What is hair mesotherapy?
Hair mesotherapy is mesotherapy performed on the scalp. As defined in the Mesotherapy Application Guideline (opens in a new tab) (Mezoterapi Uygulama Kılavuzu) of the Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, mesotherapy is a method applied “by injecting herbal or pharmacological products in small doses, regionally and with special needle techniques, into the layers of the skin in sessions”.
The procedure may be performed only by physicians holding the relevant certificate, at premises authorised by the Ministry (opens in a new tab).
The cause of the hair loss is assessed first
No procedure is planned until the cause of the hair loss has been investigated. The factors assessed:
| Factor | Why it is checked |
|---|---|
| Iron and ferritin | Because it is among the common causes of hair loss in women |
| Thyroid function tests | Because low or high thyroid hormone levels may occur alongside hair loss |
| Vitamin B12 and vitamin D | Because deficiencies in these may accompany hair loss |
| Blood count | Because anaemia may accompany hair loss |
| Current medication | Because some medicines may lead to hair loss |
| Recent illness, surgery, severe stress or childbirth | Because hair loss may begin months after an illness |
| Eating routine and rapid weight loss | Because restrictive routines may trigger hair loss |
| Menstrual pattern and hormonal factors | Because in women these may be related to hair loss |
If there is redness, flaking, itching, a sore, or scarring hair loss on the scalp, a dermatology assessment is required. Scarring types of hair loss are handled differently and are not managed with mesotherapy.
For more detail, see the Skin Health and Persistent Fatigue: In Which Situations Should a Physician Be Consulted? pages.
In which patients is the procedure not performed?
The patient groups in whom the procedure cannot be performed under the Mesotherapy Application Guideline are listed below:
- In pregnant and breastfeeding patients
- In patients under 18 years of age
- In patients with an infection, an open wound or a rash in the procedure area
- In patients with an inflammatory skin disease or rosacea
- In patients in whom blood pressure or blood sugar control cannot be achieved
- In patients with advanced heart failure and/or a history of a heart attack
- In patients with advanced liver and/or kidney failure
- In patients taking warfarin
- In patients with a history of allergy to the product to be used, and in patients with an interaction with medication
- In patients with a history of epilepsy (not in remission)
- In patients with septic arthritis, and in patients in the active phase of a rheumatic disease
- In patients with a history of a cerebrovascular event, and in patients with a bleeding diathesis
- In patients with a body mass index above 30
- In patients with a diagnosis of AIDS
Special groups: in oncology patients, in advanced age and during an acute flare of a chronic disease, the procedure is performed with the opinion of the relevant specialist physician.
Additional conditions specific to this area
The procedure is not performed if the following are present in the area to be treated:
- Active infection, eczema, psoriasis or a fungal infection
In these situations, the procedure is planned subject to the physician’s assessment:
- A sore or lesion on the scalp whose cause has not been investigated (a dermatology assessment is needed first)
- A recent hair transplant (the timing is discussed with the physician who performed it)
Scarring (cicatricial) hair loss is not managed with mesotherapy; it falls within the field of dermatology.
How is the procedure performed?
- Assessment. You are asked about the duration, pattern and extent of the hair loss, and the scalp is examined. A laboratory assessment is requested.
- Information and consent. The procedure and possible side effects are explained in writing and verbally; the form is signed.
- Preparation. The scalp must be clean; no hairspray, mousse or similar styling product is used on the day of the procedure. Antisepsis is ensured.
- Application. The product is applied in small doses to the intended layer of the scalp.
- Observation. Vital signs and any side effects observed are recorded in the patient’s file.
How long does it take, and how many sessions are needed?
The Guideline states that, in procedures other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks. The number of sessions cannot be given in advance as a single figure.
The hair cycle is slow. Assessment takes place at set intervals, allowing sufficient time; it is not realistic to expect a result early on.
What should you do before and after the procedure?
Before the procedure, report:
- A list of all the medicines and supplements you use (in particular blood thinners)
- Your most recent test results
- Your pregnancy status
Come with the scalp clean and with no styling product used.
After:
- Tenderness, redness and mild swelling may occur on the scalp
- On the day of the procedure, it is recommended that you do not wash your hair, do not use hair dye or styling products, and avoid swimming pools and the sea
- The Guideline describes mild oedema in the first 72 hours as an expected finding
Risks and side effects
What may also be seen in this area
- Marked tenderness and pain on the scalp
- Crusting at the points of application
- Transient headache
- More pronounced bleeding (the blood vessels in the scalp are dense)
The unwanted effects reported by the Guideline fall under the following headings.
Related to the product
- Mild itching and redness
- With acid-based products, pain during the procedure; excessive pain sensitivity after the session
- In applications containing a corticosteroid, thinning of the skin (atrophy) and change in colour
Related to how the procedure is performed
- Oedema, pain and tenderness
- Pain due to an excessive amount of product
- Local infection where hygiene rules are not followed
Related to the injection entry point
- Bleeding, pain and tenderness
- Tenderness of the skin at the end of the procedure
Rarely seen situations for which a plan of intervention is set out in advance
- Allergic reaction
- Infection
- Tissue death (dermal necrosis)
- Vasovagal syncope (fainting)
- Raised blood pressure
- Oedema lasting beyond 72 hours, or excessive oedema
Results vary from person to person.
When should you see a physician without delay?
If you experience these symptoms during treatment, contact your physician without delay:
- Increasing redness, increased warmth, swelling or discharge on the scalp
- A high fever
- A sore, or a crust that does not heal, in the procedure area
- A marked increase in hair loss
- Widespread rash, itching
In the event of shortness of breath, swelling of the face or tongue, altered consciousness or a severe headache, go directly to the emergency department.
Frequently asked questions
Is mesotherapy started straight away for my hair loss?
No. The cause of the hair loss is assessed first: iron and ferritin, thyroid function, vitamin B12 and vitamin D, blood count, current medication, recent illness or childbirth, and eating routine. The Guideline likewise defines mesotherapy as supporting existing treatment.
How many sessions are needed for hair mesotherapy?
A definite number of sessions cannot be given in advance. The Guideline states that, in procedures other than pain management, the intervals between sessions are between 1 and 3 weeks. Because the hair cycle is slow, enough time is allowed before assessing.
When is a result seen?
No time frame can be given in advance. The hair cycle is slow; it is not realistic to expect a result early on. Assessment takes place at set intervals.
When can I wash my hair after the procedure?
On the day of the procedure, you are advised not to wash your hair and not to use dye or styling products. You will be told at the end of the procedure when you can return to your normal routine.
I have dandruff and an itchy scalp; can I still have the procedure?
If there is active flaking, redness, itching or a lesion on the scalp, a dermatology assessment is required first. The procedure is not performed on an area with active skin disease.
I have had a hair transplant; can I still have the procedure?
If a hair transplant has been carried out recently, the timing of the procedure is decided in discussion with the physician who performed the transplant. Please state the date of your transplant at the consultation.
Is it also used for male pattern hair loss?
The type of hair loss is determined at the examination. The Guideline defines mesotherapy as supporting existing treatment; depending on the type, other approaches that could be used alongside it are also assessed, and a dermatology opinion is requested where necessary.
Sources
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, General Directorate of Health Services, Mezoterapi Uygulama Kılavuzu, Ankara, June 2025. https://ekutuphane.saglik.gov.tr/Yayin/694 (opens in a new tab)
- Ministry of Health of the Republic of Türkiye, Geleneksel ve Tamamlayıcı Tıp Uygulamaları Yönetmeliği, Official Gazette 28 April 2026 / 33237. https://www.resmigazete.gov.tr/eskiler/2026/04/20260428-2.htm (opens in a new tab)
