Microneedling for scalp hair loss Singapore
Alopecia is an extremely common cause of hair loss in both men and women; the most common type of alopecia is that of androgenetic alopecia which is an inherited disorder that affects up to 50% of all adult men and women [1]. The Dermapen is a novel and innovative medical device which enables aesthetic clinicians to perform microneedling of the scalp. Microneedling is an advancement in aesthetic medicine that has been established as a viable treatment modality for androgenetic alopecia [2]. In fact, researchers who conducted the first human trial which studied microneedling in 2013 found that microneedling is a safe and promising tool for stimulating hair growth and for treating hair loss [3].
I was privileged to be offered a trial-set of the Dermedics MESOHAIR Intensive Hair Therapy set. This review will aim to provide readers a basic background of the product, as well as my personal experience with it.
Product Background
MESOHAIR is a serum designed to prevent hair loss, and is indicated for people who are suffering from premature hair loss. It is produced by Dermedics – a Polish beauty company. The company is GMP (Good Manufacturing Practices) compliant, and has also been accorded the CE mark for medical products. These are re-assuring!
MESOHAIR’s active ingredients can be confusing to interpret if one is not familiar with the medical or scientific jargon used. The ingredients are Biotinyl-GHK, Apigenin Bioflavonoid and Oleanolic Acid. Biotinyl-GHK is a protein derivative of Biotin (Vitamin B7). Apigenin is a naturally occurring plant compound which is subcategorized under a group called glycosides. Oleanolic Acid is also a naturally occurring plant compound which can be found commonly in olive oil and garlic.
The MESOHAIR serum does not contain parabens, artificial fragrances, alcohol, colourants or formaldehyde. It is also free of growth factors and hormonal stimulants.
Personal Experience
As the MESOHAIR serum is primarily indicated for men and women who are suffering from premature hair loss, I was advised to apply it to my face for beard growth or scalp (in the areas with hair growth).
I first applied the serum to my face in the morning after my routine shower face-wash. The serum comes in glass vials, and is clear. It is non-sticky, non-fragrant and non-volatile. I applied the serum using my fingers with moderate pressure to my moustache and beard areas. I did not experience any itchiness or pain upon application of the serum, and it did not appear oily on my skin. In fact, after about 15 minutes it was barely visible on my skin.
After about 1 week, the results are in! Firstly, my existing facial hair does appear a lot thicker. Secondly, my facial hair is definitely less prickly and much softer. People with hair loss may see an accelerated hair growth or a retardation in the hair loss process.
Other Hair Growth Therapies
There are 2 other hair growth therapeutic serums which are commercially available in pharmacies and clinics. They are Minoxidil and Procapil respectively.
The former was initially developed as an anti-hypertensive (blood pressure lowering) drug, and was incidentally found to have the side effect of unintentional hair growth. Since then, it has been marketed as a hair-growth serum to be applied topically or sprayed. However, many users report side-effects of itching, burning, dry skin, chest tightness, palpitations, chest pain, dizziness and fainting. Moreover, the initial phase of Minoxidil use may come with temporary hair loss – this is described as “shedding” by some proponents of Minoxidil.
Procapil on the other hand combines Apigenin and Oleanolic Acid (same compounds in MESOHAIR serum) with an extracellular peptide (matrikine) to strengthen hair and prevent hair loss. Not much is known regarding the side-effects of this product as it is a relatively novel product.
Conclusion
In my experience with the MESOHAIR Intensive Hair Therapy serum, I’ve definitely seen thicker and lusher facial hair. People suffering from premature hair loss could benefit from this product with minimal or no side effects.
Dr Joel Arun
M.B.B.S (Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery), 2014
National University of Singapore
To learn more on microneedling. kindly contact us at 83662304.
References
1. Mysore, V., et al., Expert consensus on the management of Androgenetic Alopecia in India. International journal of trichology, 2019. 11(3): p. 101-106.
2. Dhurat, R. and S. Mathapati, Response to Microneedling Treatment in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Who Failed to Respond to Conventional Therapy. Indian journal of dermatology, 2015. 60(3): p. 260-263.
3. Dhurat, R., et al., A randomized evaluator blinded study of effect of microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: a pilot study. International journal of trichology, 2013. 5(1): p. 6-11.