Hair loss can affect both men and women and may develop gradually or suddenly depending on the underlying cause. Some people notice thinning around the hairline or crown, while others experience increased shedding, widening of the part, or patches of visible scalp. Hair loss can be influenced by genetics, hormones, stress, illness, medications, nutritional deficiencies, inflammation, and aging. At Beacon Dermatology in Asheville, treatment plans are customized based on the type of hair loss, the severity of thinning, scalp health, and long-term goals.

Successful hair restoration often involves combining therapies that reduce ongoing hair loss while stimulating healthier, thicker hair growth. Many patients benefit from a multi-treatment approach that may include prescription medications, topical therapies, biologic treatments, nutritional support, and regenerative procedures.

Topical Finasteride (Propecia)

Topical finasteride is a prescription medication applied directly to the scalp to help slow hereditary hair loss. Finasteride works by reducing levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone strongly linked to androgenetic alopecia, also known as male and female pattern hair loss. Elevated DHT can gradually shrink hair follicles over time, causing hairs to become thinner, shorter, and less dense.

By applying finasteride directly to the scalp, the medication targets affected follicles while minimizing overall systemic exposure. Many patients use topical finasteride daily as part of a long-term maintenance program. Over time, patients may notice reduced shedding, improved density, and thicker appearing hair. Results develop gradually because hair follicles require time to cycle and recover.

Oral Finasteride

Oral finasteride is one of the most widely used prescription treatments for male pattern hair loss. The medication works internally by lowering DHT levels throughout the body, helping protect vulnerable hair follicles from progressive miniaturization.

For many patients, oral finasteride can significantly slow the progression of hair loss and help preserve existing hair. Some individuals also experience visible regrowth and improved density over time. Consistency is important because stopping treatment often allows hair loss to gradually resume.

Patients considering oral finasteride should discuss their medical history, goals, and potential side effects during consultation. Treatment plans are individualized to ensure the medication is appropriate for each patient.

Topical Minoxidil

Topical minoxidil is a commonly used treatment for thinning hair in both men and women. Applied directly to the scalp, minoxidil helps stimulate hair follicles, prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle, and improve blood flow around follicles.

Minoxidil is available in liquid and foam formulations and is typically used once or twice daily depending on the treatment plan. Many patients choose topical minoxidil because it can be incorporated easily into a home routine and may help improve hair thickness and density over time.

It is important to understand that visible improvement usually develops gradually over several months. Some patients notice temporary increased shedding early in treatment as older hairs transition out of the scalp and new growth begins.

Oral Minoxidil

Low-dose oral minoxidil has become an increasingly popular option for patients with diffuse thinning or progressive hair loss. Unlike topical minoxidil, oral minoxidil works systemically and may benefit patients who have difficulty tolerating scalp applications or who want a more comprehensive treatment approach.

Oral minoxidil may help improve hair density, strengthen miniaturized hairs, and stimulate dormant follicles. Because the medication works internally, patients often notice improvement throughout broader areas of the scalp rather than isolated regions alone.

As with all prescription medications, treatment should be monitored carefully. Dosage and candidacy depend on individual medical history and treatment goals.

(plated) Hair Restoration

(plated) is a regenerative hair restoration treatment designed to support healthier hair growth using advanced growth factor technology. These products contain specialized signaling proteins and regenerative ingredients intended to help support follicle repair, scalp health, and hair rejuvenation.

(plated) products are commonly used alongside other therapies such as finasteride, minoxidil, PRP, or microneedling. The goal is to create a healthier scalp environment while enhancing follicular activity and supporting stronger, thicker hair growth.

Many patients appreciate that (plated) treatments are noninvasive and can be incorporated into a long-term hair restoration program with minimal downtime.

Nutrafol

Nutrafol is a physician-recommended nutritional supplement formulated to support hair growth from within. Hair thinning can sometimes be influenced by nutritional deficiencies, stress, inflammation, oxidative stress, and hormonal changes. Nutrafol is designed to address several of these contributing factors simultaneously.

The supplement contains a combination of vitamins, minerals, antioxidants, marine collagen, and botanical ingredients that support overall hair and scalp health. Nutrafol is often used as part of a comprehensive hair restoration program rather than as a standalone solution.

Because hair growth occurs gradually, patients generally require several months of consistent use before noticing visible improvement in shedding or density.

PRP for hair loss

Platelet-rich plasma, commonly known as PRP, is a regenerative treatment that uses the body’s own healing components to stimulate hair follicles and encourage growth. PRP is created by drawing a small sample of blood and processing it to concentrate platelets and growth factors. These growth factors are then injected into areas of thinning hair.

PRP treatments are designed to improve scalp circulation, support follicle health, and stimulate dormant or weakened follicles. Many patients choose PRP because it is minimally invasive and uses the patient’s own natural biologic material.

A series of treatments is typically recommended initially, followed by maintenance sessions to help sustain results. Patients often notice improvements in hair thickness, density, and shedding reduction over time.

PRP with RF microneedling

Combining PRP with radiofrequency microneedling provides a more advanced regenerative approach to hair restoration. RF microneedling creates controlled micro-injuries in the scalp while delivering radiofrequency energy beneath the skin. This process helps stimulate collagen production, improve circulation, and support scalp rejuvenation.

When PRP is applied during or after treatment, the growth factors can penetrate more effectively into the scalp through the microchannels created by microneedling. The combination treatment is designed to maximize follicular stimulation and enhance overall scalp health.

Many patients choose PRP with RF microneedling because it addresses both scalp quality and follicular activity at the same time.

PRF for Hair Loss

Platelet-rich fibrin, or PRF, is an advanced biologic treatment similar to PRP but processed differently to preserve a higher concentration of platelets, fibrin, white blood cells, and growth factors. PRF releases these growth factors more gradually over time, which may help extend regenerative activity within the scalp.

PRF is injected into thinning areas of the scalp to stimulate hair follicles and support healthier hair growth. Because no anticoagulants are used during processing, PRF is considered a more natural biologic treatment option by many providers.

Patients seeking nonsurgical hair restoration often combine PRF with other therapies such as medications, supplements, or microneedling to improve overall results.

If you are suffering from hair loss, schedule a consultation with Michael Rains, MD, FAAD, Gabrielle Weaver, PA-C, or Margaret Frates, PA-C. Dr. Rains, Gabrielle Weaver, PA-C, and Margaret Frates, PA-C are widely regarded as some of the best dermatological providers in Asheville, North Carolina. He sees patients in Buncombe and Henderson counties.