Hair restoration is any method to help someone who is balding or has alopecia have more hair. The term usually refers to the surgical procedure of a hair transplant. There are, however, also effective non-surgical procedures and medical techniques to get hair to grow. Technological advances allow us now to offer Alma TED, a non-invasive, in-office, pain-free hair treatment for men and women.
So, what is this new treatment?
Alma TED is an ultra-sound-based device that allows the delivery of standardized growth factors to the hair follicles in the scalp without needles or surgery. Treatments increase blood flow to the follicles resulting in thicker, stronger hair.
Alma TED before and after: 1 month after 1 treatment for traction alopecia
See the 1 year follow up on this patient in our before and after gallergy here!
WATCH: Alma TED Explained
Who is a candidate for Alma TED?
Anyone with hair loss or alopecia who wants to improve the appearance of their hair may benefit from a treatment. This device is FDA-cleared for men and women with androgenetic alopecia. These are also known as male-pattern hair loss and female-pattern hair loss.
Like many other hair loss treatments officially approved for androgenetic alopecia, such as minoxidil (Rogaine) and finasteride (Propecia), Alma TED, too, has also been shown in studies and practice to be effective in other types of hair loss. While Alma TED is FDA-cleared for pattern hair loss, we have also observed meaningful improvement in select patients with scarring alopecia in clinical practice. These treatments are considered off-label and are based on physician experience rather than large clinical trials. Outcomes depend on the presence of viable follicles and control of underlying inflammation.
Alma TED before and after- for menopause hair thinning
In the media:  Dr. Strachan, and Alma TED, featured in The Scratch in The New York Times discussing hair loss.
Is PRP not working for hair loss?
PRP, which stands for platelet-rich plasma, is a popular treatment for hair loss. It involves harvesting the patient's blood and spinning it down to collect growth factors. At times PRP works. Often, however, the results are disappointing. PRP depends on the quality of the patient's growth factors which can vary from person to person. Blood growth factors also decline in quality with age.
PRP, which stands for platelet-rich plasma, is a popular treatment for hair loss. It involves harvesting the patient's blood and spinning it down to collect growth factors. At times PRP works. Often, however, the results are disappointing. PRP depends on the quality of the patient's growth factors which can vary from person to person. Blood growth factors also decline in quality with age.
Alma TED vs PRP treatment for baldness
In addition to providing consistent, standardized growth factors, the Alma TED procedure is pain-free, blood-free, and needle-free, unlike PRP. The treatment time is shorter and does not require numbing.
Hair Restoration Technology Comparison
| Feature | In-Office Hair Laser (LLLT) | PRP Injections | Alma TED |
| Primary Method | Light Stimulation | Blood-Derived Growth Factors | Acoustic Ultrasound Cavitation |
| Invasiveness | Non-Invasive | Invasive (Needles & Blood), risk of infection | Non-Invasive |
| Pain Level | None | Moderate to High | None |
| Formula Source | No Active Serum | Patient's Blood (Varies by age/health) | Standardized Medical-Grade Serum |
| Procedure Time | 20–30 Minutes | 45–60 Minutes (includes processing) | 20–25 Minutes |
| Downtime | None | Scalp Tenderness/Swelling | None |
| Best For | Mild maintenance | moderate thinning | High-Impact Regrowth & Density |
| Works for Skin of Color? | risk or burn with less efficacy | Yes | Yes |
Alternative to Hair Transplant
Alma TED: The Premier Non-Surgical Hair Transplant Alternative in NYC
Traditional hair transplants are invasive and require significant downtime. At our Hair Loss Center of Excellence, we use Alma TED—a cutting-edge non-invasive hair restoration solution that delivers results without surgery.
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100% Painless & Needle-Free: No surgery, no scarring, and zero downtime.
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Pre-Transplant Optimization: Use Alma TED before a hair transplant to strengthen existing hair and potentially reduce the size of the area needing surgical grafts.
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Post-Transplant Enhancement: Stimulate grafts after a hair transplant to protect your investment and maximize overall density.
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Ideal for Limited Donor Hair: A vital non-surgical hair replacement solution for those who aren't surgical candidates due to low donor density.
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Safe for All Skin Types: The "color-blind" technology for Skin of Color—zero risk of the burns or pigment changes seen with traditional lasers.
Why settle for surgery when you can choose a needle-free alternative?
[Schedule Your Medical Scalp Analysis Today]
Inclusive Hair Science: Why Alma TED is the "Color-Blind" Choice for Skin of Color
Most in-office hair lasers and LLLT (Low-Level Laser Therapy) devices were historically tested on a narrow range of skin types (Fitzpatrick I-III). At Aglow Dermatology, our Hair Loss Center of Excellence recognizes that for hair restoration to be effective, it must be inclusive.
The Alma TED Advantage for Skin of Color:
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Overcoming "Melanin Competition": Traditional hair lasers rely on light energy. In darker skin tones, surface melanin can absorb that light before it ever reaches the hair follicle. Alma TED uses acoustic sound waves—not light—ensuring 100% of the growth-stimulating energy reaches the root.
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No Heat, No Hyperpigmentation: Light-based treatments carry a risk of "thermal injury," which can lead to dark spots (PIH) or scalp irritation in melanin-rich skin. Alma TED is a non-invasive, heat-free procedure with zero risk of burning or discoloration.
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Beyond "Cold Lasers": While many search for a non-surgical hair growth treatment like LLLT, Alma TED offers a deeper, medical-grade delivery system that sound waves provide, making it the most advanced non-invasive hair restoration for all ethnicities.
Learn about our Hair Loss Center of Excellence!
Alma TED treatment
The treatment is pain-free, needle-free, and takes approximately 25 minutes. First, the technician then divides the scalp into 4-5 sections, and a vibrating device is placed against the skin. The first pass is to prime the skin to open channels. Then the TED+ Hair Care Formula, which contains a variety of growth factors, is applied and rubbed into the skin. A second round of with the device then drives the hair growth solution into the skin where it stimulates the hair follicles.
Alma TED before and after - man
How many treatments will I need?
There can be improvement even after the first visit, however, it is generally recommended to do 3 treatments one month apart.
Is Alma TED safe?
This is a minimally invasive treatment with a low risk of side effects. The procedure involves no needles, or cutting, however, some patients report temporary scalp discomfort, and redness. If one has very thin skin there may be some mild trauma. There is no shedding associated with this procedure. A ringing sensation may be associated with treatment. Hair can grow back darker.
Is Alma TED covered by insurance?
No. Like most hair restoration procedures, this falls into the category of cosmetic.
Alma TED cost
The cost of each hair restoration treatment at Aglow Dermatology is $1000.00.
How to prepare for your treatment
Come to your appointment with clean, dry hair. The area to be treated should be accessible. There should be no product in your hair.
Aftercare
After your treatment don't wet your hair, apply product or shampoo for 24 hours. Schedule your follow-up in 1 month.
Alma TED near me
Got hair loss? Alma TED is cutting-edge technology that is a great option for pain-free, easy and effective hair restoration. If you are looking for prp for thinning hair consider Alma TED as an alternative.
"I am transformed! I wasn't even thinking about my hair loss when I went for a routine visit with the doctor for something else. She is very thorough and noticed the issue. She suggested this new treatment called Alma TED. I gave it a try. My hair is growing back! It works so fast. I didn't think it was possible. I no longer have to hide. See a hair loss expert if you have this problem. Don't start just trying random treatments. There is hope."
"I can appreciate now that Dr. Strachan is a hair loss expert. She examined me and recommended a great treatment for me. I am getting Alma TED treatments for my alopecia. I've had two. Even after the first one I saw a difference. I was getting overwhelmed looking at options online that I wasn't sure would work. Thank you, Dr. Strachan"
Considering non-surgical hair restoration?
Schedule a consultation with our board-certified dermatologist and hair loss expert here!
Alma TED Hair Restoration: Frequently Asked Questions
Is Alma TED FDA-approved?
Alma TED is FDA-cleared for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (male and female pattern hair loss). FDA clearance means the device has been reviewed for safety and substantial equivalence to existing technologies. It does not mean guaranteed results, and outcomes vary by patient.
What types of hair loss respond best to Alma TED?
Alma TED works best in patients with:
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Early to moderate androgenetic alopecia
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Hair thinning with miniaturized (but still active) follicles
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Traction alopecia where follicles are not permanently scarred
It is less effective or ineffective in areas of complete follicular destruction, such as long-standing scarring alopecia.
Does Alma TED work for scarring alopecia?
Alma TED is not FDA-cleared for scarring alopecias. In selected cases, it may be used off-label to support hair density or scalp health where follicles remain partially active. Results are variable and should be discussed carefully during consultation.
How does Alma TED compare to PRP?
PRP (platelet-rich plasma) relies on growth factors derived from the patient’s own blood, which can vary significantly based on age, health, and platelet quality.
Alma TED delivers standardized growth factors using ultrasound-based trans-epidermal delivery. Advantages include:
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No needles or blood draw
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Minimal discomfort
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Consistent formulation
PRP may still be appropriate for some patients; Alma TED is an alternative for those who cannot tolerate injections or have had limited PRP response.
How many treatments are needed?
Most patients undergo a series of three treatments, spaced approximately one month apart. Maintenance treatments may be recommended depending on the type and progression of hair loss.
When will I see results?
Hair growth is slow and cyclical. Typical timelines:
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Reduced shedding: 1–3 months
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Visible thickening: 3–6 months
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Peak results: 6–9 months
Results vary, and continued progression of genetic hair loss is possible without maintenance or adjunctive therapy.
Are the results permanent?
No hair restoration treatment permanently stops genetic hair loss. Alma TED may improve hair density and thickness, but maintenance treatments or combination therapy (topicals, oral medications, or other in-office procedures) may be needed to sustain results.
Are there side effects?
Alma TED is generally well tolerated. Reported effects may include:
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Mild scalp warmth or tingling during treatment
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Temporary scalp sensitivity
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Rare transient redness
Because there are no needles, bleeding, or anesthesia, downtime is minimal.
Who is not a good candidate?
You may not be an ideal candidate if you have:
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Complete follicular loss in the treatment area
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Advanced scarring alopecia
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Unrealistic expectations of full hair restoration
A medical evaluation is essential to determine candidacy.
Can Alma TED be combined with other treatments?
Yes. Alma TED is often combined with:
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Topical or oral hair-loss medications
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Laser/light-based therapies
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Medical management of underlying scalp conditions
Combination therapy often yields better long-term outcomes.
Is Alma TED right for me?
Hair loss has many causes. Alma TED could be right for your if you have viable hair follicles despite your alopecia. A consultation with a board-certified dermatologist is the best way to determine whether Alma TED fits your diagnosis, goals, and timeline.
How does Alma TED compare to a non-surgical hair transplant?
While the term non-surgical hair transplant is often used to describe various non-invasive hair restoration techniques, Alma TED is a unique non-surgical hair growth treatment. Unlike a traditional transplant that moves follicles surgically, Alma TED uses acoustic sound waves to drive growth factors deep into the hair follicles. It is a preferred non-surgical hair replacement procedure for those who have thinning hair but aren't ready for surgery.
Is Alma TED better than PRP for hair loss?
Many patients seek non-surgical hair loss solutions like PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma), but PRP requires blood draws and painful needles. As a non-invasive hair growth treatment, Alma TED provides a "Best of both worlds" scenario: it delivers standardized, high-potency growth factors without the discomfort of injections or the safety concerns with blood. It is the ultimate non-invasive hair loss treatment for those who want results without the "vampire" procedure.
Can women benefit from non-surgical hair replacement?
Absolutely. Alma TED is one of the leading non-surgical hair replacement for women options because it treats the scalp holistically. Whether dealing with postpartum hair loss or thinning at 30, this non-surgical hair growth treatment helps restore density without the harshness of chemicals or surgery.