens when androgen receptors in hair follicles are overactivated by dihydrotestosterone, impacting not only physical appearance but also mental well-being. (1)(2)

However, with new therapies such as exosome therapy, hair loss treatment can be made better.

Continue reading to understand exosome therapy a bit more in detail.

How Does Exosome Therapy Work for Hair Loss?

Hair, whether on animals or humans, serves various functions such as defense, communication, and aesthetics.

Hair growth is a complex process that involves small organs called the hair follicles. These follicles undergo cycles of growth, rest, and shedding.

Two crucial players in this process are hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells.

Researchers discovered that tiny carriers called exosomes, specifically DPC-derived exosomes, play a vital role in regulating hair growth. These exosomes transfer important molecules between cells, influencing cell behavior. (3)

Exosomes have been found to boost hair regeneration and stimulate key genes such as LEF1. This LEF1 gene is like a manager, guiding the hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells and promoting hair growth.

Exosomes, by enhancing LEF1, encourage cell growth and prevent cell death, promoting healthy hair and managing hair loss. (3)

Is Exosome Therapy Effective in Treating Hair Loss?

A recent review looked at studies investigating exosomes for hair restoration. So far, the results are promising. Exosomes from sources such as stem cells and dermal papilla cells have shown effectiveness in increasing hair density and thickness.

When exosomes were administered topically on patients with hair loss, positive outcomes were observed. While more research is needed, the current findings suggest exosomes to be a big hit in hair restoration treatments. (4)(5)

In a 3-week study, exosome injections given every 2 days were compared to minoxidil, a common hair loss drug. While minoxidil caused skin irritation, the exosome group stayed protected from side effects and only showed minimal inflammation.

The study concluded that hair regrowth was comparable between exosome and minoxidil groups, both outperforming the untreated group. In fact, by day 15, the exosome group displayed the highest hair coverage. (6)

In another study, exosomes improved hair thickness and density in 20 patients. Moreover, the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons presented promising outcomes with exosome treatments at their 2020 World Congress. (7)

Is Exosome Therapy Better Than Other Hair Loss Treatments?

Unlike common treatments such as minoxidil, exosomes offer a potentially natural solution with fewer side effects. In fact, research hints exosome therapy is a promising, less invasive method for people seeking alternatives to surgery. (8)

Here’s a comparison between exosome therapy and the common hair loss drug minoxidil:

Most-Asked Questions

How is exosome therapy done?

Exosome therapy can be administered topically or through injections into the scalp.

Is exosome therapy an FDA-approved treatment for hair loss?

As of now, exosome therapy for hair loss is not FDA approved.

Final Word

Exosomes, derived from stem cells, show promise as a treatment for hair loss, particularly androgenetic alopecia (AGA). These small vesicles influence crucial cells such as the hair follicle stem cells, promoting hair regeneration with fewer side effects than minoxidil, a common hair loss drug.

Despite lacking FDA approval, ongoing research suggests exosome therapy as a potentially natural and less invasive alternative for effective hair restoration.