Polynucleotides hair loss treatment is an emerging treatment option for androgenic alopecia that has shown efficacy in clinical trials and is safe to use in clinical practice.
Androgenetic alopecia affects up to 50% of both genders and is marked by the progressive thinning of terminal hair on the scalp post-puberty [1]. Historically, hair transplantation was the primary treatment option for the condition.
But advancements in regenerative medicine have expanded the spectrum of available treatments for alopecia. In this article, let’s understand all about polynucleotides for hair loss treatment.
Key takeaways
- Polynucleotides improve blood supply to hair follicles, reduce inflammation, help in tissue repair, and promote moderate hair regrowth.
- The recommended injection techniques for polynucleotides are microneedling and linear retrograde method using 30–32 gauge needles.
- Polynucleotides work well with other therapies such as platelet-rich plasma therapy, microneedling, and topical treatments.
- The procedure is safe with few side effects.
- Results can last between 6 to 12 months, and noticeable hair improvements start within six weeks.
How Do Polynucleotides Stop Hair Loss?
Polynucleotides (PNs) for hair loss are injectable bio-stimulators composed of elastic nucleotide molecules derived from fish DNA fragments that closely resemble human DNA.
They are primarily used in regenerative medicine for their anti-inflammatory, tissue repair, and fibroblast-stimulating properties.
PNs stop androgenic alopecia by promoting angiogenesis to increase blood supply to hair follicles. They also improve the local microenvironment by reducing oxidative stress and modulating inflammatory responses.
In addition, PNs contribute to proliferation of dermal papilla cells—which are essential for hair follicle cycling—through the upregulation of growth factors like vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) and basic fibroblast growth factor (bFGF).
Do Polynucleotides Work for Hair Growth?
In a 2024 clinical trial, patients treated with polynucleotides for hair growth over a four-month period reported slight to moderate hair regrowth improvement in 65%, 77.8%, and 63.2% of cases after 6, 18, and 24 weeks respectively [2].
A panel of Italian dermatologists, plastic surgeons, and aesthetic medicine experts reached a strong consensus on the effectiveness of PN-HPT™ (polynucleotides highly purified technology) for scalp hair thickening. They found that intradermal PN-HPT™ treatments stimulate hair follicles and promote stronger, healthier hair growth.
The experts recommend a 2 mL injection of 15 mg PN-HPT™ gel every 7–14 days for four sessions, followed by another four sessions every 21–30 days [3].
Combining PN-HPT™-based gel with other treatments, such as biotin or hyaluronic acid supplements, carboxytherapy, and topical therapies, amplifies treatment benefits.
Who Should Get Polynucleotide Injections?
Polynucleotide injections for hair restoration are indicated for:
- Patients with scalp conditions involving follicular miniaturization, alopecia, and hair thinning, particularly those with androgenetic alopecia classified as Norwood 3–6 on the standard scale or telogen effluvium
- Those receiving adjunctive treatments like PRP or low-level laser therapy (LLLT)
- Patients who have not seen satisfactory results from pharmacological agents like minoxidil and finasteride
- Patients undergoing hair transplant surgery to support post-surgical follicle recovery
Injection Techniques and Procedural Considerations
Individually tailored injection techniques are crucial for achieving optimal results and preventing patient dissatisfaction.
Commonly used procedural methods for hair PNs include:
- Microdroplet technique—Injecting small quantities of polynucleotide hair treatment material into multiple, evenly spaced microdroplets across the treatment area for uniform distribution of the product.
- Linear retrograde technique—Injecting a continuous line of polynucleotide hair loss treatment material as the needle is withdrawn for targeted deposition along linear patterns of hair thinning.
- Fan technique—Radiating injections from a central point in a fan-like distribution, ideal for treating wider areas with fewer needle insertion points.
The Italian Scientific Board recommends microdroplet or linear retrograde techniques for PN-HPT™ injections, using 30–32 gauge needles [2].
Benefits of Polynucleotide Hair Treatment
Here are some benefits that PN hair treatment brings to the table:
- Improves scalp hydration and elasticity
- Protects scalp and follicles from oxidative stress
- Less expensive than surgical hair restoration options
- Reduces inflammation and prevents further follicle damage
- Increases blood flow, and hence nutrient delivery, to follicles
- Leads to denser, fuller hair over time with continued treatment
- Treatment sessions are fast, often completed in under an hour
- Non-invasive technique that leaves no visible scars on the scalp
- Safe procedure with a low side effects profile and fast recovery
- Safe and effective for all adults (18+) across different age groups
What Are the Side Effects of Polynucleotide Injections?
Like any treatment, there may be some side effects after a polynucleotide hair treatment procedure, such as:
- Mild headache
- Occasional hematomas
- Temporary skin discoloration
- Local erythema, swelling, and tenderness
- Burning sensation for up to 12 hours after injections
- Mild, temporary pain during and after injections
To minimize side effects, use topical anesthetics like lidocaine to numb the skin before or after the injections. Also, advise your patients to:
- Apply calming creams or ice packs to the treated area [3]
- Stay out of direct sunlight and away from tanning beds for two days after the procedure
How Long Does Polynucleotide Treatment Last?
Hair restoration with polynucleotides exhibits therapeutic benefits that last for 6–12 months. Patients notice initial improvements in hair growth within six weeks to three months of beginning treatment.
According to Samadi et al’s clinical trial where polynucleotides were injected in ten sessions over four months, 85% of participants reported their hair looked “better” four months after the treatment.
Can Polynucleotides Be Combined With Other Hair Loss Treatments?
Yes, polynucleotide treatment for hair loss can be combined with other treatment methods to improve its efficacy. It can be used alongside procedures such as:
- Exosome therapy with products like Exojuv
- Glutathione injections
- Healite II LED light therapy
- Advanced hair system, the key ingredient of Calecim hair serum
It also pairs well with hair loss treatments like PRP, topical and oral medications, and microneedling for improved outcomes, as well as hair fillers.
Source Genuine Polynucleotides With Medica Depot
If you’re looking to source genuine polynucleotide-based gel injections for your clinic, consider Nucleofill, which is available at Medica Depot—the premier source for high-quality cosmetic products.
Nucleofill comes in a potent 20mg/ml concentration of polymerized polynucleotide in a convenient 1ml pre-filled syringe.
Book a meeting with our sales team today to learn how you can source Nucleofill for your practice.
References
- Ho CH, Sood T, Zito PM. Androgenetic Alopecia. [Updated 2024 Jan 7]. In: StatPearls [Internet]. Treasure Island (FL): StatPearls Publishing; 2024 Jan-. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK430924/
- Samadi A, Ayatollahi A, Kashani MN, Zamani S, Firooz A. Efficacy and tolerability assessment of a polynucleotide-based gel for improvement of pattern hair loss. Arch Dermatol Res. 2024;316(6):331. Published 2024 Jun 6. doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03088-9
- Cavallini M, Bartoletti E, Maioli L, et al. Consensus report on the use of PN-HPT™ (polynucleotides highly purified technology) in aesthetic medicine. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2021;20(3):922-928. doi:10.1111/jocd.13679
