Stem cells sound vaguely futuristic but they are increasingly being used in a wide range of medical applications. Their regenerative power has seen them employed in the treatment of autoimmune disease, skin grafting, cancer treatment and Parkinson’s disease, to name but a few.
Now they are being used to help people suffering from hair loss and hair thinning, whether it is hormonal, a physical reaction to stress or a side effect of medical treatment.
Like many scientific breakthroughs, the active compound within Calecim was a serendipitous discovery – cell biologists working with stem cells from the umbilical cord of red deer quickly realised their positive impact on hair growth and regeneration. The brand’s patented source of mesenchymal stem cells produce proteins and growth factors that, when packaged into exosomes (extracellular vesicles with cell-signalling properties) can stimulate repair and regeneration in recipient cells.
The Calecim Advanced Hair System includes PTT-6, a patented blend of growth factors and cytokines derived from these stem cells; Calecim’s own clinical research found that PTT-6 increases the activity of hair-follicle stem cells by 24 per cent and reduces inflammation by 30 times.
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Kieran Walsh, founder of National Beauty, has been in the hair business for 15 years, working with many of the top brands in haircare. He is also acutely conscious of hair loss, having undergone a hair transplant at a Dublin clinic three years ago. Walsh says he was initially impressed by the level of research behind this product, which promised to increase the growth and density of hair.
“When I saw the science behind the product, I realised I had seen nothing like it in 15 years,” Walsh says.
Becoming one of the first people in Ireland to trial the hair system, he says the “before and after” photos were “stunning”. “It wasn’t just the level of hair regeneration, I could see that the density of my hair had improved and the condition had improved.”
People simply don’t accept hair loss any more, Walsh says. “In the last six or seven years, having hair transplants has become the norm and much of the stigma surrounding efforts to prevent hair loss has disappeared.” He also believes people are willing to spend more on topical treatments that work, rather than cheaper, over the counter products that aren’t as efficacious.
Dr Patrick Treacy, cosmetic doctor and director of the Ailesbury Clinic in Dublin has been using Calecim serum in his patients since 2012.
“Initially, we recognised the serum’s potent mix of stem cell-derived growth factors and exosomes as a game-changer for stimulating hair follicles, even in its early formulations designed for broader skin rejuvenation,” he explains.
The introduction of the Advanced Hair System, specifically formulated for hair restoration with a tailored delivery method via a derma stamp or microneedling, marked a significant advancement, Treacy says. “This specialised system optimises the delivery of PTT-6, Calecim’s proprietary active ingredient, directly to the hair follicles, resulting in more consistent and accelerated outcomes compared to our earlier, more generalised applications.”
Treacy says the hair system has been “transformative” for their clients experiencing mild to moderate hair loss, including conditions like telogen effluvium (hair loss caused by stress), post-partum hair loss and alopecia areata.
Calecim’s targeted approach delivers more predictable and rapid results, Treacy says, particularly for those unresponsive to conventional therapies. Clients typically notice visible improvements, such as new vellums hairs and reduced shedding, within six weeks, which he notes is “remarkably” sooner than the three-to-six-month timeline of many other treatments. “For those who have undergone hair transplants, applying the serum to donor and recipient sites has enhanced graft survival and accelerated recovery, making it a versatile adjunct to surgical interventions,” he adds.
Feedback from users in Treacy’s clinic has been overwhelmingly positive, he notes. “Women experiencing perimenopause-related thinning or post-illness hair loss have shared how the treatment restored their confidence by visibly reducing scalp visibility within weeks, while men with early-stage androgenetic alopecia have also seen darker, denser regrowth, sometimes with anecdotal reports of grey hairs regaining pigment.”
He adds that clients particularly appreciate the lack of downtime and the natural, ethical sourcing of the stem cell-derived ingredients, aligning with their preference for safe, cutting-edge solutions.
Dr Deirdre Fitzgerald and Dr Róisín Fitzgerald of Fitzgerald Private Clinics in Dublin and Donegal also use the Calecim Advanced Hair System. “Its introduction to our clinic has revolutionised our approach to hair thinning in a world where very few effective treatment options currently exist for this purpose,” Fitzgerald says. “Our experience to date has been overwhelmingly positive.”
They both say patient selection is key. “We know when best to use this system and our consultations and patient follow-ups have proven this product to be successful, easy to use and patient satisfaction has been excellent. The right combination of assessing suitability of a patient and hair loss type, along with the patient’s ability to commit to a long term maintenance programme is essential.”
To find out more about the Advanced Hair System and at-home treatments, visit calecimprofessional.com. For Calecim treatments with a professional, contact Dr Patrick Treacy, Ailsbury Clinic; or Dr Deirdre and Dr Róisín Fitzgerald, Fitzgerald Private Clinic. Click here to find a Calecim Professional specialist near you
