Wondering whether exosomes are right for you? Let’s look at the buzz, the science, and the nuance of this cutting-edge treatment.

Ever notice how skincare brands expand their lines? One product goes viral, and suddenly there are ten more in your routine—all promising something essential, all starting to feel like too much. It's one reason my Feel Confident line only has three main skincare products: simple enough to stay consistent, powerful enough to work.

Do you ever feel overwhelmed by the sheer volume of product choice out there? Deciding which new hair restoration treatments deserve your attention can elicit that kind of anxiety too. Image by Freepik.

The same kind of marketing flood happens in hair regrowth. If you're facing hair loss, it’s hard to tell what’s hype, what’s worth your time, and what’s worth your money. And right now, the “next big thing” just might be exosomes.

Let’s take a balanced dive into the world of this stem cell derived technology: what they are, why I genuinely think they’re exciting, and what the real research says.

What Are Exosomes?

If you’ve cognitively lumped exosomes in with all things stem cells, you aren’t wrong. Though exosomes aren't stem cells themselves, they are derived from stem cells. Exosomes are tiny, naturally occurring packages (called vesicles) released by stem cells to signal to neighboring cells and tissues. Consider them specialized messengers—microscopic delivery ‘bubbles’ filled with powerful proteins, growth factors, and even genetic signaling material that help cells communicate, heal, and regenerate.

If this donut were a cell, consider the sprinkles the sweet, exosome-like messengers. Image by azerbaijan_stockers for Freepik.

Exosomes have been getting a lot of attention as a (potentially) new medical therapy for tissue repair and regeneration. Think of them as a shortcut—a way to deliver the powerful compounds produced by stem cells, but without the complexity or risks of using someone else’s live cells. Exosomes used in clinical settings (including at our clinic) are typically derived from mesenchymal stem cells—often from umbilical cord tissue, which is considered rich in this particular regenerative compound.

Why All the Buzz?

Exosomes have the potential to work on a cellular level to reactivate dormant hair follicles and support healthier and thicker hair growth. Preliminary patient experiences and early research are pointing in an encouraging direction. 

 

Exosomes are showing the potential to:

• Increase hair density
• Thicken hair strands
• Reduce shedding
• Stimulate dormant hair follicles into active growth
• Reduce inflammation around follicles, supporting healthier growth

 

What Real, Peer-Reviewed Research Says

So far, the data is encouraging—though not definitive. One recent study published in Cell Biology International found that exosomes derived from human umbilical cord mesenchymal stem cells stimulated keratinocyte proliferation and improved hair regrowth in a mouse model of alopecia areata (Hu et al., 2024). And it’s not the only study showing exosomes in a positive light.

The takeaway? Exosomes could be an effective adjunct to existing hair loss therapies, but we’re still in the early days. Exosomes have been shown to stimulate dermal papilla cells, promote new blood vessel growth (angiogenesis), and regulate inflammation—especially helpful in hair loss conditions with an inflammatory component. It’s also thought that exosome treatment may enhance hair follicle proliferation and reduce cell death, leading to increased hair density and thickness.

 

The Research Has Its Limits

The biggest caveat? Exosomes are very new. While the safety data looks promising, we need more large-scale human trials to answer questions like: How often should it be used? Do effects taper off over time? What’s the optimal delivery method? 

 

Five Common Misconceptions About Exosome Treatment for Hair Restoration:

1. "Exosomes guarantee new hair growth."
Reality: Results vary significantly among individuals. There are no absolute guarantees, especially without extensive clinical validation.

2. "Exosomes are FDA-approved for hair loss."
Reality:  FDA approval for hair restoration is still pending—it’s that new.

3. "Exosomes are as effective as more conventional hair loss therapies."
Reality: Exosomes are complementary, not replacements for established hair transplant procedures and medical therapy.

4. "All exosome products are the same."
Reality: Product quality, purity, and efficacy vary widely. Choose reputable providers who use high-quality, thoroughly vetted products.

5. "Exosomes have no risks."
Reality: Every biological treatment carries potential risks. We need more long-term safety data before exosomes can be considered low-risk.

 

What’s the Treatment Like?

Exosomes are usually applied  topically alongside microneedling to help deliver the topicals deeper into the skin. And often this treatment is combined with PRP. Most patients need 2 to 3 sessions to see improvement (fewer than the 4 to 6 typically required with PRP alone).

Exosomes are a promising avenue of hair restoration, but they’re not for everyone. For best results, you need to consult with a qualified hair restoration expert to see if exosomes are right for your hair loss. Image by Freepik. 

Inexpensive Prescription Hair Loss Medication Delivered To Your Door.

Combining exosomes with PRP is believed to enhance results, improving hair density and health faster than either treatment alone—but again, we need more research. Currently, a combined exosome and PRP session will set you back around $3000 USD, but if this treatment is appropriate, the results can be worth it.

 

But not everyone is a suitable candidate. 

 

I can’t stress enough how important it is to consult with a qualified hair restoration specialist for assessment and recommendations—especially for this kind of upfront investment. Is it promising and do I think it’s worth pursuing for the right candidate? Definitely. But this treatment is not a slam dunk for everyone. A reputable hair restoration specialist will direct you to where your money is best spent, not try to sell you everything. It’s why I strive for transparency and education with all my patients.

 

Final Thoughts

Though exosome therapy won’t be right for everyone, it’s one of the most exciting frontiers in regenerative hair treatments today. Whether you’re trying to boost thickness, slow shedding, or just feel better about your hair, it’s worth a conversation.

 

Curious if exosomes are right for you? Contact us at City Facial Plastics—we’d love to help you navigate your hair restoration journey with clarity and confidence.

 

*At City Facial Plastics, we provide EXOVEX exosomes from EXOCELBIO which are specifically designed for optimizing hair growth. Their 9-step proprietary cultivation and extraction process yield effective, high quality exosomes that are safe to use in hair growth enhancement. Stem cells are sourced from telaGen and NDRI (National Disease Research Interchange), both located and operating in the USA.

The content of this newsletter is for entertainment and educational purposes only. This content is not meant to provide any medical advice or treat any medical conditions. Patients must be evaluated by an appropriate healthcare provider on an individual basis and treatment must be tailored to meet that patient’s needs. Results and particular outcomes are not guaranteed.