In this round of reader questions, Dr. John Watts, a dermatologist, trichologist and hair transplant surgeon in Hyderabad, addresses three common concerns -- comparing hair growth treatments, clearing up a Minoxidil myth, and weighing in on artificial hair grafts.
GFC or PRP: Which Works Better?
A viewer named Sai Sandeep asked which is better for hair growth -- Growth Factor Concentrate (GFC) or Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP). Dr. Watts says both promote hair growth, but GFC consistently comes out ahead. "Studies have shown that if you are using GFC independently or along with medication and PRP with or without medication, results with GFC with or without medication were always found to be better than the latter," he explains.
Does Minoxidil Cause Weight Gain?
Another viewer, Dream Winner, asked whether using Minoxidil can lead to weight gain. Dr. Watts clarifies that Minoxidil is applied topically, at a superficial level on the scalp, and the lotion does not penetrate deep into the skin or enter the bloodstream or tissue. "Hence, it can cause no effect on our system or lead to weight gain," he explains.
Are Artificial Hair Grafts a Good Option?
A viewer named Ajay Kumar asked whether artificial hair grafts are available, and whether they can be made to grow. Dr. Watts explains that artificial hair can technically be transplanted onto the scalp, but it stays permanently in place and does not grow. The standard approach used in hair transplants is auto-grafting, where hair grafts are taken from the same person's donor site and transplanted elsewhere on their own scalp. "Usually, hair grafts obtained from another person would face rejection by our body if they are transplanted on our scalp. This is risky and comes with an adverse health consequence," Dr. Watts says.
There is now hypoallergenic artificial hair available on the market, which can be transplanted with a reduced rejection rate. However, Dr. Watts does not recommend even hypoallergenic artificial hair, since it can cause mild inflammation and an itching sensation on the scalp after transplant. "The users may not feel comfortable with them in the long run. Hence, better to avoid them."
Across all three questions, Dr. Watts's guidance points to the same principle: choose treatments backed by evidence and by your own biology, rather than gimmicks or convenience.
This article is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Consult a qualified dermatologist for diagnosis and treatment.
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Frequently asked questions
Is GFC or PRP better for hair growth?
Dr. Watts says GFC consistently produces better results than PRP, whether used alone or alongside other hair growth medication.
Can Minoxidil cause weight gain?
No. Minoxidil is a topical application that stays on the scalp surface and doesn't enter the bloodstream, so it has no effect on body weight.
Do artificial hair grafts work?
Artificial hair can be transplanted but doesn't grow, and even hypoallergenic versions can cause scalp inflammation and itching -- Dr. Watts doesn't recommend them.
Why are auto-grafts used instead of grafts from another person?
Hair grafts taken from another person face a high risk of rejection by the body, so auto-grafts (from the patient's own donor site) are the standard, safe approach.
