Hair cell therapy is a procedure in which a cell suspension, prepared from a few very small pieces of your own scalp tissue, is injected into areas where the hair is thinning. It is often called a “hair cell transplant” or “hair stem cell treatment,” and in the medical literature it is known as an autologous micrograft procedure.

The tissue samples contain hair follicles and the cells around them. The aim is to support the existing follicles in thinning areas and to contribute to hair quality.

It differs from hair mesotherapy, which uses vitamin and mineral blends, and from PRP, which uses plasma from your own blood.

It is not a surgical hair transplant: follicles are not placed one by one, and the suspension is delivered by micro-injection. Research in this area is ongoing, results vary from person to person, and it cannot be said to stop hair loss.

In Türkiye, cell- and tissue-based applications are subject to Ministry of Health regulation. Hair cell therapy is performed only within the scope permitted by the regulations, with the required licenses and approvals, and by a physician.

At our clinic in Nişantaşı, Istanbul, your scalp is examined first and the cause of your hair loss is investigated, with blood tests for iron, vitamins and thyroid if needed. If you are suitable, the procedure is done in a single session.

For a few days beforehand, pause blood-thinning medicines and supplements such as aspirin, high-dose omega-3 and vitamin E, after checking with your doctor. If you take medication for hair loss, do not stop it without your doctor’s advice.

1. Preparation: The area behind the ear is cleaned and numbed with a local anesthetic.
2. Tissue sampling: Three to four small pieces of tissue, each about 2.5 mm across, are taken from this area. Stitches are usually not needed.
3. Processing: The tissue is processed in a closed, sterile system to prepare an injectable cell suspension.
4. Injection: The suspension is micro-injected into the thinning areas.

For female pattern hair loss, cells from the scalp may be applied together with cells obtained from your own fat tissue. Where needed, the procedure may be supported with hair PRP / GRP or hair mesotherapy. The right combination is decided at your consultation.

After an examination, hair cell therapy may be considered in these situations:

• Early to moderate genetic hair loss: The early and middle stages of male pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia).
• Thinning hair in women: Especially diffuse thinning on the crown and along the part.
• Before or after a hair transplant: To support the scalp in people who are planning or have had a hair transplant.

No meaningful benefit is expected where follicles are completely gone and the scalp looks smooth and shiny; surgical options are assessed separately there.

Hair loss often has more than one cause. Vitamin and mineral deficiencies, thyroid disease and hormonal problems should be addressed first. Hair loss in round, clearly defined patches needs a different approach; see alopecia areata treatment.

Because your own tissue is used, the risk of allergy is considered low, but side effects may occur:

• Temporary tenderness and swelling: A feeling of pressure and mild swelling of the scalp in the first 24 hours.
• Bruising: Small, temporary bruises at the injection points.
• At the sampling site: Mild tenderness and small marks.
• Infection: Rare, but possible at both the sampling site and the treated area.

Injecting at the correct depth matters, so a doctor who knows scalp anatomy should do it. Afterward, protect your scalp from sun and dirt. If you notice increasing pain, redness, discharge or fever, contact your doctor without delay.

Hair cell therapy is usually a single session, with sampling and injection on the same day. Because hair grows slowly, changes are not visible right away.

Results are usually assessed at a follow-up visit around the fourth month, when some people may notice fine new hairs; growth continues over the following months. Depending on the findings, a second session or other supportive treatments may be planned.

Genetic hair loss progresses over time, so any change after the procedure should not be expected to last indefinitely. Its course can shift with age, hormones and general health, so regular scalp check-ups are recommended. Response varies from person to person, and some people may see no noticeable change.