Myth 2: Wearing hats or pulling your hair back causes balding Hats do not suffocate hair follicles, and everyday ponytails are not the reason you are experiencing hair thinning. True balding begins beneath the surface of the scalp at the follicular level. While consistently tight hairstyles can contribute to breakage or traction related thinning over time, they do not cause pattern hair loss. Understanding this distinction helps separate common balding misconceptions from reality. If hair breakage is a concern, protecting your strands matters. Our NHLMA Silk Sleep Set with an eye mask, scrunchie, and pillowcase helps reduce friction, retain moisture, and support healthier hair while you sleep. Available in white or grey. Myth 3: Hair loss only happens as you get older Age can influence hair density, but hair thinning does not wait for a certain milestone. We regularly see men and women in their twenties and thirties experiencing changes triggered by stress, hormonal shifts, inflammation, or nutrient deficiencies. One of the most important hair thinning truths is that early intervention often leads to better outcomes than waiting until loss is more advanced. Myth 4: If you are shedding, you are going bald Shedding and hair loss are not the same thing. Daily shedding is a normal part of the hair growth cycle. Increased shedding can occur after illness, stress, or hormonal changes and is often temporary. True hair loss happens when follicles gradually miniaturize or stop producing strong hair over time. Knowing the difference can reduce unnecessary worry and help guide smarter treatment decisions. Myth 5: Nothing really works for hair loss This may be the most discouraging of all hair loss myths and also the least true. Advances in regenerative medicine have transformed what is possible. Treatments like medical grade laser therapy, PRP, exosomes, and targeted cellular support help improve follicle health, enhance cellular signaling, and restore a healthier scalp environment. While no treatment is one size fits all, personalized plans guided by science can deliver meaningful, visible results. Source link

Bonus: Get Monthly Personalized Facials Monthly personalized facials play a powerful role in managing both acne and signs of aging. Acne is often driven by inflammation, congestion, and imbalance within the skin barrier. Our customized facials focus on calming inflammation, regulating oil production, clearing pores, and supporting healthy cell turnover without compromising the skin’s integrity. For anti aging concerns, monthly custom facials or Hydrafacials help stimulate circulation, support collagen production, and improve skin texture and tone over time. By adjusting techniques and active ingredients each month, we can address fine lines, dullness, dehydration, and loss of firmness in a controlled, progressive way. Because skin is constantly changing, personalization is key. These facials allow our providers to respond to breakouts, hormonal shifts, seasonal changes, or post procedure needs in real time. They also enhance the results of treatments like microneedling, lasers, and injectables by keeping the skin balanced and resilient between visits. Think of monthly personalized facials as ongoing skin maintenance. They help prevent setbacks, support long term clarity and firmness, and keep your skin performing at its best. Source link

If you’ve been researching advanced skin or hair treatments, you’ve likely come across exosomes. They’re often described as “next-generation regenerative therapy,” but what does that actually mean, and are exosomes worth considering? At NHLMA, we believe patients make the best decisions when they understand why a treatment works, not just what it promises. Below, we break down exosome therapy in clear, straightforward terms so you can decide whether it aligns with your goals. What Are Exosomes? (In Plain English) Exosomes are microscopic messengers naturally released by cells. Their job is to deliver instructions between cells, telling them how to repair, regenerate, and function more efficiently. In aesthetics, exosome therapy for skin treatment uses purified, lab-derived exosomes that contain powerful growth factors, proteins, and signaling molecules. When applied to the skin or scalp, these signals help activate the body’s natural repair processes rather than forcing change from the outside. Think of exosomes as communication tools: they don’t replace your cells, but they encourage them to perform better. Source link

Most people spend a lot of time thinking about their hair: the right shampoo, the right cut, the right products. But the scalp? It often gets overlooked entirely. And that’s a problem, because your scalp is where everything begins. Think of your scalp the way you think of soil in a garden. No matter how much attention you give to the plant above ground, if the soil underneath is depleted, compacted, or out of balance, healthy growth simply cannot happen. The same principle applies to your hair. If your scalp is clogged, inflamed, or lacking in circulation, your follicles cannot do their job. At NHLMA, we see this every day in our practice. Patients come in frustrated with thinning, shedding, or slow growth, and what we often find is that the root of the issue (literally) is an unhealthy scalp environment. The good news is that scalp health is something you can actively improve. Here is where to start. Why Scalp Health Is the Foundation of Hair Growth Your hair follicles live inside your scalp. Each follicle is a living structure surrounded by blood vessels that deliver oxygen and nutrients, sebaceous glands that produce natural oils, and a network of cells that regulate the growth cycle. When any part of that environment is compromised, it affects how your hair grows, or whether it grows at all. Common scalp conditions that interfere with hair growth include buildup from products and dead skin cells, excess oil or chronic dryness, scalp inflammation (which can be silent and symptom-free), reduced blood flow to the follicles, and microbial imbalance that disrupts the scalp’s natural ecosystem. Addressing these issues proactively is one of the most effective things you can do to support long-term hair density and health. Source link

Hair loss is incredibly common in men, yet many delay treatment until thinning becomes more advanced. The good news is that modern, non-surgical hair loss treatments can slow progression, improve scalp health, and support stronger hair growth, especially when started early. At NHLMA, we take a medical, individualized approach to male hair loss. Below, we break down what causes hair loss in men, how to recognize the stages, and the most effective non-surgical options available today. Understanding Male Pattern Hair Loss The most common form of hair loss in men is androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as male pattern hair loss. It is driven by a combination of genetics and sensitivity to DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a hormone that gradually shrinks hair follicles over time. As follicles become weaker, hair grows thinner, shorter, and eventually stops growing altogether. Male Pattern Hair Loss Stages Hair loss in men typically follows a predictable pattern, often described using stages: Early stage: Receding hairline or thinning at the temples Mid stage: Thinning at the crown with visible scalp Advanced stage: Significant recession and reduced density across the scalp Can You Prevent Male Hair Loss? While genetics cannot be changed, the progression of male hair loss can often be slowed or managed with the right approach. Early intervention helps preserve existing hair, improve scalp health, and support stronger regrowth. We believe identifying hair loss early is key because treatments are most effective when follicles are still active, even if hair appears thinner. Our unique prevention techniques focus on: Reducing inflammation in the scalp Supporting healthy follicle function Addressing hormonal and lifestyle contributors Using evidence-based treatments consistently Source link

What You Can Learn From Testing When hair follicle analysis is combined with lab testing, it helps us better understand what may be causing changes in your hair. These evaluations can show whether your hair loss is temporary or ongoing and help identify if hormones or nutrient deficiencies are playing a role. Testing can also reveal whether genetics are contributing and help guide which treatments are most likely to work for you. Instead of guessing, testing gives us clearer answers so we can move forward with a plan that is thoughtful and targeted to your needs. How Personalized Treatment Comes Together Testing is just the starting point. The real value comes from using your results to build a personalized treatment plan. Depending on what your testing shows, your care plan may include hormone support, nutrient optimization, topical or oral therapies, and scalp treatments that improve the environment for healthy hair growth. Lifestyle and stress-related recommendations may also be included when appropriate. Our goal is always to create a well-rounded plan based on your unique health profile rather than a one-size-fits-all approach. Who Should Consider Hair Loss Testing? Hair loss testing may be helpful if you are noticing sudden or unexplained thinning, ongoing shedding, or gradual changes in your hair density. It can also be valuable for those with a family history of hair loss or individuals experiencing hormonal changes such as postpartum shifts or menopause. Testing may also provide helpful insight if symptoms suggest a possible nutrient deficiency. Identifying contributing factors early often leads to more effective treatment and better long-term results. Moving Forward With Clarity Hair loss is personal, and understanding it should be too. When diagnostic testing is paired with professional interpretation and individualized care, it becomes a powerful tool, not for quick fixes, but for informed, confident decision-making. If you’re ready to look beyond surface symptoms and understand what your body may be communicating, a thoughtful testing approach can be a game-changing first step toward progress. At NHLMA, we’re here to guide you through that process with concierge attention and care from start to finish. Source link

Pelage Pharmaceuticals. I originally wrote this post on Pelage Pharmaceuticals and its PP405 topical hair growth product in 2023. For all of the older updates, scroll till the end of this page. Also check out my 2017 post on Pelage founder and president Dr. William Lowry’s work. Update: March 28, 2026 Pelage PP405: New Hair Growth from Inactive Follicular Units Several hours ago, Pelage Pharmaceuticals made its much anticipated presentation at the 2026 AAD Annual Meeting in Denver. An earlier interview with CEO Daniel Gil and Chief Medical Officer Christina Weng can be read here. They did not mention anything about the ongoing Phase 3 trials. The livestream of today’s morning session is available on Vimeo. The session titled “Emerging treatments for hair loss targeting dormant hair follicles” starts at 1:21:09. The Pelage PP405 section runs from 1:26:38 through 1:35:10.  They cover the results of their Phase 2a trial of the PP405 topical gel. They did not cover the results from the Phase 2b trial, which was completed towards the end of 2025. In case the video is taken down, a wonderful person on X named @suwakopro has posted all the key images. The main image that we are interesting in shows new hair growth from previously inactive follicular units (circled in red). The before and after images shown below are from baseline and from day 84. Note that they applied  PP405 for only 4 weeks, but then had a follow-up through 12 weeks. Other images from today’s presentation show vellus hair thickening via blue circles. Pelage PP405 new hair growth from inactive follicular units. Pelage Pharmaceuticals I previously wrote about Pelage Pharmaceuticals in my 2019 post related to the research of its President and co-founder Dr. William Lowry. The other co-founders are Dr. Heather Christofk and Michael Jung. I also covered the findings of Dr. Lowry and Dr. Christofk’s UCLA team in a 2017 post. These UCLA researchers discovered two topical compounds (RCGD423) and (UK5099) that regrew hair in mice via different mechanisms. Both drugs involve an increase in lactate production. This in turn activates hair follicle stem cells and leads to increased and quicker hair growth. Dr. Lowry’s patent can be found here. Patent and technology rights to both topical drugs have been exclusively licensed to Pelage Pharmaceuticals by UCLA. The hair loss drug that the company plans to release is called PP405, a topical inhibitor of the mitochondrial pyruvate carrier (MPC). RCGD423 RCGD423 activates the JAK-STAT signaling pathway, which in turn leads to an increase in lactate production. This extra lactate activates hair follicle stem cells and results in quicker hair growth. The main 2017 study on RCGD423, lactate dehydrogenase activity and hair follicle stem cell activation can be read here. I also covered it in my earlier linked posts related to the work of Pelage co-founders Dr. William Lowry and Dr. Heather Christofk. UK5099 UK5099, blocks pyruvate (a glucose metabolite) from entering cell mitochondria. This also results in an increase in lactate production in the hair follicle stem cells, and therefore accelerates hair growth. There is a 2015 study from China related to the application of mitochondrial pyruvate carrier blocker UK5099 and its effects on prostate cancer cells. Where can you buy PP405? A number of companies are currently selling their own compounded version of PP405 online. However, this hair loss drug is not yet even officially approved for sale by the US FDA. I would recommend not buying this product from such sketchy vendors, often charging a hefty price for an untested product. PP405 Trial Signup Pelage now has a sign-up page for you to stay in the loop and potentially participate in Phase 3 clinical trials that begin in 2026. Pelage’s main website was also updated recently. Update: October 15, 2025 Pelage Raises $120 Million. Phase 3 Trials in 2026. In an insane development, Pelage just raised $120 million in Series B Financing. The round was co-led by ARCH Venture Partners and GV (Google Ventures), with participation from a few existing investors. This amount might be a record in the hair loss world. No wonder this post has over 900 comments, an all-time high for this site. “The financing will support the continued advancement of Pelage’s lead program, PP405, a topical small molecule designed to reactivate dormant hair follicle stem cells, offering a potential first-in-class approach for both men and women experiencing hair loss.” Update: June 17, 2025 Pelage Announces Positive Results of Phase 2a Trials for Hair Loss Drug PP405 Google Ventures (GV) backed Pelage Pharmaceuticals (US) just announced positive Phase 2a clinical trial results for PP405, its novel hair growth drug. The trial entails 78 men and women with androgenetic alopecia. Key quote: “PP405 induced new hair growth from follicles where no hair was previously present — offering early validation of its regenerative potential.” Note that the trial participants just had 4 weeks of treatment. At another 4 weeks after the completion of this treatment (“in men with a higher degree of hair loss”), 31% of those treated with PP405 exhibited a greater than 20% increase in hair density. In comparison, 0% of patients in the placebo group responded favorably. These results are incredibly rapid in comparison to existing treatments. Pelage expects to begin Phase 3 trials in 2026. They will likely have no issues with fundraising. Update: August 13, 2024 Pelage Pharmaceuticals (US) just announced that the first patients have been dosed in its Phase 2a clinical trial evaluating the safety and efficacy of PP405. This drug is a novel topical small molecule for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia. The company is enrolling 60 men and women in the clinical study. PP405 addresses the metabolic processes that regulate activation of hair follicle stem cells. Also of significance, Pelage raised $14 million in Series A-1 financing that was led by Google Ventures (GV). This follows an initial $16.75 million Series A financing round in February 2024 (see bottom of this post). The Series A-1 is a result of positive Phase 1 data

What Results Can You Expect? Regenerative treatments work gradually, because they support the body’s natural cycles rather than forcing immediate change. Many patients experience: Reduced shedding Improved scalp environment Increased hair thickness Stronger, healthier growth patterns Enhanced recovery when combined with other procedures Hair and skin rejuvenation both rely on cellular signaling. By enhancing those signals, secretome helps create a healthier environment for long-term improvement. Timeline of Improvement 1–3 Months Improved scalp condition and reduction in shedding. 3–6 Months Hair quality and thickness may begin to improve. 6–12 Months Progressive density enhancement and strengthened growth cycles. Results vary based on individual biology, lifestyle, and underlying contributors — which is why personalized evaluation remains essential. Why Personalized Regenerative Planning Matters Rejuvenation is rarely about one single factor. Hormones, inflammation, circulation, genetics, and nutrient status all influence how tissue responds. At NHLMA, secretome therapy is integrated into a larger diagnostic and regenerative strategy, always ensuring the right treatment is applied at the right time. If you’re interested in regenerative hair or skin rejuvenation that begins with your own biology, secretome therapy may represent a powerful next step. Schedule a consultation with NHLMA to learn whether Stem Cell Secretome Therapy is right for you. Source link

Low Dose Topical Finasteride: My Review of 5 Brands Finasteride is the most widely prescribed hair loss treatment in the world. While many clinical studies have demonstrated its effectiveness, there have also been rare reports of side effects. As a result, topical finasteride has become a hot topic. It provides similar benefits to oral finasteride, but with a lower risk of side effects. While this sounds ideal, topical formulations still run the risk of being absorbed into the bloodstream, leading to an increased risk of adverse reactions. As a result, the most recent innovations focus on low-dose finasteride and precision formulations that minimize the risk of side effects while retaining hair growth benefits. As with many hair care solutions, the market is saturated with topical finasteride options, each claiming to provide the optimal solution. So how do you decide which product to try? This article will guide you through some of the top-rated low-dose topical finasteride recommendations. The information provided will help you make an informed decision about what is best for your hair. Top 5 Low Dose Topical Finasteride Brands Ulo Finasteride + Minoxidil PlusRx Strut Hairfect Rx™ Topical with Finasteride Keeps Topical Finasteride and Minoxidil Gel Hims Topical Finasteride & Minoxidil Spray Ro Mane Spray How Finasteride Works Finasteride’s Core Mechanism The key hair loss mechanism in androgenic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is the miniaturization of hair follicles caused by dihydrotestosterone (DHT). The 5-alpha-reductase (5-AR) enzyme converts testosterone into DHT, and therefore plays a significant role in this process. Finasteride works by blocking the 5-AR enzyme, causing a reduction in DHT levels. This in turn protects against hair loss and encourages some hair regrowth. What is Topical Finasteride? Oral finasteride (in the form of a pill) was approved for treating hair loss by the US FDA in 1997 and has been consistently used as a prescription treatment since then. More recently, topical finasteride (in the form of a cream, gel, or spray) has been gaining popularity. Topical finasteride works via exactly the same mechanism as oral finasteride, by blocking a majority of serum DHT production, and thereby lowering scalp DHT levels. While oral finasteride lowers DHT systemically (i.e., throughout the body), topical finasteride mostly lowers it locally in the scalp. Multiple clinical trials have demonstrated the effectiveness of topical finasteride in reducing hair loss. In one study, topical finasteride showed a similar improvement in hair count compared to oral finasteride, while only reducing serum DHT by 34.5% (compared to a 55.6% DHT reduction with oral finasteride treatment). The reduction in systemic DHT suppression is thought to reduce the risk of finasteride-associated side effects, making topical finasteride the preferred option for many. Why Does Systemic DHT Suppression Matter? DHT is used by the body for a number of reasons, with scalp hair loss and body hair growth being just two side effects. As a result of DHT suppression throughout the body, some of the mechanisms of the body may be affected, leading to side effects. Oral finasteride associated side effects are relatively rare, but could include decreased libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction, and gynecomastia (male breast tissue growth). These side effects can be distressing and may result in people stopping finasteride treatment, thereby having their hair loss restart. What are the Advantages of Topical Over Oral? Fewer side effects Topical finasteride is thought to cause less systemic DHT suppression, although it does not stop it completely. As a result, topical finasteride has a better safety profile than oral finasteride, resulting in fewer side effects. Dose control Oral finasteride is generally prescribed as a standard 1 mg dose, whereas topical finasteride can be used at a range of doses, including low doses for those particularly concerned about side effects. This allows finasteride users greater control over dosing and enables tailored treatments. Drug combination potential Topical formulations can easily be combined with other hair loss drugs to form a single application with multiple beneficial treatments. For example, some hair loss brands offer the option to combine topical finasteride with minoxidil, caffeine, and/or tretinoin. These combinations have been shown to have additional beneficial effects to finasteride treatment alone and, when used in a combined therapy, can improve user satisfaction and improve the likelihood of consistent, long-term use. To summarize, topical finasteride shows several advantages over oral finasteride, all of which may contribute towards many choosing it for long-term treatment. Why Choose Low-Dose Topical Finasteride? As discussed above, topical finasteride reduces systemic DHT suppression and associated side effects. However, it does not completely prevent these issues. Some hair care brands offer low-dose topical finasteride. These treatments are thought to reduce systemic DHT suppression even further and minimize side effects while still having a beneficial effect on hair loss. Studies have shown that topical finasteride at dilutions as low as 0.005% can still result in increased hair density. Evaluation Criteria: What Separates a Good Topical Finasteride Brand from a Bad One? In writing this article, I have evaluated multiple hair care brands to produce my list the five best low-dose topical finasteride solutions. To achieve this, I adhered to the following criteria: Dosing Philosophy Brands should offer a low-dose topical formulation, and not solely push high concentrations. Vehicle Quality Brands should offer optimized base solutions that do not contain harmful or irritating ingredients, such as propylene glycol. Customization Brands should offer a level of customization where the finasteride dilution can be changed, additional beneficial ingredients added, and the delivery method altered. This will provide users with treatments personalized to their specific needs. Transparency and Awareness of Systemic Risk Brands should be transparent about what ingredients are included in products, about dosing strategies and techniques used to promote product absorption, and should make users aware of any potential risks associated with the products. Cost Brands should be transparent about pricing, providing users with clear information about single-use prices, repeat prescription discounts, and whether doctor consultations and follow-up care are included in the price. Medical Oversight Finasteride is a prescription product with rare but serious

We’re sure by now you’ve heard of the word “peptide” being thrown around on social media, online, and even in person. Here’s the thing about peptides and why they are relevant now more than ever: modern hair and aesthetic medicine is evolving. The focus is no longer only on treating visible symptoms. It is about supporting the biology that drives healthy hair, resilient skin, and sustained energy at the cellular level. At NHLMA, we believe lasting results begin with intelligent cellular support. Peptide therapy represents an important advancement in this space by helping the body communicate, repair, and function more efficiently from within. What Are Peptides and Why Do They Matter? Peptides are short chains of amino acids that act as signaling molecules in the body. They deliver instructions to cells, guiding processes like tissue repair, collagen production, inflammation balance, and energy metabolism. Many peptides occur naturally, but their levels decline with age. This decline is often associated with slower healing, reduced collagen and elastin production, increased inflammation, fatigue, and visible changes in hair and skin quality. By supporting specific peptide pathways, we can help reactivate the body’s natural repair systems. The goal is not to override biology, but to optimize it and create a healthier internal environment for long term results. Source link