Taula de Continguts
Why hair falls out and how exosomes can change it
Hair loss is one of the most frequent reasons for consultation at Santé Clínica Estética, and also one that generates the most anxiety. Hair doesn't fall out suddenly, but progressively: first, you notice less density, then the texture changes, then the scalp starts to show where it wasn't visible before.
The causes are multiple — androgenic alopecia, telogen effluvium, diffuse alopecia due to nutritional deficiency or stress — but in many cases, the common denominator is the same: hair follicles miniaturize and go into dormancy. They haven't died yet; they've stopped functioning normally.
Hair exosomes are the most advanced treatment currently available to reactivate these follicles. It is not a cosmetic treatment: it is regenerative medicine applied to the scalp.
What are hair exosomes
Hair exosomes are extracellular vesicles derived from mesenchymal stem cells (MSCs) that contain:
- Growth factors specific to the follicular cycle: VEGF (vascular endothelial growth factor), HGF (hepatocyte growth factor), IGF-1
- MicroRNAs that regulate gene expression in the follicle
- Signaling proteins that modulate the transition between phases of the hair cycle
When injected into the scalp, these biological messengers act on dermal papilla cells — the master cells of the hair follicle — to:
- Prolong the anagen phase (active hair growth phase)
- Reduce the telogen phase (resting phase)
- Reactivate dormant follicles
- Improve scalp microcirculation (more blood = more nutrients for the follicle)
- Reduce perifollicular inflammation that characterizes androgenic alopecia
- Inhibit 5α-reductase locally (the enzyme that converts testosterone to DHT, the androgen responsible for follicular miniaturization in androgenic alopecia)
Hair exosomes vs. PRP: an honest comparison
At Santé, we work with both treatments. The choice between one and the other (or a combination) depends on the patient's type and degree of alopecia.
| | Exosomes | Hair PRP |
|---|---|---|
| Origin | MSC stem cells (standardized) | Patient's own blood (variable) |
| Growth factors | Standard and concentrated | Dependent on individual platelet count |
| Anti-inflammatory effect | Very high (especially useful in androgenic AA) | Moderate |
| Depth of action | Molecular (cellular reprogramming) | Stimulation by growth factors |
| Number of sessions | Fewer sessions (more concentrated protocol) | More sessions usually |
| Result | More regenerative and long-lasting | Good, well-established |
In patients with active androgenic alopecia, exosomes have a significant advantage: their anti-inflammatory effect is superior to that of PRP, and perifollicular inflammation is a key component in follicular miniaturization in androgenic alopecia.
Who are hair exosomes indicated for?
Hair exosomes are especially suitable for:
- Androgenic alopecia (male and female) in initial and intermediate stages
- Telogen effluvium (diffuse hair loss due to stress, childbirth, nutritional deficiency, illness)
- Rebound hair loss post-treatment (after discontinuing minoxidil or other treatments)
- Female diffuse alopecia with a diagnosis of non-scarring origin
- Complement after hair transplant: exosomes improve graft survival and accelerate post-transplant growth
- Patients with insufficient response to PRP who are looking for a more advanced option
They are not indicated for scarring alopecias (where the follicle is already irreversibly destroyed) or for trichotillomania or other causes of behavioral origin.
The hair exosome protocol at Santé
Prior hair assessment
The first visit is a complete diagnosis: anamnesis, trichoscopy, scalp analysis, evaluation of causal factors (hormonal, nutritional, stress, medication). Without an accurate diagnosis, there is no appropriate treatment protocol.
At Santé, we have trichology specialists who perform a complete study before proposing any treatment.
The treatment
Exosomes are administered via microinjections into the scalp, systematically distributed in areas of greatest hair loss or miniaturization. The session lasts between 20 and 40 minutes. There may be some scalp sensitivity for 24-48 hours after treatment.
The usual protocol is 3 monthly sessions for the initial cycle. Some patients with a good response may notice changes from the second session.
Results and follow-up
The results of hair exosomes are seen in two phases:
- Phase 1 (1-3 months): reduction in hair loss, improvement in the texture and shine of existing hair
- Phase 2 (3-6 months): appearance of new hair in areas with reactive follicles, improvement in density
Follow-up is carried out with standardized photographs and comparative trichoscopy to objectively assess the response to treatment.
Combination with other hair treatments
Hair exosomes are frequently integrated into combined protocols:
- Hair mesotherapy: sessions of vitamins, minerals, and amino acids to nourish the scalp between exosome sessions
- Topical minoxidil: enhances the results of exosomes by keeping follicles continuously active between sessions (the doctor evaluates the indication and dosage)
- Nutritional supplementation: iron, zinc, biotin, vitamin D — the doctor reviews the analytical profile and prescribes what is necessary
- Oral or topical dutasteride / finasteride: in androgenic alopecia with confirmed indication, systemic medical treatment complements the local action of exosomes (always under medical prescription and follow-up)
What differentiates Santé in hair treatment
The Santé team includes doctors specialized in trichology who understand alopecia as a medical process, not just an aesthetic one. Before proposing exosomes or any other treatment, we perform a complete diagnosis to confirm that the indication is correct.
Not all types of hair loss respond equally to exosomes. The prior diagnostic evaluation is what makes the difference between a treatment that works and one that doesn't.
Frequently asked questions
Are hair exosomes permanent?
They are not a permanent cure for alopecia. They are a treatment that improves density and slows progression, especially in androgenic alopecia — which is genetic and chronic. After the initial cycle, maintenance sessions are generally recommended every 6-12 months.
Does the treatment hurt?
Scalp injections are well tolerated by the vast majority of patients. The doctor can apply topical anesthesia if there is high sensitivity.
Can I combine hair exosomes with scalp microneedling?
Yes. The combination is synergistic: microneedling creates microchannels and activates regeneration by itself, enhancing the absorption and action of exosomes.
When will I start to see results?
The first changes (reduced hair loss, improved texture) are usually noticed between the 4th and 8th week. New hair growth, when it occurs, appears between 3 and 6 months.
How much does the treatment cost?
The price per session varies depending on the protocol and the exosome preparation used. We will inform you in detail during the consultation.
