Topicals – there are innumerable topical treatments being offered online, in pharmacies; hair salons – even in supermarkets. Some can be effective when used appropriately and after nutrient-metabolic pathology has been assessed – others are a waste of money.
Introducing Spectral DNC-N and DNC topical treatments:
• Spectral.DNC-N® is the first clinically tested topical serum to employ 5% Nanoxidil® complex.
Although the molecular composition is similar to Minoxidil, Nanoxidil has a lower molecular weight which increases scalp absorption (Zierling:2018).
Developed by a leading US R+D laboratory and recommended by prominent dermatologists worldwide, Spectral.DNC-N’s® unique formula combined with peptides and aminos is encapsulated in a proprietary Nanosome (nano-particle) Delivery System®.
Spectral.DNC-N® is a lightweight serum which minimises initial hair shedding and increases scalp hair density and shaft thickness.
Because Spectral.DNC-N® is propylene-glycol (PG) free it’s safe for sensitive scalps.
Recommended to use after shampooing with the Spectral Revita densifying shampoo + conditioner range.
New – Spectral.CBD® combines the added hair follicle stimulating effects of broad-spectrum CBD oil.
A 2021 case study** of CBD-rich hemp oil extract revealed a 93% increase in scalp hair follicle regrowth.
Hemp extract works through the endocannabinoid system (ECS) in the body to produce stimulating effects on hair follicle elongation and hair matrix cells, activated through ECS receptors.
ECS is a pathway which helps maintain cell homeostasis by down-regulating pro-inflammatory responses and upregulating regenerative processes.
Anthony Pearce Trichology is Australia’s 1st authorised (practitioner) retailer for Spectral products.
• Activance Rhodanide is a natural, nutrient topical therapy with Rhodanide being the active vitaminoid for cellular regeneration of the hair follicle and hair shaft integrity.
Activance boosts the hair’s Rhodanide + moisture levels (by up to 50%) and revives hair follicle activity.
University studies have shown Activance lengthens the hair ‘growth cycle’ (termed: ‘Anagen’) whilst protecting against hair shaft fracturing (split ends).
The appeal of Activance is there are no known side effects from its use; safe for all ages and both sexes – including during pregnancy and breast-feeding.
Its solid anti-inflammatory effects allow it to be multi-purpose: acne, burns (including sun over-exposure) and stinging bites.
**Activance Clinician Formula (CF) is the most intense formulation for hair regrowth (only available through select Practitioners such as Anthony Pearce Trichology) **
a. High quality Nutrient therapy (Molecular nutrition) is an essential foundation to support the continuously active hair follicle process.
Optimal bio-available nutrients such as Vitamin D, zinc and general metabolic stability are vital to follicle activity. (Obtained through AP Trichology via individual prescription).
b. Saw palmetto at 160mg twice daily may assist in altering Testosterone (TT) pathways and decrease the levels of ‘free’ circulating hormone.
May be of some assistance to older males or females with a diagnosed androgenic scalp hair thinning but is of little proven therapeutic value to young males with early-onset androgenic balding. (These can be obtained from pharmacies or health stores).
c. Tribulus: herbal supplement commonly used by body builders to enhance Testosterone levels – but can lower endogenous TT and alter androgen pathways in women. (These can be obtained from pharmacies or health stores).
d. Zinc supplementation will almost always improve the androgenic thinning process due to its powerful 5-alpha reductase (5-AR) inhibiting properties.
Long-term hi-dose supplementing is NOT recommended without reviewing pathology levels as Zinc antagonises the absorption of – and its own absorption antagonised by Copper and Iron. (May be obtained through AP Trichology where additional Zinc is appropriate).
e. Dutasteride (Avodart) or Finasteride (Propecia et al) oral medication approved for the stablisation of genetic hair loss in males (only).
Dutasteride is supposedly more follicle 5-AR ‘iso-enzyme’ specific than Finasteride and reportedly generate less libido side-effects than Finasteride.
Note: There is evidence to suggest that medication such as Finasteride, Roaccutane & (possibly) Dutasteride can adversely influence mood to cause anxiety or depression. You should be aware of any mood changes and discuss with your treating practitioner should you feel this is happening to you.
f. Despite its current ‘vogue’ in orthodox Dermatology I personally do NOT advocate the prescribing of Spironolactone, oral Minoxidil, Finasteride, contraceptive or other hormonal therapy for pattern hair thinning in women. I have yet to see any of these drugs (which were ALL initially used to treat other health problems) stimulate noticeable scalp hair regrowth WITHOUT ALSO ADDRESSING ANY UNDERLYING DEFICIENCY OR DISTURBANCE; they have many potential side effects and often mask the true cause of the thinning scalp hair event.
g. Laser Light Therapy:
Photo-biotherapy such as ‘soft/cold’ low level laser light (LLLT) is a strong vasodilator which moderates the skin’s immune response.
To be therapeutically effective these laser appliances should be classified ‘3A’; be in the red-light spectrum + wavelength vicinity of 660-780nm. Bio-available power output should be 60-100mW.
Note: some commercially sold handheld lasers have a power output of 1.5-5mW, which is the power output of a TV remote control. These ‘lasers’ offer little more than a placebo effect.
LLLT as a SINGLE ‘stand-alone’ therapy will usually not regrow hair to any aesthetically satisfying degree in my experience. This was confirmed by the unpublished research study of Dermatologist Dr. Anthony White (Low energy laser treatment for androgenetic alopecia: 1994).
As a combination therapy however, LLLT can enhance the scalp environment due to its anti-inflammatory & blood perfusion properties – so hair growth potential is maximised.
LLLT is consistently effective (in a combined therapy approach) for inflammatory scalp conditions or stablisation of telogen effluvium hair shed. LLLT is a non-UV light source, and a versatile, safe treatment modality when used appropriately.
Note of Caution: I would NOT recommend consumers sign contracts with any commercial hair loss clinics offering laser therapy programs.
Qualifications of ‘consultants’ are dubious; they appear to have little or no understanding to the contra-indications of LLLT, duty-of-care (according to contract) is on the consumer – and you will pay many $$$thousands more than if you went to a reputable trichology practice offering LLLT.
Medical/Surgical Procedures (performed by a registered and experienced Medical Practitioner) –
i. Protein-Rich Plasma procedure/s (PRP): PrP therapy has been used to promote tissue healing in other medical specialties: Dermatology, Orthopaedics, cardiac and plastic surgery. In recent years its use has extended to the temporary treatment of androgenic alopecia in both sexes as well as to aid in post-transplantation wound healing.
When performed by an experienced medical practitioner, a single PrP session may last up to twelve months. Some precautions to be mindful of:
• Your baseline platelet concentration should be measured prior to the procedure to ensure a high-concentration PrP yield. A weak PrP concentration can result in poor results which require multiple repeat sessions (Bauman: 2023).
• Studies have shown patients tend to obtain better and longer-lasting results when using additional drug therapies (Minoxidil and Finasteride [in males]), in addition to PrP injections according to Dr. Sahar Nadimi MD – US Plastic surgeon. HTTP://www.chicagohairinstitute.com .
• Platelet-rich plasma (PrP) and stem cell treatment were included in an advertising ban from 1 July 2018, following new TGA regulation which covers all autologous human cell and tissue (HCT) products.
Autologous HCT products have not been regulated by Australia’s Therapeutic Goods Administration (TGA). Therefore, it is prescribed ‘off-label’, meaning it is being used as a non-approved therapy at the medical prescriber’s discretion.
• It is important to recognise that PrP for hair loss should be considered a complementary treatment rather than a primary one (Nadimi: 2018)
Author’s note: I would NOT recommend consumers sign contracts with any commercial hair loss clinics acting as go-between agents for PrP procedures.
The qualifications of these ‘consultants’ are dubious; duty-of-care (according to contract) is on the consumer – and you will pay 5-10 times more than if you went directly to a medical practice specialising in PrP therapy.
Lastly PrP is NOT Stem Cell Therapy (despite the marketing claims of one commercial hair loss clinic and its paid sports personality endorsements).
ii. Hair transplantation: Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE) – a ‘scar-free’ micro-grafting procedure is the modern option.
A skilled surgeon will typically provide an aesthetically pleasing outcome, but prospective clients should be aware of the following:
- Total cost of the procedure/s (which may need to be undertaken in stages).
- Pharmaceutical hair loss treatments such as Minoxidil or Propecia/Avodart may still be required to maintain existing ‘androgen-sensitive’ scalp hair.
The Activance range (particularly Clinician Formula) is an excellent post-surgery leave-in treatment to decrease inflammation, encourage skin repair and transplanted follicle health for (eventual) optimal hair growth.
- Ensure baseline pathology testing is assessed – as well as any current health conditions. Underlying deficiencies or health conditions will significantly influence hair transplantation success or failure.
- Autologous hair transplant procedures are not always appropriate as a 1st treatment measure for women because nutrient deficiency or internal metabolic-hormonal disturbance is frequently the cause of female hair loss.
- Anthony Pearce Trichology will assess a client’s FUE suitability, and provide a referral to a preferred, experienced FUE surgeon.
Before commencing ANY hair loss treatment program, consumers would be wise to have their scalp hair concerns assessed by an experienced, qualified Practitioner who will identify the type of hair loss they are experiencing, as well as any internal imbalance which may be the cause.
Only then should a treatment plan be suggested which is appropriate to the condition; medical history, affordability – and what the Client is comfortable undertaking.
**Int J Trichology. 2023 Apr 19;15(1):18–24. doi: 10.4103/ijt.ijt_34_22
Anthony Pearce: 2019 (revised May 2025)