Raechele Cochran Gathers, MD 
Many people are curious about getting ‘shots’ or ‘injections’ for hair loss. Often, my patients will ask me if they are a candidate for ‘scalp injections’ and whether or not injections can help them to regrow their hair.
Many people have heard of friends or relatives getting ‘hair loss shots’ and are curious about what hair loss shots are and whether they’ll work for them. Jada Pinkett Smith has been open about getting shots for hair loss.
Let’s examine what steroid scalp injections are and why dermatologists use them for certain types of hair loss.
I Think I Have Alopecia
First of all, let’s clear the air about the term ‘alopecia.’ Alopecia simply means hair loss, and there are many different types of alopecia, with a number of different causes. Alopecia can occur from illness, medications, certain hair styles, autoimmune diseases and many, many other things.
So, if you and a friend are both diagnosed with alopecia, don’t assume that you have the same problem, or that the same treatments that your friend used would be the best for your condition.
Each case of alopecia is unique and deserves its own specialized treatment plan.
Scalp Injections and Alopecia
So, what are scalp injections? What is this stuff that doctors are putting into your scalp to try to grow your hair? And how does it work?
Generally speaking, scalp injections are a corticosteroid medication, often something called triamcinolone acetonide. Corticosteroids work by decreasing inflammation. Inflammation in your scalp and around your hair follicles can cause your hair to come out. A classic example of this is the disease alopecia areata.
By decreasing the inflammation around your hair follicles, corticosteroid (steroid) shots can help give your hair the opportunity to regrow—at least for some types of hair loss.
Besides alopecia areata, corticosteroid shots can be used for traction alopecia, and several types of inflammatory hair loss like CCCA and discoid lupus, among others.
Corticosteroid injections are not the same as PRP, which is another newer form of treatment of hair loss, which we discuss here.
How Are Scalp Injections Done?
Corticosteroid injections are generally a quick in-office procedure, taking less than 20 minutes. Most people tolerate them very well. While the injections can cause some discomfort, there are several techniques (including different numbing medications and distraction techniques) that physicians use to minimize the discomfort. In general, I find that most patients do just fine with the injections, and can even carry on a conversation while they’re having the procedure done.
In general, depending on the amount of hair loss, you might receive between 2 and 50 short quick injections.
Corticosteroid injections are usually given once monthly, though your doctor may recommend them more or less frequently depending on the specifics of your condition.
There is generally no down time afterwards, and most people can resume their normal activities and work schedule right after receiving their scalp injections.
Here is a video from Dr. Sandra Lee showing a patient receiving scalp injections:
Are Scalp Injections Safe?
All medications can come with some risks. However, when done appropriately scalp injections are generally quite safe.
Besides discomfort, other side effects that your doctor will mention include the development of small indentations or divots in the scalp where the injections are done. Also, there is a potential for discoloration (usually lightening of the skin) in the areas where the injections are given. In most individuals, these side effects resolve on their own.
In general, side effects from scalp corticosteroid injections are relatively rare, and the risk of side effects is usually outweighed by the potential benefits of the injections.
How Long Do Scalp Injections Take to Work?
Each patient is an individual, so there is no one answer to this question. Many people will see some hair regrowth after only one session of scalp injections. Your doctor might also recommend that you use a hair growth medicine like Rogaine or minoxidil to help with hair regrowth.
For some, it may take several months of injections to see a difference. Also, remember that the response can vary depending on the type of alopecia that you have and how extensive your hair loss is. Keep in mind the hair growth rate, too. Hair grows relatively slowly, so it may take time to see a difference.
Do you have a question about scalp injections for your hair loss? Ask me here.
