2025 Octane Aesthetics Tech Forum: The Growth of Hair Panel
The Growth of Hair panel at the 2025 Octane Aesthetics Tech Forum brought together leading experts in dermatology, pharmacology, and regenerative medicine to discuss exciting advancements in hair loss treatments and technologies. The panel included Ken Washenik, MD; Wajdie Ahmad, Co-Founder & Executive Chairman, Amplifica Holdings Group, Inc.; Andrea Daniels, Director of Clinical Services, Strive Pharmacy; Daniel Gil, CEO, Pelage Pharma; and Tess Mauricio, MD, each offering their insights on how to address the challenges of hair restoration better.
The Evolution of Hair Loss Treatments
Dr. Washenik, CMO of Boston Medical Group and faculty at NYU, kicked off the discussion with an overview of how far the field has come. He highlighted treatments like minoxidil, introduced in 1988, and finasteride, introduced in 1998, revolutionizing how hair loss was treated. He also pointed out the progress since then, noting that patients now have access to a much wider range of clinically proven options that go beyond these two foundational therapies.
Dr. Ahmad, of UC Irvine, delved into the pipeline of new treatments aimed at shifting hair from the resting phase back to the growth phase. He explained how humanized animal models have played a crucial role in translating preclinical findings into real results for patients. By targeting regrowth rather than simply maintenance, these treatments hold promise for patients experiencing various types of hair loss. Dr. Ahmad also stressed that addressing hair loss early is critical for success, especially with options like PRP and injections that can activate hair follicles before it’s too late.
Personalized Medicine and Targeted Therapies
Dr. Daniels, a pharmacist with expertise in personalized medicine, shared how compounded treatments have become increasingly valuable in addressing hair loss. She explained that some patients don’t metabolize standard treatments like minoxidil effectively, but personalized approaches, such as adding sulfur transferase to minoxidil formulations, can make a significant difference. She also highlighted the growing interest in oral minoxidil and topical peptides, which have shown great potential for activating hair growth in patients who struggle with traditional options.
Regenerative Medicine and Patient Care
Dr. Tess Mauricio, a dermatologist based in San Diego, California, and one of the first female surgeons in hair restoration, brought her passion for patient care to the discussion. She shared her insights into the unique challenges of female pattern hair loss, which is often overlooked in a field historically focused on male patients. Dr. Mauricio emphasized how treatments at M Beauty Clinic combine PRP, exosomes, and other regenerative therapies to achieve natural, lasting results. She also advocated for early intervention, urging patients to take thinning hair seriously and advised against waiting until the condition progresses further.
Innovative Research and New Trends
Dr. Gil spoke about groundbreaking research on hair follicle metabolism, explaining how shifts in glycolytic activity can trigger hair growth by activating stem cells. His work has shown that these metabolic changes can significantly improve follicular health and growth within weeks.
The panel also addressed misconceptions around supplements. Dr. Daniels cautioned against the overuse of biotin, which when taken in excess can sometimes lead to hormone imbalances and further hair loss. Instead, she suggested a more balanced approach with micronutrients and DHT inhibitors to reduce inflammation and oxidative stress.
Technology and Education
The panelists discussed the growing role of technology in hair care, highlighting treatments like red-light therapy caps and low-level laser devices. Dr. Mauricio shared her experience with combining these tools with other therapies for optimal results, while Dr. Washenik pointed to studies showing measurable benefits of laser treatments over placebo devices.
Patient education was a key takeaway from the discussion. Dr. Mauricio urged providers to help patients recognize the early signs of hair loss and take action before it progresses. She also highlighted innovative scalp treatments, like Hydrafacial Keravive, that improve scalp health and support better outcomes for hair growth.
Final Thoughts
The panel emphasized the importance of combining therapies for the best results, including pharmacologic treatments, regenerative medicine, and advanced technologies. They encouraged early intervention and a personalized approach to meet each patient’s unique needs. With these evolving tools and strategies, the future of hair restoration looks brighter than ever for both patients and providers.