Polynucleotide Injections for Hair Growth Explained

At a Glance

• Polynucleotides are purified DNA fragments used in regenerative medicine and aesthetics.
• They help support tissue repair and the local follicle environment, when injected into the scalp.
• They may be considered for early to moderate, non-scarring hair thinning.
• Treatment is minimally invasive and usually involves little downtime.
• Results are gradual rather than immediate.
• Current research is promising but still limited compared with better-established treatments such as PRP and minoxidil.

 

What Are Polynucleotide Injections?

Polynucleotides are chains of nucleotides, which are the basic building blocks of DNA.

In aesthetic medicine, purified polynucleotide or polydeoxyribonucleotide (PDRN) products are used to support the body’s natural repair processes. They are sometimes described as regenerative treatments because the goal is to improve the quality and condition of the treated tissue rather than simply change its appearance.

 

Where do polynucleotides come from?

Many polynucleotide products used in aesthetic medicine are made from highly purified DNA fragments derived from salmon or trout.

The material goes through processing and purification before being made into a product suitable for use in a clinical setting.

Related read: Polynucleotide London

 

Why Are Polynucleotides Used for Hair Restoration?

Your hair follicles need a healthy supply of oxygen and nutrients to function properly. Their activity can also be affected by ageing, inflammation, hormones and changes in the surrounding tissue.

Polynucleotide injections are designed to support this follicle microenvironment rather than simply treating the hair shaft itself.

This may make them an option for people whose follicles are still active but are producing finer, weaker or shorter hairs.

They may also be used alongside other hair loss treatments, such as minoxidil or PRP, depending on the cause of the hair loss and your treatment plan.

 

How Do Polynucleotides Work for Hair Growth?

Supporting tissue repair

When injected into the scalp, this could improve the condition of the tissue surrounding the hair follicle. In theory, a healthier scalp environment may give weakened but still-active follicles better conditions to function.

 

Supporting weaker hair follicles

Polynucleotides are injected into areas where thinning is occurring. It is used to support follicular activity and improve the appearance of hair density and thickness over time.

 

Supporting the local blood supply

Hair follicles need oxygen and nutrients, which are delivered through the blood supply around them.

Polynucleotides may support angiogenesis, which refers to the formation of small new blood vessels, and may help improve the local tissue environment.

 

Potential anti-inflammatory effects

Polynucleotides have also been studied for their potential anti-inflammatory and tissue-repair effects, because inflammation can affect the health of the scalp and hair follicles. But if the hair loss is linked to an inflammatory scalp condition, the underlying problem needs to be assessed first by your GP.

Related read: What Are Polynucleotides? Definition, Uses & Benefits

 

Which Type of Hair Loss May Benefit?

Polynucleotides are not suitable for every type of hair loss. The cause, pattern and condition of your follicles all matter.

 

 

Androgenetic alopecia

Androgenetic alopecia is commonly known as male or female pattern hair loss.

You may notice:

• A receding hairline
• Thinning around the crown
• A wider parting
• Reduced overall hair density
• Finer hairs in areas that used to be thicker

Polynucleotides may be considered when follicles are still present but producing finer hairs.

 

Telogen effluvium

Telogen effluvium causes increased hair shedding rather than gradual pattern thinning.

It can happen after events such as:

• An illness or operation
• Significant stress
• Childbirth
• Major weight loss
• Nutritional deficiencies
• Certain medication changes

In many cases, hair growth improves once the underlying trigger has been identified and addressed.

This is why injections are not automatically the right answer for increased shedding. Your practitioner may first look for possible causes such as iron deficiency, thyroid problems, hormonal changes or medication-related hair loss.

 

Age or stress-related thinning

Polynucleotides may be used as one part of a treatment plan where there is diffuse thinning and the follicles remain active.

However, sudden, patchy or rapidly progressing hair loss should always be assessed before starting a treatment.

 

Polynucleotides Compared With Other Hair Treatments

There are different hair restoration treatments available but they work in different ways.

Treatment	How It Works	Advantage	Limitation
Polynucleotides	Injects purified DNA fragments into the scalp to support the tissue and follicle environment	Minimally invasive and does not require a blood draw	hair-specific research is still developing
PRP	Uses platelet-rich plasma prepared from your own blood	Has a larger body of research for some forms of hair loss	Requires a blood sample and results can vary
Growth factor treatments	Uses substances intended to influence cell signalling and follicle activity	May form part of a regenerative treatment plan	Products and evidence vary considerably
Exosome-based treatments	Uses extracellular vesicles intended to influence cell communication	An emerging area of regenerative medicine	Evidence, product standards and long-term safety need careful consideration
Hair transplant	Moves viable follicles from a donor area to areas of hair loss	Can provide long term redistribution of existing follicles	Surgical procedure with recovery time and donor-area limitations

 

Potential Benefits of Polynucleotide Hair Injections

If you are suitable for treatment, potential benefits may include:

• Supporting the scalp’s natural repair processes
• Supporting the environment around weaker follicles
• Helping improve the appearance of hair thickness
• Supporting hair quality over time
• Providing a minimally invasive treatment option
• Involving little disruption to work and everyday activities
• Being combined with other hair loss treatments when appropriate

 

What Happens During Polynucleotide Hair Treatment?

• Your consultation

Your practitioner will assess your scalp and hair pattern using photographs or dermoscopy. They may also refer you for a blood test if there is a possible medical cause.

• The injection procedure

The scalp is cleaned after identifying areas of thinning on your scalp.

The practitioner then places small injections into the targeted areas. The exact number depends on the size of the treatment area and the product being used.

Some clinics use a topical anaesthetic to make the treatment more comfortable. Most people describe the injections as brief pinching or discomfort rather than severe pain.

Your appointment may take around 30 to 60 minutes, although this varies.

• Your treatment course

Many clinics recommend a course of several sessions, often 3 to 4 treatment sessions separated by several weeks. The plan should depend on the product being used, your pattern of hair loss and your practitioner’s assessment.

 

Downtime and Aftercare

You may experience:

• Mild redness
• Small bumps around the injection sites
• Tenderness
• Slight swelling
• Bruising
• Temporary itching or sensitivity

Your clinic may recommend that you:

• Avoid touching or rubbing your scalp immediately after the treatment
• Follow your clinic advice on when to wash your hair
• Avoid strenuous exercise for the recommended period
• Avoid swimming, saunas or excessive heat until advised
• Avoid irritating scalp products immediately after treatment

Always follow your clinic’s aftercare instructions given by your practitioner.

 

When Will You See Results?

Timeframe	What You May Notice
First few weeks	Do not expect immediate change. Hair grows in natural cycles, so improvement takes time. Some people may notice changes in shedding or hair texture first, but it varies.
6 to 12 weeks	Early visible changes may start to appear. Your hair may look slightly fuller, or less of your scalp may be visible in some areas. Changes can still be subtle at this stage.
3 to 6 months	Further improvements may become more noticeable. Taking regular photos can help you compare your progress more accurately. Your clinic may also check density or use dermoscopy to assess changes.

Everyone responds differently to treatment. Your results can depend on factors such as your hair growth cycle, the cause of hair loss and your individual response to treatment.

 

Do You Need Maintenance Treatment?

Hair loss can be an ongoing process.

Even if you respond well to polynucleotide treatment, the original cause of your hair loss may continue. This means some people may need maintenance sessions or another long-term treatment after their initial course.

Your practitioner should explain this before you begin so you understand what ongoing treatment may involve.

 

Safety, Side Effects and Risks

Polynucleotide injections are generally well tolerated when performed by an appropriately qualified medical professional.

Short-term side effects can include:

• Redness
• Mild swelling
• Tenderness
• Bruising
• Small bumps
• Temporary itching or sensitivity

With any injectable treatment, it is possible for more serious complications, but they are uncommon.

Tell your practitioner before treatment if you:

• Are pregnant or breastfeeding
• Have an active scalp infection
• Have a bleeding disorder
• Take blood-thinning medication
• Have known allergies
• Have previously reacted to an injectable product

Your practitioner should decide whether polynucleotide treatment is right for you.

 

Understanding Before and After Results

A realistic result may look like:

• Less visible scalp
• Improved coverage around the crown
• Slightly thicker looking individual hairs
• Better overall hair texture
• Improved appearance of areas with mild thinning

Polynucleotides cannot bring back permanently destroyed hair follicles. They also do not replace a hair transplant when there is significant permanent follicle loss.

 

Who May Be a Good Candidate?

Polynucleotide injections may be considered if you:

• Have early or moderate non-scarring hair thinning
• Still have visible follicles in the treatment area
• Want a minimally invasive treatment
• Understand that results are gradual
• Have realistic expectations

A consultation is an important part of the treatment because it may not be appropriate if you have an undiagnosed type of hair loss or scalp condition.

 

How Much Do Polynucleotide Hair Injections Cost in the UK?

In London, prices can range from £240 to £600 per session, while treatment courses may cost approximately £600 to £1,600 or more.

These are only publicly advertised prices. Your actual cost will depend on your treatment plan.

When choosing a clinic, price should not be your only consideration. Practitioner experience, professional diagnosis and aftercare are all important.

Related read: Understanding Polynucleotides Cost: What You Need to Know Before Treatment

 

FAQs

• What are polynucleotide injections for hair growth?

Polynucleotide injections are scalp treatments that contain DNA fragments. They are designed to support the scalp and the area around thinning hair follicles.

• Do polynucleotides really work for hair loss?

Some studies show improvements in hair thickness and density. However, more research is needed to know how well they work for different types of hair loss.

• How many sessions will I need?

Many clinics recommend 3 to 4 sessions spaced a few weeks apart.

• Is it painful?

You may feel some brief pinching during injections. A numbing cream may be used to make the treatment more comfortable.

• Can it treat sudden hair loss?

If you have rapid shedding, patchy hair loss, scalp pain, redness or scaling, see a qualified professional first to find the cause.