Increasing hair density is the focus of treatments for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), the most common type of baldness. According to research conducted by the International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS, or International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery, in Portuguese), conducted in 2025, the field of hair restoration is recording continuous growth.
Survey data indicate that the expansion is driven by improvements in hair transplant procedures and effective medical and non-surgical solutions against hair loss. Since 2021, the average number of patients seen by ISHRS member specialists has increased by 20%, while the number of patients seen for non-surgical treatments has increased by 30%.
Dr. Marianne Manso, a physician and dermatologist specializing in clinical trichology, highlights that for male pattern baldness, non-surgical treatment is ideal for initial or moderate cases of hair loss, when there are still living follicles that can be reactivated or strengthened.
“This is the prevention and reversal phase, which is based on a detailed diagnostic evaluation, generally performed using an imaging test such as trichoscopy. In this phase, miniaturization – thinning of the hair – and the density and health of the scalp are evaluated,” explains the doctor.
According to the specialist, if the patient has a very advanced bald area, where there are no longer viable follicles, surgery may be the only option, but non-surgical treatment will also be used as post-operative preparation and maintenance.
Most commonly used clinical techniques and resources
Dr. Marian Manso points out that currently, to stimulate hair growth and maintain existing hair, a combination of microtechnology is used that includes microneedling with drug delivery, low-energy lasers or LEDs and photon laser technology.
“Microneedling opens channels in the scalp and allows active ingredients to be delivered directly to the root, such as vitamin formulations, growth factors and peptides that ‘activate’ the follicles. Lasers or LEDs act on the cells, increasing energy and the hair growth cycle,” explains the specialist.
The dermatologist notes that the high-performance Fotona laser is used to treat scalp inflammation and, in some protocols, promotes controlled heating that stimulates the dormant follicle, improving circulation and improving the environment for new hair growth.
There are differences in hair loss in men and women. In men, hair loss is concentrated in the fronto-temporal region and on the top of the head, forming the bronchial inlets and crown on the top of the head. In women, hair loss tends to be more widespread, and is generally noted by a decrease in overall volume and a widening of the central parting – the place where the hair splits.
“These differences directly affect the choice of treatment. The male protocol focuses on hormonal modification, due to testosterone, and stimulation of the affected areas. The female protocol requires attention to ferritin, vitamins and broad hormonal issues, such as hypothyroidism or polycystic ovary syndrome,” explains the dermatologist.
Personalized treatment protocol
Dr. Marian Manso has developed her own customizable treatment protocol divided into four stages, which begins with advanced diagnosis: mapping hair health using trichoscopy to determine the exact cause of hair loss, which may be genetic, due to stress or deficiency.
Next, the attack or intensive phase involves applying clinical techniques, such as laser, micro-needling and infusion of active ingredients, in more frequent sessions to stop hair loss and start growth. The third stage, home maintenance, consists of prescribing lotions and nutrients for daily use that enhance and protect office results.
“Finally, long-term monitoring includes periodic re-evaluations, generally every three to six months, with new triple endoscopies to adjust the treatment and ensure the stability of the increased density,” comments the professional.
According to a dermatologist IThe cessation of hair loss is generally observed after 30 to 60 days of treatment. Hair growth and density are noticed starting from the third or fourth month, when new hair begins to appear, and the final result reaches maximum density between nine and 12 months.
According to Dr. Marianne Manso, although the profile of patients looking for this type of approach is broad, the majority of them are young people, between the ages of 25 and 45, who understand the importance of seeking early monitoring, the value of prevention, and who notice thinning hair or the first entries.
“The research is driven by the image society, the fashion of clean beauty – that intervention that goes unnoticed, and by the practicality and safety of non-invasive treatments. They are looking for discreet and effective solutions without any interruption, and scientific progress delivers real results without a scalpel,” reveals the professional.
To maintain continuity of results, the clinical trichologist stresses that the key is discipline and consistency. She confirms that hair loss has a hereditary and chronic basis, and therefore there is no treatment other than controlling baldness.
According to the advice of the specialist, the patient should use home treatment without interruption and return to the clinic for a new course of active infusion once or twice a year. Furthermore, she warns about managing stress, being careful with your diet and monitoring blood tests that affect hair health.
He concludes: “It is necessary to align the patient’s expectations with the possible clinical results. The treatment will not cause hair to grow where the follicles have been dead for years, but it will make the existing hair thicker, stronger and more noticeable, generating a ‘full hair’ effect and an aesthetic improvement that significantly increases self-esteem.”