Call Any of Our Locations
Hair Loss Treatment in Merced & Pleasanton
Thinning hair and increased shedding have many causes, and the right treatment depends on which one you have. At Advanced Integrative Medicine, hair-loss care starts with a medical evaluation. Then Dr. Jaimal Sangha, DC, MSN, FNP-C, walks you through the options that fit your diagnosis, including FoLix laser treatment, PRP, medication, or a specialist referral. We see patients at our Merced and Pleasanton offices.
Step 1 — Find the cause first
Not all hair loss is suited to procedures. Before recommending treatment, we look at your history, your scalp, and your hair-loss pattern. When appropriate, we order lab work to check for common contributing factors, such as:
- Thyroid disease
- Iron deficiency or low ferritin
- Hormonal changes
- Medication side effects
- Recent illness, surgery or major stress, which can trigger temporary shedding
Your treatment options
Every option below starts with the evaluation in Step 1. Here's how they compare
Medical evaluation & labs | FoLix laser | PRP for hair loss | Medication | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
What it is | History, scalp exam, lab work when appropriate | FDA-cleared fractional laser, in-office | Injections prepared from your own blood | Evidence-based options such as minoxidil and, for appropriate patients, finasteride |
Best suited for | Everyone. This comes first | Adults with pattern thinning, Fitzpatrick skin types I–IV | Early to moderate pattern thinning | Pattern hair loss, when medically appropriate |
Typical course | 1 visit plus results review | Usually 4–6 sessions about 4 weeks apart | Series of treatments, then maintenance | Ongoing daily use |
Downtime | None | Minimal | Mild tenderness for 1–2 days | None, but side effects are possible |
Learn more | — |
FoLix and PRP are evaluated as separate options. If more than one treatment is discussed, we'll review the limits of the evidence on combining them.
What the Evidence Shows
What studies have found: Meta-analyses of randomized trials show PRP increases hair density in pattern hair loss (androgenetic alopecia) compared with placebo at 3 and 6 months, with minimal side effects.
What's still being studied: Treatment schedules vary between studies, and ongoing maintenance sessions are usually needed.
PRP is not FDA-approved for specific conditions. The systems used to prepare it are FDA-cleared, and results vary from person to person. Dr. Sangha will review what the research shows for your diagnosis and whether PRP, other conservative care, or a referral is the best fit.
Safety
Every option has possible side effects, which we review with you before treatment. FoLix can cause temporary redness, swelling, itching or shedding, and isn't appropriate for some scalp and skin conditions. PRP can cause temporary tenderness or bruising at the injection sites. Medications have their own side effects, which we discuss before prescribing.
When we refer you to a specialist
Some types of hair loss need a dermatologist's evaluation, and sometimes a scalp biopsy.
We refer patients who have:
- Patchy or sudden hair loss, which can be a sign of alopecia areata
- Scalp redness, scaling, pain, burning or pustules
- Shiny, smooth areas where follicles appear lost, which can be a sign of scarring alopecia
- Rapid or unexplained loss that doesn't fit a typical pattern
Treatment decisions are guided by clinical evaluation and patient-specific goals.
What results to expect
Hair-loss treatments work gradually. Most patients need several months to judge progress, and ongoing or maintenance treatment is usually needed to keep results. Results vary and are not guaranteed.
Hair Loss Treatment Frequently Asked Questions
FoLix is an FDA-cleared laser device used in the office. PRP uses platelets concentrated from your own blood and is injected into the scalp. They work differently and are evaluated as separate options.
Often, yes. Labs help rule out causes like thyroid problems or low iron, which treatments like FoLix or PRP won't fix.
Pattern hair loss is progressive. Most treatments need ongoing or maintenance care to keep results.
Yes. Hair loss in women often has different causes, so evaluation is especially important.
Schedule a Hair-Loss Consultation
If hair thinning or hair loss is affecting your confidence, PRP-based regenerative care may be worth considering.
Merced (209) 383-3090 · Pleasanton (925) 918-8700
Individual results vary. Treatment recommendations follow a clinical evaluation.
PRP therapy and regenerative medicine treatments are not guaranteed to produce specific results. Individual outcomes vary based on condition, health status,
and treatment plan. Treatment recommendations are made following clinical evaluation and medical judgment.
Advanced Integrative Medicine
Conditions We Treat
Contact
Pleasanton City Office
Merced City Office
Advanced Integrative Medicine © 2026. All Rights Reserved.
Regenerative medicine treatments are not guaranteed to produce specific results.
Individual outcomes may vary. Treatments are based on clinical evaluation and medical judgment.
PRP preparation systems are FDA-cleared devices for preparing PRP from a patient’s blood; this is not FDA approval of PRP for any specific condition listed on this site.