Channel 'Mane' Character Energy With These Hair Treatments

Dealing with hair concerns can be stressful, especially before a big event. You want everyone focused on your dazzling outfit, not your scanty, damaged or brittle locks! We asked our experts to share the best treatments for you.

If you start noticing significant hair loss in the shower, on your pillowcase or in your hairbrush, it’s time to consult an expert and find the right treatment to reverse the damage. Many products are heavily marketed, and pharmacy shelves are filled with items making grand promises. Clinics on every corner offer treatments that’ll help restore your hair. If Rapunzel were here, she might have the inside scoop on the best options. For now, we rely on doctors who provide effective therapies that truly help grow back your mane. After all, as they say, your hair is your crown jewel!

Expert Advised Hair Treatments Before Your Wedding

Growth Factor Concentrate Therapy

Growth Factor Concentrate Therapy or GFC, an FDA-approved treatment, involves a specialised preparation made from an individual’s blood cells. It is highly safe, targeted and offers natural results. We consulted with face aesthetician and hair transplant expert Dr. Ishan Sardesai from The Face Centre, New Delhi to get more information on GFC.

What is it?

Growth Factor Concentrate therapy represents a cutting-edge approach within regenerative medicine. It involves the use of growth factors present in the mixed tubes along with growth factors derived from your own blood (specifically the plasma). This concoction is then injected into the scalp to stimulate hair growth, stop hair loss and improve hair thickness.

How is it different from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy?

GFC can be seen as a more advanced and effective version of PRP. It is generally considered superior due to the growth factors it releases over time, which PRP does to a lesser extent. Additionally, GFC has a significantly lower risk of pain and inflammation because it does not use red or white blood cells, unlike PRP.

Is it the right treatment for you?

If you are in the early stages of hair loss or hair thinning, then this is the treatment for you. It works best when used alongside medications like Minoxidil, Redensyl or Finasteride. It can also be used effectively after a hair restoration surgery to get quicker and efficient results.

How long does it take to show results?

Usually, after just a single session, you may notice a reduction in hairfall and an improvement in hair texture and quality. For best results, four sessions, a month apart from each other, are recommended with the final results becoming visible at the six-month mark. The hair growth cycle consists of four phases: Anagen (the growing phase), Catagen (the transition phase), Telogen (the resting phase) and Exogen (the shedding phase). This treatment has proven effective in prolonging the Anagen growth phase, repairing hair follicles and increasing the number of active hair follicles. Starting GFC during the early stages of hair loss can potentially delay or reduce the need for a hair transplant indefinitely. For maintenance, a single session every three to six months is recommended, depending on the stage of hair loss and response to the treatment.

Aftercare and side effects

You may experience mild swelling for about a day after the treatment, and the scalp may be tender to the touch for one to two days. A band is usually applied to the forehead after the treatment to prevent swelling. It is advised to wash the scalp the day after the treatment rather than the same day to avoid any side effects. GFC works even better when combined with healthy lifestyle changes. These include a balanced diet, regular exercise, a good night’s sleep and cutting down on smoking.

Why might some people not opt for it?

The thought of needles can evoke fear or discomfort in some individuals. Even though the procedure is relatively painless, the mere idea of needles can discourage them from pursuing this treatment. Another concern with needle-based procedures is the safety factor such as the risk of infections and adverse reactions. Clear communication with a qualified professional can address these concerns and provide reassurance.

Why we love it

GFC therapy harnesses the body’s natural growth factors to promote hair growth. This approach makes it appealing as it works in harmony with the body’s own mechanisms. It can be used for various types of hair loss including androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata and other forms of non-scarring hair loss. Its versatility makes it a viable option for a broad range of individuals with various concerns.

Needle-Free Jetpeel Technology

Pain and needles are not well received by many, but they often deliver the best results. If you’d prefer to avoid needles poking your scalp, Magick Hair Rescue, a signature protocol developed by Dr. Kiran Sethi, is your solution. Dr Sethi, MD of Isya Aesthetics and author of the bestseller Skin Sense has broken down this aeronautical JetPeel Technology in the simplest way possible for us.

What is it?

This treatment is performed with the JetPeel Machine, which uses pressurization to infuse actives into the scalp for cleansing, hair growth and frizz reduction. Gentle air jets push these actives deep under the scalp without actually touching it. It’s the only non-invasive medical treatment that reduces frizz and serves as a great alternative to Keratin and Hair Botox, which can damage hair in the long run. It’s a seven-step treatment that includes a cloud cleanse, cloud exfoliate, BioStimulation with gentle light devices, cloud grow, frizz-free proprietary infusion and activation. Even a single session of Magick Hair Rescue can leave your scalp and hair looking and feeling much healthier.

Is it the right treatment for you?

This treatment works for anyone who wants to tackle issues like dandruff, frizz or hair fall. It’s great for men and women, and safe for teenagers too. For those seeking hair growth alone, the Magick Gold version offered by Dr. Sethi is ideal. It uses a no-touch approach and Liquid Gold PRF technology. However, if you have a scalp disease, this treatment may not be suitable for you.

How long does it take to show results?

Most patients can see visible results even in a single session, especially when it comes to frizz reduction. But for maximising results, four sessions over a span of two to three months is recommended. When it comes to hair growth, it usually takes up to six months.

Aftercare and side effects

Side effects are extraordinarily rare unless someone is allergic or sensitive to an ingredient. Since air is used to infuse actives without touching the skin, Dr Sethi claims that risks are negligible and no downtime is needed. Additionally, avoiding excessive hair styling and products, and following a healthy diet and hair care habits, is advised.

Why we love it

It’s completely pain-free and uses no needles. It rejuvenates your scalp and instantly reduces frizz and dandruff, leaving your hair feeling fresh and healthy. Multiple sessions also help promote hair growth.

Exosomes

Mesenchymal Stem Cells (MSC) derived exosomes contain growth factors and other molecules that can promote hair follicle growth that leads to the regrowth of hair. They have no side effects and have proven to be one of the most effective treatments for those suffering from alopecia. Dr Simal Soin, Chief Dermatologist at AAYNA clinics and Medical Director of Clinikally, shares an overview of this process with us.

What is it?

They are essentially stem cell-derived growth factors which help in the regeneration of hair follicles. A small amount of blood is drawn from your arm and processed to isolate the exosomes. These exosomes are then injected into the scalp using a small needle.

Is it the right treatment for you?

If you’re suffering from androgenetic alopecia, which includes both male and female pattern hair loss, you can benefit from this treatment. Symptoms include loss of hair that occurs at the front and top of the head. However, the candidate selection for the treatment must be done by a trained doctor.

How long does it take to show results?

It takes about 12 weeks for most patients to begin seeing new hair growth, with the most noticeable results often appearing six months after the session. However, many patients can expect continued hair growth over the year following their treatment.

Aftercare and side effects

Exosome treatment is very safe and delivers impressive results without any adverse side effects reported so far. Most patients experience no discomfort and require no downtime after the treatment. While significant lifestyle changes are not necessary during the procedure, maintaining a healthy and balanced lifestyle is always beneficial.

Why might some people not opt for it?

Despite promising results in preclinical studies, the scientific evidence supporting exosome therapy in humans is limited. Some individuals may prefer treatments with a more established track record or backed by extensive clinical research. It is also relatively expensive compared to other therapies and requires multiple sessions to show maximum results.

Why we love it

Exosomes contain growth factors, proteins and other bioactive molecules believed to have regenerative properties that can contribute to hair follicle regeneration and promote healthier hair growth. The fact that exosome hair therapy typically involves minimal downtime makes it a plus for those who want to resume their busy schedule right after the treatment. It can be tailored to individual needs and the treatment plan can be adjusted based on the specific concerns of each person. This personalised approach is valued by those seeking targeted solutions.

Disclaimer: Opting for any beauty treatment should be done under the advisement of a professional.