How to Regrow Thinning Hair: A Physician’s Guide to What Actually Works

Hair thinning can be subtle at first—more strands in your brush, a wider part, or a scalp that feels more visible under certain lighting. While these early signs are easy to brush off, addressing them sooner rather than later can significantly impact your long-term hair health.
At MD Skin Lab, a physician-run medical clinic in Toronto, we focus on preventative care and evidence-based treatments to help patients regain and maintain their hair density. Whether you're in your 20s or 50s, the earlier you intervene, the more effective your results will be.
In this blog, we’ll explore three of the most effective options available in Toronto: Exosome Hair Restoration, PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) Therapy, and Finasteride. Let’s break down how each one works—and why a proactive approach matters.
Treatment #1: Exosome Hair Restoration
Exosome Therapy is one of the most advanced tools in regenerative medicine. These microscopic vesicles are derived from stem cells and act as messengers, delivering proteins, lipids, and genetic material that signal cells to regenerate and repair.
How Exosomes Work for Hair Regrowth:
When applied to the scalp, exosomes help awaken dormant hair follicles, stimulate new growth, and improve overall scalp health. At MD Skin Lab, exosomes are administered via microneedling, which creates microchannels in the scalp to allow deeper product penetration and enhance the regenerative response.
Exosomes signal the follicles to:
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Re-enter the growth (anagen) phase
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Improve blood flow and nutrient delivery
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Reduce inflammation and oxidative stress
This process leads to healthier, thicker hair growth over time, especially in patients who begin treatment early.
Who Can Benefit from Exosomes?
Exosome therapy is particularly effective for:
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Patients experiencing early-stage thinning or diffuse hair loss
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Individuals with inflammatory scalp conditions
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Those who are not candidates for PRF or PRP (e.g., due to age or chronic illness)
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Patients looking for a non-invasive, needle-free solution (no blood draw required)
What to Expect:
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A thorough consultation with our physician team
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Microneedling of the scalp followed by topical exosome application
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Mild redness post-treatment with no significant downtime
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Noticeable improvements within 8–12 weeks

Exosomes offer a promising solution for those seeking a powerful, natural way to regenerate hair follicles, especially when started early. You can book an appointment at our medical clinic in Toronto.
Treatment #2: PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) Therapy
PRF is a form of platelet therapy that harnesses your body’s own healing ability. Unlike PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), PRF is spun at a lower speed, preserving more white blood cells and growth factors in a fibrin matrix. This allows for a slower, more sustained release of regenerative proteins, leading to more potent and longer-lasting results.
How PRF Supports Hair Regrowth:
PRF is rich in:
- Platelets and white blood cells, which promote tissue healing
- Cytokines and growth factors that reactivate dormant follicles
- Fibrin, which acts as a scaffolding for prolonged growth factor release
When injected into areas of thinning hair, PRF stimulates the follicles to grow stronger, thicker hair while reducing shedding and inflammation.
Who is an Ideal Candidate for PRF?
PRF is a great option for patients who:
- Are noticing early shedding or diffuse thinning
- Want to maintain results post-transplant or post-partum
- Prefer a natural, chemical-free treatment
- Are seeking preventative care to keep hair follicles active and healthy
What to Expect:
- A small blood draw
- Centrifuge processing to isolate PRF
- Series of tiny injections into the scalp
- Little to no downtime, with mild tenderness possible
At MD Skin Lab, PRF is administered by experienced medical professionals who tailor the treatment to each patient’s scalp condition and hair goals. For best results, we typically recommend 3–6 sessions spaced 4–6 weeks apart. You can book your PRF appointment here.
Should I Pick PRF or Exosome Therapy?
Both PRF and Exosome Therapy are excellent non-surgical options for hair restoration, but the right choice depends on your individual needs, health profile, and how early you're starting treatment.
PRF (Platelet-Rich Fibrin) is derived from your own blood and is ideal for patients seeking a natural, regenerative approach with minimal risk of reaction. It’s often recommended for those in the early stages of hair thinning, especially if you're experiencing shedding related to stress, hormonal changes, or postpartum recovery.
PRF works particularly well when there’s still visible hair in the treatment area, as it stimulates dormant follicles and enhances thickness over time. It does involve a blood draw and multiple small injections, but downtime is minimal.
Exosome Therapy, on the other hand, does not require a blood draw and is an excellent option for patients who may not be ideal candidates for PRF, such as those with chronic health conditions or more advanced thinning. Because exosomes are packed with more growth factors and signalling molecules from stem cells, they can offer a more intensive regenerative boost.
This treatment is especially beneficial for individuals who prefer a blood draw-free approach or are looking for an advanced alternative when PRP/PRF hasn’t delivered the desired results.
At MD Skin Lab, our physician team conducts a detailed consultation and scalp assessment to determine which treatment—or combination of treatments—will be most effective for you. In many cases, Exosomes and PRF can even be used together in a personalized treatment plan for optimal hair restoration results. Still unsure? We’ll help guide you toward the option that aligns best with your hair goals, timeline, and medical background.
Treatment #3: Finasteride (Oral or Topical)
While regenerative therapies like PRF and Exosomes stimulate hair growth externally, Finasteride works from within. Finasteride is a Health Canada-approved prescription medication that reduces levels of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), the hormone primarily responsible for androgenetic hair loss in men, and in some women as well.
How Finasteride Works:
DHT shrinks hair follicles over time, eventually stopping hair production altogether. Finasteride blocks the conversion of testosterone to DHT, effectively slowing or halting this process.
When started early, Finasteride can:
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Stop the progression of genetic hair loss
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Maintain existing hair density
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Enhance the results of other therapies like PRF or Exosomes
Topical vs. Oral:
At MD Skin Lab, we understand that not every patient is comfortable with oral medication. That’s why we offer topical formulations of Finasteride as well. While oral Finasteride is more established in clinical studies, topical alternatives can reduce systemic side effects while still targeting the scalp.
Who Should Consider Finasteride:
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Men with early to moderate androgenetic hair loss
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Women with hormonal thinning (off-label use)
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Patients looking to combine medication with regenerative therapies
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Individuals with a strong family history of pattern baldness
Finasteride is a long-term commitment, and results typically become noticeable after 3–6 months of consistent use. Our physician team works closely with each patient to assess eligibility, provide prescriptions, and monitor progress through follow-up appointments.
Why Early Intervention Makes All the Difference:
The earlier you begin addressing hair loss, the better your chances of maintaining a full, healthy scalp. Hair follicles go through cycles; once a follicle remains dormant too long, it may become permanently inactive.
By intervening early, you can:
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Preserve the integrity of healthy follicles
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Reduce inflammation and scalp damage
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Avoid the need for more aggressive or invasive treatments later
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Protect your confidence and appearance for years to come

At MD Skin Lab, we’re committed to helping patients approach hair care proactively at our medical clinic in Toronto. Our multi-modality approach lets us personalize your treatment plan, combining regenerative therapies with medical solutions based on your goals and history.