Promises and Pitfalls of Regenerative Therapies for Androgenetic Alopecia: Platelet-Rich Plasma, Photobiomodulation, Stem Cells, and Exosomes.

BACKGROUND

Regenerative therapies have emerged in recent years. In particular, their utility in managing androgenetic alopecia-the most prevalent hair loss condition worldwide, affecting up to half of adults-is an active area of research. Navigating this space can be challenging for physicians due to widespread commercialization, lack of high-quality evidence, and an evolving regulatory landscape.

OBJECTIVE

To critically review recently published evidence (2020-2025) on platelet-rich plasma, photobiomodulation, stem cells, and exosomes for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

METHODS

A scoping review was conducted using PubMed, Embase (Ovid) and the Cochrane Controlled Register of Trials in February and November of 2025. Combination therapies were excluded.

RESULTS AND

CONCLUSIONS

Platelet-rich plasma is the most studied modality, with emerging investigations into newer formulations such as leukocyte-rich and pure platelet-rich plasma. However, recent studies are limited by inconsistent reporting of cellular composition, short follow-up durations, and a lack of comparative data on treatment protocols. The efficacy of photobiomodulation as a monotherapy remains debated, with inconsistent reporting of device parameters. Stem cells and exosomes show promising, though still limited, clinical evidence in inducing hair regrowth. Standardization of these therapies is crucial, with emphasis on transparency, reproducibility, and patient safety.