Scalp · Minimally invasive
RF microneedling with exosomes combines RF microneedling with a topical exosome scalp serum, applied to the scalp rather than injected, to help support the scalp environment around thinning hair. At TruGlow Medical Aesthetics, our doctors use it as part of a hair loss plan to help prevent further thinning and support the hair you still have.
Treatment time
~45–60 min
Recovery
1–2 days of redness
Treatment and recovery times are estimates only. Please consult our doctors for advice specific to you.
About the treatment
RF microneedling for hair loss, also called scalp RF microneedling, is a minimally invasive treatment that applies the same technology as RF microneedling for the face to the scalp. At TruGlow, it is followed by an exosome scalp serum and used as part of a doctor-led plan for thinning hair and increased shedding, often alongside other treatments recommended by our doctors.
Needles in: fine needles enter the scalp to a set depth between the hair follicles, creating tiny, controlled channels.
How it works
RF microneedling for hair loss works on the tissue around each hair follicle rather than the skin surface. Fine needles pass between the follicles to a set depth, and radiofrequency energy at the needle tips gently warms the surrounding scalp. The scalp responds as it would to a small, controlled injury, which may improve blood flow and support the environment the follicles grow in. An exosome scalp serum is then applied so it can reach the micro-channels.
1
Fine needles enter the scalp to a set depth, creating tiny, controlled channels between the hair follicles. A numbing cream is applied beforehand to keep the treatment comfortable.
2
Energy released at the needle tips gently heats the tissue around the follicles, while most of the scalp surface is spared. This targeted heat is intended to trigger the scalp’s natural repair response.
3
An exosome scalp serum is applied topically straight after the RF microneedling, gently massaged onto the scalp while the micro-channels are still open. No additional needles or injections are used for this step.
4
Over a course of sessions, the scalp’s healing response may help reduce shedding and support thicker-looking hair. Because hair grows in cycles, changes build gradually over several months.
Exosomes
Exosomes are tiny vesicles that cells release to carry proteins, lipids and other signalling molecules to neighbouring cells. In scalp treatments, they are used in serums to support the environment around the follicles. On their own, serums mostly sit on the surface of the scalp, so applying one straight after RF microneedling, while the channels are still open, is why the two are combined in one session.
Tiny messenger vesicles released by cells, used here in a serum applied to the scalp.
The micro-channels let the serum reach below the surface, while the RF heat is intended to prompt the scalp’s own repair response.
Research on exosomes for hair loss is still at an early stage, and results vary between individuals. Our doctors will explain what to realistically expect before you start.
Hair and scalp concerns
Hair loss is rarely down to one thing, and the right plan depends on the cause. The most common is male pattern hair loss, where genetics and hormones make follicles shrink over time. Hair can also shed all over the scalp after stress, illness, childbirth, rapid weight loss or low iron, or fall out in round patches when the immune system targets the follicles. RF microneedling is most often used for early to moderate thinning and increased shedding, to help slow further loss and support the hair you still have. It does not cure the underlying cause or regrow hair where follicles are no longer active. Explore the patterns to see what each looks like and how it is usually approached.
Scalp health: an oily, congested or irritated scalp can affect the environment the follicles grow in, so we may treat the scalp before or alongside RF microneedling.
Suitability
Please share your full medical history during consultation so our Medical Team can advise whether this treatment is appropriate for you. RF microneedling is not suitable for areas where hair follicles are no longer present.
Your visit
From assessment to aftercare, each step is planned around your scalp and hair.
Step 1
Our doctors review your medical history, examines your scalp and hair, and may recommend blood tests to look for contributing factors.
Step 2
The scalp is cleansed and a numbing cream is applied to the treatment area.
Step 3
The handpiece moves across the thinning areas in a planned pattern, and an exosome scalp serum is then massaged onto the treated scalp.
Step 4
Mild redness and tenderness usually settle within 1 to 2 days. Avoid washing your hair for about 24 hours, and avoid swimming, saunas and hair colouring for a few days.
Timeline
Hair grows in cycles, so changes build gradually rather than appearing straight away. RF microneedling creates tiny channels in the scalp and delivers controlled heat, which is intended to support a healthier environment for the hair follicles.
As follicles move through their growth cycle, reduced shedding may be noticed after about 3 months, and hair may look fuller over 4 to 6 months or longer. Our Medical Team reviews your progress along the way, and maintenance sessions are often advised to help keep results.
Immediately after
Day 0 to 2
Redness, warmth and pinpoint marks on the scalp usually settle quickly.
Treatment course
Months 0 to 8
Most plans involve about 6 to 8 sessions, about 4 weeks apart.
Early change
Months 3 to 4
Reduced shedding may be the first change noticed.
Progressive change
Months 4 to 6 and beyond
Hair may look fuller as follicles move through their growth cycle.
Results vary between individuals and depend on factors including the cause of hair loss, its duration, general health and other treatments used.
Hair growth cycle
Results take months because treatment can only work with hair as it grows, and hair grows slowly and in cycles. Each hair grows for several years, pauses for a few weeks, then rests for about 3 months before it sheds and a new hair takes its place, and new hair grows only around 1 cm a month. So even when the follicles respond to treatment, reduced shedding usually shows after about 3 months and fuller-looking hair after 4 to 6 months or longer. The hair cycle diagram shows this natural cycle, which every hair goes through with or without treatment.
The follicle actively grows hair. On a healthy scalp this natural phase lasts several years (typically 2 to 6), and most hairs are in it at any one time.
What this means for you: Treatment aims to support follicles while they are growing, which is why it is aimed at the hair you still have rather than bald areas.
Growth stops and the follicle shrinks over about 2 to 3 weeks.
What this means for you: Hairs already moving into this phase will still shed, so some shedding in the first weeks is part of the natural cycle, not a sign treatment isn't working.
The hair rests for about 3 months, then sheds as a new hair begins to grow. Losing around 50 to 100 hairs a day is normal.
What this means for you: Because hairs rest for about 3 months before shedding, any drop in shedding may become noticeable from around the third month of treatment.
In pattern hair loss, the growth phase gets shorter and follicles shrink, so hairs grow back finer with each cycle. Treatment is designed to work alongside this natural cycle, so reduced shedding and fuller-looking hair show gradually, as in the treatment timeline, and results are reviewed over 4 to 6 months.
Treatment options
Hair loss is often managed with more than one approach. Here is how RF microneedling sits alongside other common options, to help you prepare questions for your consultation.
| Treatment | How it works | Commonly used for | Typical course | Typical recovery |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| RF microneedling with exosomes This treatment | Microneedles deliver radiofrequency heat into the scalp around the hair follicles, followed by a topical exosome scalp serum (not injected) | Early to moderate thinning and increased shedding | Usually 6 to 8 sessions, around 4 weeks apart, then maintenance | Redness and tenderness for about 1 to 2 days |
| PRP (platelet-rich plasma) | A small amount of your own blood is processed into a platelet concentrate, which is injected into the scalp | Early to moderate thinning | Usually a course of several sessions, then maintenance | Mild tenderness or swelling for a day or two |
| Doctor-prescribed medication | Oral or topical medicines prescribed by a doctor to address the cause of hair loss | Pattern hair loss, often the first treatment considered | Taken daily over the long term | No downtime; possible side effects depend on the medicine |
| Hair transplant | Hair follicles are surgically moved from the back of the scalp to thinning areas | Advanced, stable pattern hair loss with enough donor hair | Usually one procedure, with new growth over several months | Scabbing and swelling for about 1 to 2 weeks |
These options are often combined rather than chosen on their own, and RF microneedling is typically used alongside medical treatment, not instead of it. Not every treatment listed is offered at TruGlow. We will recommend the approach that suits the cause of your hair loss.
Estimated figures for a course. We will tailor your plan after assessment.
Treatment time
About 45 to 60 min
Recommended course
Usually 6 to 8 sessions, as advised
Session interval
About 3 to 4 weeks apart
Recovery
1 to 2 days of redness
Comfort
Topical numbing cream
Results
Reviewed over 4 to 6 months
FAQs
Not sure whether this treatment suits your type of hair loss? Our team can help.
RF microneedling may help support thinning hair by stimulating the scalp and the environment around the follicles. It is intended to be part of a plan that addresses the cause of hair loss. Our doctors will advise whether it suits you.
Exosomes are tiny vesicles that cells release to carry proteins, lipids and other signalling molecules between cells. In aesthetic treatments they are used in serums applied to the skin or scalp. At TruGlow, an exosome scalp serum is used straight after RF microneedling for hair loss.
No. RF microneedling for hair loss works with existing follicles, so it cannot regrow hair where follicles are no longer active, such as long-standing bald areas or scarring hair loss. It is best suited to early to moderate thinning.
The exosome serum is applied topically and is not injected. Research on exosomes for hair loss is still at an early stage, so our doctors will review your medical history, explain possible side effects and discuss whether it is suitable for you.
RF microneedling for hair loss is commonly considered for early to moderate pattern hair loss, diffuse thinning and increased shedding. It is not suitable for scarring hair loss or areas where follicles are no longer present.
A numbing cream is applied before treatment. Most people describe a prickling, warm sensation. Settings can be adjusted during the session for comfort.
Mild redness, tenderness and pinpoint marks on the scalp usually settle within 1 to 2 days. Most people return to normal activities the next day.
Most plans involve about 6 to 8 sessions, around 4 weeks apart, followed by maintenance as advised. The number of sessions each person needs depends on the cause and extent of hair loss.
Hair grows in cycles, so changes take time. Reduced shedding may be noticed after about 3 months, and fuller-looking hair over 4 to 6 months or longer. Results vary between individuals.
Often, yes. Pattern hair loss is ongoing, so after the initial course our doctors may recommend maintenance sessions every few months to help keep results. The interval depends on the cause of your hair loss and how you respond.
It can be. Hair thinning in women is common and can be linked to hormones, pregnancy, stress or nutrition. We will look for contributing factors before recommending treatment.
Yes, where suitable. RF microneedling is often used alongside treatments prescribed by a doctor. Our doctors will advise on the combination and timing.
RF microneedling for hair loss uses the same technology, but the depth, settings and treatment pattern are adapted for the scalp and hair follicles.
The cost depends on the area treated and the number of sessions recommended. Please contact our team for current pricing after your assessment.
Our medical team
Get to know the doctors at TruGlow Medical Aesthetics. Our team values authentic beauty and takes a personalised approach, understanding your unique needs and goals.
