I’ve had fine hair my whole life and have tried pretty much every product going in an attempt to add volume. Over the past few years my hormones have turned on me and my hair is thinner than ever. I have tried extensions to add volume, and while this looked great it was quite expensive to maintain and probably not doing much good to the few hairs I do have left! With all this in mind I’ve been watching with interest the new scalp treatments that have come to the market in recent months. It does seem like the scalp is the buzzword and it makes sense that if cell renewal can somehow be stimulated then hair growth could be encouraged, or at least hair loss reduced.

CALECIM® Advanced Hair System is a brand that offers a range of skin and hair-care products that contain a proprietary protein complex derived from umbilical cord lining extract. This protein complex is said to contain growth factors and other molecules that can help stimulate cell renewal and repair in the skin and scalp. It may also help to reduce inflammation and irritation on the scalp, which can contribute to hair loss and other scalp issues. It’s important to note that some hair loss is normal, and it’s common to lose up to 100 hairs per day, and it can be caused by a variety of factors such as genetics, the aforementioned hormones, age, stress and medical and lifestyle issues.

I’m heading to Dr Medi Spa in Knightsbridge to try out a six week treatment plan. CALECIM® Advanced Hair System is powered by naturally-derived and ethically-sourced stem cells from the umbilical cord lining of New Zealand red deer. These stem cells naturally secrete growth factors, proteins and cytokines. Scientists discovered that these stem cell extracts are able to send cellular messages to hair follicle cells, initiating a cascade of positive responses such as reinvigoration of dormant and sluggish hair follicles, restoring a healthy hair cycle and halting inflammatory factors found on the scalp that cause follicle cell death.

Example showing COVID19 induced Scalp Alopecia After one Treatment (Left) and 3rd Treatment (Right)

I’m opting for the in-clinic treatment, where a professional-grade micro-needling device is used to infuse the CALECIM® Serum into the scalp – one session per week for a six week duration is required. Alternatively, there is also a CALECIM® Advanced Hair System 6 Week Home Treatment Programme, which comes with a derma stamp device and can be carried out in your own home. Two sessions per week for a six week duration is required.

The ideal candidate is someone with mild to moderate hair loss, and as this sums me up, I’m keen to get started. I lie back on the bed and the therapist chats away as she applies the microneedle to the scalp, concentrating on the areas around the front of the hairline and around the parting. Then the, in my mind, magic potion is applied and rubbed in, with some more micro-needling to ensure that it sinks deeply into the scalp. It’s uncomfortable and some areas are definitely more sensitive than others, but it’s more than bearable and lasts around 20 minutes. I was worried that I’d look like I’d suffered a major head injury and have to suffer the indignity of a bus journey home looking that way, but clients are put under an LED light for 30 minutes after the treatment and this is both anti-inflammatory and anti-bacterial, as well as helping the serum dry a little. It’s not oily and I find that putting my hair back in a ponytail means nobody would ever know. There’s also barely any redness on my scalp. I’m advised to avoid washing my hair for at least 24 hours to allow the product to get to work, so it might be worth scheduling your social life accordingly.

6 weeks later and I’ve completed my treatment. Although it’s technically a little early to really see any improvement yet, I’m pretty sure I’ve spotted some new baby hairs. 12 weeks later and it’s very clear to see that I have actual patches of new hair sprouting up. I’ve got a crazy amount of flyaway baby hairs but I’m not complaining. People have even commented on my hair looking thicker too, and I couldn’t be happier. A follow up session is recommended in a few months and then I could pop back in once a year or so, but at the moment I’ll see how I get on. It’s great to have a treatment that once it’s complete is pretty low maintenance and every day I see those pesky flyaways I smile to myself and give my hair a satisfied swish.

Call: 020 8418 0362 | drmedispa.com |18 Beauchamp Place, Knightsbridge, London SW3 1NQ

Hair care at home. There are some fantastic products around at the moment to help you continue your hair care journey at home. We’ve rounded up some of our favourites.

Monpure London

MONPURE London is the world’s first dedicated scalp and hair health brand, allowing us to experience the future of haircare today. Their curated team of beauty experts, trichologists, dermatologists and scientists are dedicated to providing results driven formulas to enhance scalp health for conditions such as hair loss and thinning. Their luxe, high-quality products are designed to change the way we think about our hair by focusing on the very foundation of it, the scalp.

Use MONPURE London’s hero product, the Follicle Boost Hair Density Serum, for a total retinol reset for your hair.  The serum works to stimulate the scalp, improve cell turnover and help prevent hair loss and thinning – while actively promoting thicker, fuller hair growth. Jam-packed with retinol which speeds up cell turnover, so that the serum’s other active ingredients such as pumpkin seed extract can be absorbed better and stimulate the scalp more effectively. Follicle Boost stimulates the scalp by nourishing the hair follicles with nutrient-rich vitamins and improves cell turnover, for healthier, fuller hair growth.

monpure.com/collections £83

GF Fabulosity

The GF Fabulosity hair care range is scientifically designed to help repair the scalp for healthy hair growth. Celebrity hair stylist, Gustav Fouche, is behind the brand. This nourishing leave-in Scalp treatment is conditioning and works to stimulate and increase hair growth and scalp health with a silky light texture.

The star ingredient, rice aminos are mighty multi-taskers that aid in deep hair repair and replenishment, binding moisture to increase the elasticity and density of the hair, and taming frizz.

High in tannin compounds, the traditional Ayurvedic ingredient Amla is one of the most potent antioxidants which infuses hair with nutrition to protect against
environmental stressors while strengthening follicles, preventing hair loss and promoting growth and scalp health.

GF Fabulosity Hair & Scalp Elixir, £53 from gffabulosity.com

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