If you’re noticing thinning hair or patchy hair loss, you’re not alone and you’re certainly not without options. An exciting development in regenerative aesthetics has been polynucleotides for hair restoration. But what exactly are they, and do they really work for hair loss in both men and women?
Let’s break it down.
What Are Polynucleotides?
Polynucleotides are highly purified chains of DNA, often derived from fish. In aesthetic medicine, they’re prized for their ability to repair, heal, and regenerate cells. When injected into the skin or scalp, polynucleotides work by:
- Reducing inflammation that may be contributing to hair shedding,
- Boosting hydration within the scalp tissue,
- Stimulating cell renewal, these molecules support DNA repair in damaged or ageing cells.
The goal is to create a healthier scalp environment - nourishing the roots of your hair and improving the quality and strength of growing strands, and encouraging dormant follicles to re-enter the growth phase.
In essence, polynucleotides don’t force the hair to grow—they create a healthier, regenerative environment where your body can naturally repair and renew tissue, including around the hair follicles.
Polynucleotides for Hair Loss in Men and Women
While hair loss presents differently in men and women, the underlying need for follicle support and scalp health is the same. Polynucleotides help revive sluggish or dormant follicles, strengthen thinning strands, and slow further shedding. They're particularly helpful for:
- Men with early signs of male-pattern baldness
- Women experiencing diffuse thinning or hormonal hair loss
- Anyone with hair loss caused by stress, illness, or poor scalp health
They can be used on their own or combined with other treatments like:
- PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma)
- Minoxidil (topical scalp treatment)
- Post Hair transplants for optimised recovery
Real Results: One Patient’s Journey to Thicker, Healthier Hair
One of my long-term patients, a woman in her 40s, first visited me in 2022. She was struggling with thinning across the crown and parting, which was starting to dent her confidence.
After a detailed consultation and scalp analysis, I found she still had active follicles - an essential green flag for hair rejuvenation. We initially began a course of PRP injections, but irregular treatment intervals - due to her personal commitments - meant the results were modest.
In late 2023, we dug deeper. A Fagron Trichotest (DNA hair test) revealed specific sensitivities and nutritional imbalances, which we supported with topical minoxidil and supplements - plus a PRP maintenance treatment. While her hair shafts appeared healthier, growth remained slow.
The Game-Changer: Introducing Polynucleotides
In autumn 2024, I introduced polynucleotide hair growth injections to her plan as follows:
-
8 sessions over 5 months:
- 4 sessions spaced 2 weeks apart
- 4 more spaced every 3–4 weeks
- Started with 6ml per session, tapering to 4ml
- Continued use of topical minoxidil throughout
By her 4th session, her hair looked noticeably fuller - increased thickness, stronger texture and improved scalp density.
By her 7th, she experienced a short shedding phase (a common part of the renewal cycle).
At her 6-month review, the transformation was remarkable: stronger strands, visibly thicker hair, and regrowth in areas she feared were lost for good. She was emotional and overjoyed - she had expected to see this level of improvement.
Maintenance & Long-Term Results
Today, she’s on a bespoke maintenance plan with booster sessions every 3–4 months, alongside her at home topical routine. Her hair remains denser, shinier, and more resilient than it has been in years.
Why Consider Polynucleotides for Hair Regrowth?
For anyone frustrated by slow results from PRP or minoxidil alone, polynucleotides can offer a biological boost - restoring the scalp at a cellular level, rather than just treating symptoms.
- Can be used alongside other treatments
- Improves scalp health and follicle activity
- Non-hormonal and well-tolerated
- Minimal downtime and virtually no side effects
Final Word
Hair loss can be emotional and deeply personal, but with the right guidance, it’s possible to restore not just your hair, but also your confidence.
PRP injections are a good treatment for hair loss, but their effectiveness does depend on the quality of the plasma produced from your blood and your current health. Using Polynucleotides removes this factor. Just like PRP and minoxidil - Polynucleotides aren’t a quick fix, but they are a powerful tool in the modern hair restoration toolkit.
To do a detail consultation and see if polynucleotides, or other hair rejuvenation treatments, are suitable for you book a hair loss consultation.
Author's experience
Nurse Elspeth brings over three years of experience in supporting patients with hair restoration, using advanced treatments such as PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), polynucleotides, and exosomes. These regenerative therapies are delivered either through precision injections or microneedling, depending on the individual’s needs.
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