Mesotherapy for Hair Loss: What It Is & How It Works

Key Takeaways:

• Mesotherapy for hair loss injects vitamins, peptides, and sometimes medications (minoxidil, finasteride) into the scalp to support new hair growth.

• Treatment requires up to 12 sessions and costs $250 to $600 per session, with minimal downtime.

• Some studies show benefits, especially when proven hair loss treatments are included, but results vary.

• Alternatives like minoxidil, finasteride, PRP injections, and laser therapy have stronger clinical evidence.
  

Mesotherapy might help improve hair quality and reduce shedding. It works by delivering nutrients and active ingredients directly into the scalp.

But scientific evidence on the effectiveness of mesotherapy for hair loss is limited compared to proven hair loss treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Here’s what to know.

Mesotherapy for hair loss is a nonsurgical treatment that involves injecting a solution of vitamins, minerals, amino acids, and growth factors (and sometimes medications) into the skin of the scalp, specifically the skin’s middle layer. 

Typically, the procedure uses very fine needles to create several microinjections covering the area where hair is thinning. These injections are meant to:

• “Wake up” hair follicles

• Improve blood flow to the scalp

• Create a healthier environment for hair to grow

Since it’s considered a cosmetic treatment rather than a medical procedure, mesotherapy usually isn’t covered by health insurance.

Mesotherapy was originally developed in France in 1952 to treat vascular disorders and manage pain. It’s now used for cosmetic and dermatological purposes, including hair restoration, facial rejuvenation, body contouring, and scar or stretch mark treatment.

The exact ingredients vary by treatment. But common ingredients that may be used include:

• Vitamins (such as biotin and provitamin B5)

• Minerals

• Botulinum toxin A (Botox^®)

• Peptides

• Amino acids

• Stem cells

• Growth factors

• Plant extracts

• Hair growth medications (minoxidil, finasteride, dutasteride)

→ Read: FDA-Approved Hair Growth Products

Before starting a mesotherapy treatment, a provider should assess your scalp and hair health and chat with you about your medical history.

In some cases, a numbing cream might be applied to your scalp. But since the needles are so thin, the procedure is generally fairly painless.

The solution goes into a syringe and is then injected into your scalp in areas where hair is thinning. In some cases, a tool called a mesogun might be used to administer faster injections.

A mesotherapy appointment is typically about 30 minutes long, and multiple appointments are necessary to get the desired results. You’ll likely need eight to 12 sessions.

Mesotherapy Downtime

You can expect to return to normal activities within a day or two. Your provider will give you exact guidelines on when it’s okay to wash your hair or wear a hat.

You might also be told to avoid strenuous exercise, sun exposure, alcohol, and smoking.

Mesotherapy for Hair Loss Cost

The cost of mesotherapy varies depending on the clinic, where you live, and how many injections you get. That said, it typically ranges from $250 to $600 per session and won’t be covered by insurance.

The evidence is mixed when it comes to mesotherapy’s ability to reverse or slow down hair loss.

Mesotherapy for hair can potentially:

• Improve circulation to areas with thinning

• Deliver active ingredients directly into the scalp

• Reduce hair follicle inflammation, which might help revive hair

A review of several studies on mesotherapy found that minoxidil delivered via mesotherapy was helpful for hair loss and had a high patient satisfaction rate. But not all mesotherapy solutions contain minoxidil — and minoxidil can also be used at home without mesotherapy.

Methotherapy for Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss

While mesotherapy is most often used to help treat male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia), a small study found that the procedure may also be helpful for those experiencing a type of stress hair loss. This form of hair loss is known as telogen effluvium.

The study focused on mesotherapy solutions containing either multivitamins or botulinum toxin A and found both to be effective. But since this study only had 24 participants, more research is needed to be conclusive.

Mesotherapy is generally thought to be most effective when combined with proven treatments for male pattern baldness.

If you book an appointment for mesotherapy, you should get clear instructions from your clinician about how to prepare.

Before heading into your session, make sure your scalp is clean and free of products. Also, arrive at your appointment with your scalp and hair completely dry.

The most common side effects of mesotherapy for hair include:

• Headache

• Pain at the injection site

• A tight-feeling scalp

• Itching

• Redness

• Swelling

Less common side effects include:

• Further hair loss (frontal fibrosing alopecia)

• Scarring

• Facial numbness

• Scalp melanoma

→ Read next: Stem Cell Hair Transplants

Here’s what you might consider instead of (or in addition to) mesotherapy for hair loss.

Hair Loss Medications

Mesotherapy solutions (sometimes called “meso cocktails”) often contain hair loss medication, including minoxidil and finasteride. But you can access these medications without going the mesotherapy route.

Minoxidil

Minoxidil increases blood flow to hair follicles and prolongs the growth (anagen) phase of the hair growth cycle, which helps promote hair growth. It’s better-studied than mesotherapy alone and comes in topical and oral forms.

Topical minoxidil is FDA-approved and available over the counter — no prescription needed. We offer minoxidil foam and minoxidil solution, both of which are applied topically to the scalp.

Oral minoxidil is also available with a prescription. We offer minoxidil chews designed to be taken once daily.

Finasteride

Finasteride is an oral prescription medication that reduces dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a male hormone responsible for shrinking hair follicles (follicle miniaturization) in male pattern baldness.

Finasteride can slow hair loss and stimulate hair growth by reducing the amount of DHT in the body.

We offer access to oral finasteride online, following a consultation with a healthcare provider who can determine if a prescription is appropriate.

Finasteride is also an ingredient in our topical minoxidil & finasteride spray, another prescription product. Research shows that finasteride and minoxidil are even more effective when paired together.

→ Read: Scientifically Proven Ways to Grow Thicker Hair

PRP Injections

PRP stands for platelet-rich plasma. Though it’s commonly used for wound healing, this type of injection may help with male pattern baldness. The procedure is done in a dermatologist’s office or a med spa.

PRP treatment injects your own blood into the scalp to stimulate follicles and increase hair density. Research shows PRP can improve thickness and reduce shedding.

Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

LLLT is a type of light therapy that can stimulate hair follicles to produce hair. It can be done in clinical settings by a professional or at home using a lighted cap or comb.

LLLT uses red or near-infrared light to stimulate hair follicles. It’s been shown to improve density and reduce shedding for people with pattern hair loss.

This noninvasive option is pain-free and has no downtime. It’s often used alongside minoxidil or finasteride.

Mesotherapy can help improve hair quality and reduce shedding by delivering nutrients and active ingredients directly into the scalp, where they can get to work.

However, scientific evidence on the effectiveness of mesotherapy is limited compared to proven hair loss treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, PRP, and LLLT. If you’re considering mesotherapy, it works best as a complementary therapy — not a standalone solution.

A dermatologist or hair loss specialist can help you figure out if it’s a good fit for your specific type of hair loss.

→ Read next: Alopecia Types and How to Treat Them

Find answers to frequently asked questions about mesotherapy for hair loss.

Does mesotherapy hurt?

Methotherapy doesn’t typically hurt very much. Most people experience mild discomfort rather than significant pain. The procedure uses very fine needles, and sensations are often described as light stinging or pinching. Some providers apply a numbing cream to make it more comfortable.

Does mesotherapy work if you’re fully bald?

No, mesotherapy won’t work if you have no hair at all. The process requires there to be active hair follicles present, even if they’re not currently growing hair (dormant). A smooth, shiny head generally signifies hair follicle destruction, or dead hair follicles that can’t be revived.

Is mesotherapy only used for hair loss?

No. While mesotherapy is commonly used for scalp and hair health, it’s also used for skin rejuvenation, reducing fine lines and wrinkles, targeted fat reduction, and body contouring.

This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. The information contained herein is not a substitute for and should never be relied upon for professional medical advice. Always talk to your doctor about the risks and benefits of any treatment. Learn more about our editorial standards.