Pairing Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy
with Other Therapies for Hair Loss in Los Gatos
It may seem uncanny but, yes, Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) can help give hope if you are battling dermatological issues including hair loss. At Dr. Adam Fields’ office in Los Gatos, we offer cutting-edge treatments, including HBOT, to help you achieve healthier, more vibrant skin and a healthier head of hair. While we cannot say HBOT is a stand-alone treatment for hair loss there is a lot of research on skin conditions and some types of hair loss. This is why we pair it with microneedling (in-office and self-care), laser therapy in our office, and the use of platelet-rich plasma or PRP therapy.
HBOT works by delivering oxygen under increased pressure, which can accelerate the healing of damaged skin, reduce inflammation, and even promote skin regeneration.
Common Signs of Hair Loss
- Thinning Hair
Gradual thinning on the scalp is one of the earliest signs of hair loss. You might notice a reduction in hair density, particularly around the crown or hairline. - Receding Hairline
A more pronounced “M” shape on the forehead can indicate male-pattern baldness, while women may notice a broader parting in the center. - Excessive Shedding
Finding clumps of hair in the shower, on your pillow, or in your brush can be alarming and may indicate active hair loss. - Patchy Bald Spots
Circular or irregular bald spots can be a symptom of alopecia areata, an autoimmune condition. - Changes in Hair Texture
Hair becoming finer, weaker, or more brittle may precede noticeable loss. - Scalp Issues
Redness, scaling, or inflammation on the scalp can sometimes accompany hair loss.
What Causes Hair Loss?
Understanding the root cause of your hair loss is essential for developing an effective treatment plan. Common causes include:
- Genetic Factors
Family history of baldness can lead to androgenetic alopecia, commonly referred to as male-pattern or female-pattern baldness. - Hormonal Changes
Conditions like pregnancy, menopause, or thyroid imbalances can disrupt the hair growth cycle. - Medical Conditions
Disorders like alopecia areata, scalp infections, or chronic illnesses can cause hair to thin or fall out. - Nutritional Deficiencies
Lack of essential nutrients such as iron, biotin, or vitamin D can weaken hair follicles. - Stress and Trauma
Emotional or physical stress can trigger telogen effluvium, a temporary form of hair loss. - Medications and Treatments
Chemotherapy, certain antidepressants, and blood pressure medications may have hair loss as a side effect. - Hairstyling Practices
Tight hairstyles, excessive heat, or chemical treatments can lead to traction alopecia, a type of hair loss caused by strain on the follicles.
The Pathology of Hair Loss:
- Androgenetic Alopecia: Commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, it’s hereditary and linked to hormonal changes.
- Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune disorder where the body’s immune system attacks hair follicles.
- Telogen Effluvium: Temporary hair loss due to stress, illness, or hormonal shifts.
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy (HBOT) for Hair Loss
Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy involves breathing pure oxygen in a pressurized chamber, increasing oxygen levels in the blood and tissues. This enhanced oxygenation can stimulate cellular repair and regeneration, potentially benefiting hair growth.
A study published in the International Journal of Dermatology found that HBOT increased hair density and thickness in individuals with androgenetic alopecia. The researchers noted, “HBOT improved hair growth in individuals with chronic telogen effluvium, a condition characterized by widespread hair loss.”
Nestor, M. S., Ablon, G., Gade, A., Han, H., & Fischer, D. L. (2021). Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology, 20(12), 3759.
https://doi.org/10.1111/jocd.14537
How many HBOT Sessions are needed for Hair Loss?
For optimal results, a series of HBOT sessions is recommended. Typically, patients undergo 20 to 40 sessions, each lasting about 90 minutes, over several weeks. Individual responses vary, but many patients report:
- Increased Hair Density: Fuller appearance due to new hair growth.
- Improved Hair Thickness: Stronger, more resilient hair strands.
- Enhanced Scalp Health: Reduction in inflammation and improved circulation.
Nonsurgical Hair Loss Treatments Alongside HBOT
In addition to HBOT, microneedling, laser therapy, platelet rich plasma and self massage have shown promise in addressing hair loss:
Microneedling
Microneedling involves using fine needles to create micro-injuries on the scalp, stimulating collagen production and enhancing hair follicle function. When combined with treatments like minoxidil or platelet-rich plasma (PRP), microneedling has been shown to increase hair count more significantly than using minoxidil alone. Dr Josh Donaldson is a naturopathic doctor in our office who uses PRP and microneedling in our office. We, also, recommend getting your own microneedling pen from Dr. Pen Official US Retailer. We are not affiliated with them but like their products.
Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)
Hundreds of studies have shown that photobiomodulation from laser therapy can help with tissue regeneration all over the body. LLLT helps regrow hair by stimulating cellular activity in hair follicles. Here’s how it works:
Mechanism of Action
- Increased ATP Production: LLLT uses low-energy lasers or light-emitting diodes (LEDs) to deliver photons to scalp tissue. These photons are absorbed by cells, primarily in the mitochondria, boosting adenosine triphosphate (ATP) production. This energy supports cellular functions and hair follicle activity.
- Enhanced Blood Flow: LLLT increases blood flow to the scalp, improving the delivery of oxygen and nutrients to hair follicles, which are essential for hair growth.
- Reduction of Inflammation: By reducing inflammation in hair follicles, LLLT can create a healthier environment for hair to regrow.
- Stimulation of Follicular Stem Cells: The therapy activates dormant hair follicles and encourages them to re-enter the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle.
- Inhibition of DHT Effects: While not directly blocking dihydrotestosterone (DHT), LLLT may counteract some of its effects by promoting follicle resilience.
Conditions Laser Therapy Treats
- Androgenetic Alopecia (Male/Female Pattern Baldness): LLLT is FDA-cleared for this condition, with studies showing increased hair density and thickness.
- Alopecia Areata: Though less common, some evidence suggests LLLT can be beneficial for autoimmune-related hair loss. HBOT shows great results with autoimmune conditions and makes a good pair for Alopecia Areata.
- Post-Hair Transplant Recovery: LLLT can improve graft survival and healing. We recommend using HBOT and LLLT before and after the procedure for optimum benefit.
Scientific Evidence
Studies have shown that LLLT can increase hair count and thickness. For example:
- A 2017 review in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that LLLT is effective for treating androgenetic alopecia in both men and women.
- A 2013 clinical trial published in Lasers in Surgery and Medicine reported a 39% increase in hair growth after 26 weeks of LLLT using a laser comb.
Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) Therapy
PRP therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from the patient’s blood into the scalp to stimulate hair growth. PRP contains growth factors that promote tissue repair and regeneration, making it a promising non-surgical option for hair loss. This is used in conjunction with microneedling.
Scalp Massage for Hair Loss
Research on self-administered scalp massage suggests potential benefits for hair health, particularly in increasing hair thickness and potentially stabilizing hair loss. Here are some key findings:
- Increased Hair Thickness: A study involving nine healthy men who performed daily 4-minute scalp massages over 24 weeks observed a significant increase in hair thickness. The massages appeared to exert mechanical forces on dermal papilla cells, which play a crucial role in hair growth.
PubMed Central - Stabilization of Hair Loss: Another study reported that participants experienced stabilization of hair loss after approximately 36.3 hours of cumulative scalp massage. This equates to about a 15-minute daily scalp massage over five months.
Wimpole Clinic - Improved Hair Thickness in Androgenic Alopecia: A survey study involving individuals with androgenic alopecia (pattern hair loss) found that standardized scalp massages led to improvements in hair thickness. Participants performed twice-daily, 20-minute massages over several months, with a significant proportion reporting positive outcomes.
PubMed Central
The proposed mechanisms by which scalp massage may benefit hair health include enhanced blood flow to the hair follicles, mechanical stimulation of the dermal papilla cells and reduced scalp tension. Dr Fields interviewed hair researcher Rob English regarding hair loss and the benefits of scalp massage. He, also, interviewed someone from Hairband which is a worn massage device designed to help hair growth. Take a look at the podcasts below to motivate you on your path to more hair.
Why Choose Dr. Adam Fields in Los Gatos?
Our personalized care and innovative treatment options make us a trusted choice for those seeking solutions for hair loss. Whether you’re dealing with mild thinning or advanced hair loss, we’ll create a customized plan to restore your confidence and promote healthy hair growth.
Book a consultation at our Los Gatos office today to take the first step toward healthier hair!