Protecting Your Ponytail — and Your Hairline
If you adore a sleek ponytail, it’s essential to ensure it doesn’t take a toll on your hairline. Melissa Gorga, who calls herself a “ponytail girl,” shared on Instagram that she has opted for regenerative injectables to maintain a healthy hairline when her hair is pulled back.
“It’s starting to thin a little bit, right along my hairline, and it’s gonna help with all of that so I’m excited,” the star of “The Real Housewives of New Jersey” expressed while sitting on the exam table. “I’m a little nervous. I’m really looking forward to the laughing gas. They numb you and I’ve heard it doesn’t hurt that much!”
The mother of three visited Dr. Jeffrey Wise, a plastic surgeon located in Wayne, New Jersey, for her treatments.
More than half of women face noticeable hair loss during their lives, particularly at the crown of the head, which is known as female pattern hair loss. Dr. Wise shared that while he observed mild to moderate thinning around Gorga’s hairline, it wasn’t severe enough to warrant hair transplants.
“We generally reserve hair transplantation for severe thinning or completely bald areas,” he clarified. However, he noted that Melissa “wanted to explore every possible option,” leading them to consider alternative methods.
They decided on a combination of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy and exosome treatment to provide a “sizeable dose of stem cells,” which can potentially revive dormant hair follicles, encouraging them to grow and become thicker.
Understanding PRP and Exosome Therapy
During PRP treatment, a blood sample from the patient is processed in a centrifuge to isolate the platelets and plasma from the red blood cells. This enriched plasma is then injected into the areas with thinning hair.
PRP is frequently administered after injuries or surgeries due to its ability to aid in healing damaged tissue, but it’s also effective for prolonging the growth phase of hair, especially when the loss is recent.
Dr. Wise emphasized that PRP—averaging around $1,000 according to some estimates—can “reactivate dormant hair follicles, improve density, and support natural regrowth.”
Exosomes act as a form of “delivery driver” between cells, helping transport essential components without being harmful themselves, as they lack DNA and cannot reproduce.
These exosomes can originate from various cell tissues, such as bone marrow or fat cells, and are believed to contain significantly more growth factors than PRP. The combination of PRP and exosomes may yield remarkable results, as noted by Wise, who also sometimes recommends pairing these treatments with minoxidil, known as Rogaine.
Treatment Experience and Expected Results
Before treatment, patients are given nitrous oxide, or laughing gas, along with topical numbing agents. Dr. Wise mentioned that patients typically describe the experience as mildly uncomfortable but not painful.
Following the injections, some patients might experience slight swelling or bruising, which usually resolves within a few days. He suggests refraining from strenuous activity for a short period to facilitate healing.
Results usually unfold gradually, with thicker, healthier hair expected to emerge over several weeks. Dr. Wise noted that peak results commonly occur between six months to a year post-treatment.
Female Hair Loss Versus Male Hair Loss
Men typically react to a hormone called DHT, leading to localized hair loss at the temples and the crown. In contrast, women tend to have a lower sensitivity to DHT, resulting in a more even thinning across the scalp.
“Female hair loss generally progresses slowly. A common early sign might be finding more hair in the drain or on the brush,” Dr. Wise pointed out. An expanding part, increased scalp visibility in lighting, and finer, softer hair that lacks volume are also signs of female pattern hair loss, which can stem from genetics, hormones, and aging.
Interestingly, hair styling choices can contribute to hair loss. Dr. Wise explained that tight hairstyles, such as braids or tight ponytails, can lead to a condition known as traction alopecia. Many women who regularly wear these styles are becoming more aware of hair loss in those areas now that discussions about hair loss are more prevalent.
Currently, the sole FDA-approved treatment for female pattern hair loss is topical minoxidil, which can be purchased over the counter. Certain laser and light therapy devices have also received FDA clearance for promoting hair growth, while finasteride is approved only for men.
