Stem cells have become quite popular for treating hair loss. I am starting to see more and more products that use some type of stem cells in their formula.  Most of the treatments using stem cells are applied topically like More Hair Naturally 9.  My question is what is more effective, applying stem cells topically or by injecting them directly into the scalp? 4hairloss.org has begun researching stem cell therapy to find out.

Does applying stem cells topically work? As of right now I am unsure. Here is why. Using stem cells topically is relatively new, so there is little research on using stem cells topically. My other concern is whether or not stem cells can live under the conditions of applying them on the scalp? What led me to that question is why MHN9 in a vacuum sealed container?  It is to make sure stem cells are not harmed from the outside environment, like oxygen, until they are applied. Does the outside environment harm stem cells that are applied topically?  The only way to know that is by using just the stem cells in the formulation as the primary active ingredient in your hair loss treatment. We need more time and more research. 

Other doctors are using stem cells by injecting them into the scalp. I spoke with one clinic, headed by Dr. Yates, that is injecting adult stem cells from your own fat into the scalp. They estimate a 70% success rate, but that result isn’t based on a formal study, but rather them estimating. They also said it could be up to 10 months before you see results and the treatment is expensive and you would need a treatment every 10 months to keep the results. In addition, they see better results in those that are in the early stages of hair loss, which is in line with what I always say – it is easier to keep what you have vs. getting back what you lost. In addition, the longer you have been bald the less likely you will get hair to grow back.

One thing they did say is stem cell therapy complements the other hair loss treatments you are using. They don’t recommend stopping the use of other treatments you were using prior to stem cell therapy. There is no research on the interaction with other treatments and stems cells, so we don’t really know if that is a good decision or not. The question I ask is will using other topical treatments help or hinder stem cell therapy? I am not sure yet, but I plan to research and test to find out.

The other question I have is when looking at all of the types of stem cells, what are the best stem cells to use to treat hair loss? My research has led me to believe that the best stem cells, that are legal, come from a human placenta. 4hairloss.org is happy to announce that we have partnered with Neo Matrix Medical to research the use of stem cells from the placenta to treat hair loss. Last year, I, Sam Jordan, was the first of a group whom was injected with stem cells from the placenta on my scalp to treat hair loss. In addition to the injections I was also taking different supplements that complement the stem cell therapy.

Update: It has been a year since my first injection and I am sad to say that I didn’t have any positive results. The one thing I have been researching and debating is whether or not (and when) I should have started using my other topical treatments and did it complement or hinder the stem cell treatment. I am continuing my research on stem cells. I am convinced I am using the best possible stem cells. My new focus is how they are injected. I have also realized that stem cells may rejuvenate the hair follicle to produce hair again, but you will still need to address the cause of the hair loss, the production of DHT, that doesn’t go away without other treatments. So another question I want to answer is how long should I stop using my other topical treatments after being injected?  More to come.