Bryan Johnson, the tech entrepreneur and biohacker behind the Blueprint protocol, is transparent about his rigorous routine to reverse aging, which includes combating male pattern baldness and graying. Faced with a genetic predisposition to hair loss, Johnson began his proactive regimen in his late 20s. Today, his full head of hair is the result of a multifaceted strategy that goes far beyond a single product, combining pharmaceuticals, technology, topical treatments, and nutritional support.
The core components of Bryan Johnson's hair protocol
Johnson’s hair restoration protocol involves a daily, weekly, and intermittent approach designed to be as comprehensive as his other anti-aging efforts. He stresses the importance of starting early, noting that waiting until hair loss is advanced leaves fewer options.
Daily Treatments
Johnson’s daily ritual includes two key steps to stimulate hair growth and combat hair loss:
- Red Light Therapy Cap: Each morning, Johnson wears a battery-powered red light therapy cap for a specific duration. This device uses low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to increase blood flow to the scalp and stimulate hair follicle activity.
- Custom Topical Formula: After his red light therapy, he applies a bespoke topical formula to his scalp. More details about the specific components of this formula can be found on {Link: New York Post nypost.com}.
- Oral Minoxidil: Johnson incorporates a low dose of oral minoxidil into his daily routine.
Weekly and Intermittent Treatments
In addition to his daily actions, Johnson incorporates more intensive treatments on a less frequent basis:
- Microneedling: To enhance the absorption and efficacy of his topical treatments, Johnson uses microneedling. This practice creates tiny punctures in the scalp, which are believed to provoke the scalp's natural healing response and promote hair growth.
- Investigational Therapies: Johnson tests novel treatments. He reported "nearly no benefit" from platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections after 12 months and is now exploring an investigational therapy involving exosomes.
Comparison of Johnson's hair loss treatments
Johnson's approach is a high-cost, high-effort regimen. Here is a comparison of his methods with more conventional options.
| Feature | Bryan Johnson's Protocol | Conventional Methods |
|---|---|---|
| Topical Treatment | Custom compounded formula with multiple active ingredients (Minoxidil, Finasteride, etc.). | Standard topical Minoxidil solution or foam (e.g., Rogaine). |
| Oral Medication | Low-dose oral Minoxidil. | Oral Finasteride. |
| Nutritional Support | Rich in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and specific supplements like collagen peptides, biotin, iron, and selenium. | Standard multivitamins; less emphasis on specific hair-supporting nutrients unless a deficiency is detected. |
| Therapy | Red light therapy cap (specific duration daily), microneedling, and testing advanced treatments like exosomes. | Microneedling (less frequent), PRP injections (varying effectiveness). |
| Gray Hair | Topical products GR7 and Mayraki to stimulate melanin production and potentially dye hair. | Hair dyes or color-restoring shampoos. |
| Cost & Effort | Very high investment of time and money, requiring access to specialist doctors and pharmacies. | More accessible and affordable, with over-the-counter options and standard prescriptions widely available. |
The importance of a comprehensive strategy
For Johnson, combating hair loss is a holistic strategy rather than a single solution. His success, which moved his hair loss classification from Norwood 3 to Norwood 2, demonstrates this comprehensive approach.
- Nutrition as a foundation: Johnson emphasizes nutrition, ensuring essential nutrients like protein, omega-3s, and specific vitamins create a robust environment for hair growth.
- Targeting multiple pathways: His use of Finasteride and Minoxidil targets hair loss from hormonal (DHT inhibition) and vascular (increased blood flow) angles, enhanced by red light therapy and microneedling.
- Experimentation: Johnson's testing of novel therapies like exosomes and discontinuing ineffective treatments like PRP highlights his commitment to exploring science and pragmatism.
Considerations for others
Johnson's intensive protocol offers valuable lessons:
- Act Early: Starting treatment early can yield better results.
- Personalize Your Approach: Johnson's protocol is tailored to his needs, emphasizing the importance of consulting a dermatologist.
- Combine Therapies: A multi-pronged approach combining lifestyle, nutrition, and targeted treatments is often more effective than a single solution.
In conclusion, what Bryan Johnson uses for hair loss is a highly disciplined, multi-therapy regimen reflecting his Blueprint for longevity. It combines daily red light therapy, a custom topical formula, and oral minoxidil with nutritional support and intermittent microneedling. His success demonstrates the potential for a comprehensive, science-backed approach. However, his methods are intensive, expensive, and not without risks, underscoring the need for careful consideration and professional medical advice.
What Bryan Johnson uses for hair loss: The takeaway
Bryan Johnson's approach to hair loss involves a combination of daily, weekly, and nutritional methods, including FDA-approved drugs, light therapy, and custom topicals. While his regimen is demanding and costly, it illustrates the possibilities of a dedicated, multi-faceted strategy. Early and consistent treatment has contributed to Johnson maintaining and enhancing his hair density and decreasing graying. Additional details about his routine can be found on {Link: New York Post nypost.com}.
