The options for regrowing your hair have never been more effective. At the top of this list are PRP, PRF, and Nutrafol, which many of our patients combine. That said, results take time. Here’s how to disguise hair loss in the meantime without a combover, hats, or headbands.
Identify The Cause of Your Hair Loss
Identifying the cause of your hair loss isn’t something you must go alone. Thinning and balding hair can be hereditary, a side effect of aging, or a symptom of an undiagnosed health condition. So, as soon as you notice thinning, receding, or balding—seek medical attention. Ideally, from a healthcare provider who specializes in hair loss.
What Is PRP and How Does It Regenerate Hair?
PRP and PRF are restorative therapies that utilize the growth factors in blood platelets. A small vial of your blood is drawn and placed into a centrifuge machine. This isolates the plasma, creating a concentrated mix of restorative platelets and growth factors.
Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa offer both platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and platelet-rich fibrin (PRF) injections for hair loss and other aesthetic purposes. Both therapies are natural, non-surgical, and minimally invasive treatments that harness the regenerative power of platelets to promote healing and rejuvenation.
PRP
For PRP, your plasma is strategically injected into your scalp to stimulate hair regrowth. Plasma contains 2 to 5 times the platelet concentration in your body. Success rates average between 70 and 90 percent.
PRF
For PRF, your blood is spun a bit slower in the centrifuge machine. This creates a fibrin-rich matrix. This matrix contains a higher percentage of growth factors and stem cells. The plasma concentration contains up to 10 times more plasma than found in your body. Success rates average around 80 percent.
How Long Does PRP Take to Deliver Results?
The full treatment takes between 60 and 90 minutes, including the time it takes to spin your plasma or fibrin matrix in the centrifuge. Most clients see results in 2 or 3 treatments. Treatments are spaced at least 4 weeks apart. Full results take approximately 6 months. For hair regrowth, we may suggest a maintenance session every 3 to 6 months.
For best results, combine platelet therapy with Nutrafol. In the meantime, learning how to disguise your hair loss can boost your confidence.
What Is Nutrafol and How Does It Regenerate Hair?
Nutrafol is a nutritional supplement from the Nutraceutical brand designed specifically for hair regrowth. It’s formulated with medical-grade, 100% natural ingredients. Nutraceutical combines the two words “nutrient” and “pharmaceutical”. In essence, it’s the concept of treating food as medicine by strategically consuming plant compounds to stimulate the body’s natural healing process. The proprietary blend of nutrients addresses the most common causes of hair loss.
In addition to nutritional supplements, Nutrafol sells scalp serum, shampoo, conditioner, anti-inflammatory scalp spray, and more. Choose from unique formulas for men, women, vegans, postpartum hair loss, and menopause hair loss.
Does Nutrafol Really Increase Hair Growth?
Studies find that 84% of men showed improvement in hair growth. For women, 90% showed improvement in hair at 6 months and 100% showed improvement at 9 months.
How Long Does Nutrafol Take to Deliver Results?
You’re likely to see and feel thicker and fuller hair within the first 1 to 3 months, but many won’t experience a significant change for 6 to 9 months.
Now let’s dive into how to disguise hair loss. Most implement a combination of the solutions below.
#1 Change Your Hairstyle
Changing your hairstyle can work wonders for hiding balding and thinning, and no—a combover isn’t your only option. Ask your hair stylist for suggestions. Even if you’ve been going to your barber or stylist for years, it may be time to transition to someone more familiar with hair loss.
Your stylist may suggest:
- Cutting your hair: In some instances, cutting your hair a bit shorter and in layers will add volume. Volume creates lift, and lift can minimize thinning and balding.
- Learning new hairstyles: There are many non-combover hair styles that can minimize or hide hair loss. Your hairstylist can help you find what works for your hair type, face shape, and area of thinning. Maybe a low ponytail, double ponytail, or strategically placed bun.
- Growing your hair: If your hairstyle is short, growing your hair an inch or two allows you to style your hair over your balding. Longer hair at any length may open the door for hairstyles that disguise.
- Switching your part: If your balding is in the center of your scalp a center part makes thinning more apparent. Switching from a left to a right part, or a right to a left part may also help.
- How to disguise hair loss with volume: Utilize a rolling brush, heat styling, rollers, volumizing shampoos, and volumizing hair products to create lift. Lift creates the illusion of thicker and fuller hair.
- Dye your hair: Your stylist may advise dying your hair darker or lighter. Darker hair looks fuller, but lighter hair has less of a contrast between your scalp and hair color. However, harsh bleach, relaxers, and hair dye chemicals may contribute to your hair loss.
#2 Scalp Makeup, Keratin Powder, or Micropigmentation
Another exciting option for camouflaging balding is products that minimize the stark contrast of your scalp and hair color. It’s essential that you utilize products specifically designed for your scalp.
Using products that aren’t designed for the scalp can:
- Irritate your scalp
- Damage your hair follicles
- Damage your hair
- Contribute to hair loss
Scalp Micropigmentation
Often referred to as a “hair tattoo”, scalp micropigmentation is more than a mere tattoo. Micropigmentation can be utilized for balding or thinning anywhere on the scalp. Even to create the illusion of a frontal hairline. The naturally derived ink is semi-permanent, lasting 3 to 6 years. So, you’ll need to maintain a similar hair color until it fades. It’s also important to note that many tattoo artists don’t provide scalp micropigmentation.
Unlike a standard tattoo, ink isn’t applied as a solid block, but in a stippled effect that looks more natural.
Scalp Makeup
Learning how to disguise hair loss with makeup is easy. Scalp makeup is thicker than facial makeup, as products can be applied to the scalp and hair. Scalp makeup can be used for thinning and balding but isn’t the top option for receding hairlines.
Many products come with a two-sided application tool, or you can order a two-sided applicator. The brush end of the applicator applies the makeup directly to your hair. Applying hair makeup directly to your hair minimizes the appearance of thinning and reduces the contrast of new growth between coloring your hair. The sponge side of the applicator is beveled and flexible, making it easy to contour to your scalp.
Scalp makeup is typically sweatproof and waterproof and comes in a variety of hair colors to camouflage hair loss.
Hair Fiber Powder
Hair fiber powders differ from facial powders. Fiber powders are formulated from colored keratin and are an effective option for thinning hair. These powders aren’t the top option for bald spots. Choose the color that matches your hair, then blot, brush, or spray it on your scalp. Apply fiber products to dry hair and apply setting spray for all-day wear.
Most fiber formulas are waterproof and windproof. As an added bonus, these powders add shine and double as dry shampoo.
#3 How to Disguise Hair Loss with Wigs, Hairpieces, and Crown Weaves?
Wondering how to disguise hair loss without coloring your scalp? The first two options on this list provide low-maintenance minimal coverage. Hairpieces, clip-ins, and crown weaves require more maintenance but provide fuller coverage. When utilized improperly these solutions can contribute to hair loss or hinder regrowth.
What type of wig or hairpiece you require depends on what extent of scalp coverage you require.
Wigs
Natural hair is your top option, but synthetic wigs look increasingly natural. You’ll need to learn how to store, wash, and care for your wig to keep it looking its best. Keep in mind that most wigs require post-purchase alterations. This ensures that your hairline begins where you want and that your wig fits comfortably.
Can I Find a Wig or Hairpiece That Looks Like My Current Hairstyle?
Yes. To achieve a hairstyle that is exactly like your current hairstyle, an existing wig will need to be cut (and/or colored), or you’ll need to have a custom wig made. Be mindful that both options are an investment.
Will People Know That I’m Wearing a Wig or Hairpiece?
Maybe. Identifying a wig stylist who specializes in custom fitting delivers the most natural results.
Hairpieces and Hair Extensions
Your options in hairpieces and hair extensions are extensive and offer innovative methods of disguising your hair loss. From ponytails or top pieces that minimize center thinning to clip-in bangs that minimize frontal thinning, and side and back clip-ins to minimize patches.
If your hair is extremely thin or you have excessive patchy areas, your hair may not be able to hold hair pieces.
Crown Weaves and Fusion
Crown weaves and fused hair pieces (aka. wiglets) are the modern alternative to toupees. These systems seamlessly weave into existing hair or fused to your scalp for short-term placement. They look natural and stay in place but may not be the best option if regrowth is your objective.
- Crown weaves: Weaves must be removed and resewn every 6 to 8 weeks. If you need to rest your hair and scalp in-between, utilize scarves, hats, other-area clip-ins, or strategic hairstyles.
- Fused hair systems: Fusion glue must be reapplied every 6 to 8 weeks and the full system must be removed and reapplied every 3 to 6 months.
Let’s Discuss Your Hair Regrowth Options
Valley Medical Weight Loss and Med Spa provides PRP, PRF, and Nutrafol. Schedule a consultation to determine if you’re an ideal candidate for solo or combined treatment.
For your convenience, we have locations in Phoenix, Tempe, and Glendale.
