Tricopat: An Investigational Scalp Technology for Hair Loss

How Does Tricopat Work?

Tricopat is designed as a multimodal device that combines several scalp-focused technologies.¹

1. Mechanical “Skin Patting” Stimulation

The device features a patented handpiece with multiple rounded contact points. These apply rhythmic mechanical pulses to the scalp. Research describing the mechanism suggests that this approach is intended to:

• increase local microcirculation at the skin surface
  
• create mild, controlled micro-disruptions
  
• trigger natural skin repair responses

The handpiece uses a dual-cone contact design that tensions the skin surface during application. The movement produces a radial acoustic wave effect as part of the mechanical stimulation.

2. Iontophoresis for Topical Delivery

Tricopat also incorporates iontophoresis, which uses a gentle electrical current to support the movement of selected substances across the outer skin layer. This method is used in dermatology to potentially enhance topical penetration, and in this system is applied to compounds such as:

• amino acids
  
• growth-factor preparations
  
• other topical formulations

3. Electrostimulation and LED Exposure

Some versions of the device include additional stimulation modalities, which are proposed to influence skin-level physiology:

• electrostimulation — theorised to affect local circulation
  
• LED light exposure — suggested to impact cellular activity at the surface

Electrostimulation is delivered using a low-frequency biphasic current. The device cap houses red and blue wavelength LEDs as part of the light-exposure component.

Is Tricopat Effective in Promoting Hair Growth?

Research into Tricopat and iontophoresis-assisted delivery for hair loss remains limited, and there is insufficient evidence to determine its effectiveness as a treatment for androgenetic alopecia or telogen effluvium. 

One of the main published preliminary studies (Alessandrini et al.), often referenced in discussions about the device, evaluated the use of preformed growth factors delivered through iontophoresis in conjunction with the Tricopat system.²

Overview of the Study

Study Element	Details
Total Participants	60
Participant Demographics	All participants were Caucasian
Male Participants	30 men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA)
Female Participants	30 women total:• 15 with AGA• 15 with AGA + associated telogen effluvium
Number of Treatment Sessions	4 sessions
Treatment Interval	Every 3 weeks
Evaluation Methods	Global photography and trichoscopy
Patient Feedback Method	Self-assessment questionnaires

The study did not include a control group, randomisation, or blinding, which limits the ability to draw definitive conclusions.

What the Researchers Reported

According to the published findings, the study observed:

• trichoscopic signs consistent with AGA at baseline in most participants
  
• no reported adverse effects or procedural discomfort
  
• photography and trichoscopy showing improvement in hair coverage measures
• increases in measured hair counts and shaft diameters across male and female groups:
  • Male patients showed a 14.61% increase in the total number of hairs/cm² in the anterior area of the scalp and a 13.62% increase in hair diameter in the vertex area (Figure 1).²
  • Female patients, on the other hand, showed a 13.68% increase in the total number of hairs / cm2 at the anterior area and an increase in the hair diameter of 15,61% in the vertex area (Figure 2).²
• participant-reported satisfaction and perceived improvement

Reported Results After 6 Months

Important Context and Limitations

While the reported results appear positive, several factors limit how these findings should be interpreted:

1. The study did not isolate Tricopat, since growth factors were also used.
   
2. There was no comparison group, making placebo effects possible.
   
3. The measurement methods were not independently verified.
   
4. The study population lacked diversity.
   
5. Outcomes were observed over a short treatment schedule.
   
6. No long-term follow-up data was provided.

Takeaway

The existing study suggests that Tricopat combined with iontophoresis and growth-factor preparations may have potential benefits, but the evidence is not strong enough to confirm its effectiveness for promoting hair growth. Until further peer-reviewed research is available, the technology should be viewed as investigational rather than a validated treatment option.

What Are the Potential Benefits of Tricopat?

Because Tricopat is still considered an investigational technology, any benefits reported so far should be interpreted as potential rather than confirmed. 

Still, feedback from clinical use and observations noted in early studies suggest several possible advantages related to the treatment experience and tolerability.

Potential Benefit	Context
Minimal scalp disruption	The device does not penetrate the skin surface during use.
Generally well tolerated	Some users in early reports described the procedure as tolerable, although individual experience varies.2
Non-invasive session format	Reported as a surface-level technology rather than one involving needles or injections.
Used in AGA cases	Has been explored in cases of androgenetic alopecia, though evidence remains limited.
Used in AGA with TE cases	Has been used in cases where AGA coexists with telogen effluvium, including chronic TE, but effectiveness is not confirmed.

What Are the Potential Drawbacks of Tricopat?

As an emerging and investigational technology, Tricopat may come with several potential limitations and considerations. Evidence limitations mean outcomes should not be expected or assumed.

Potential Drawback	Context
Limited clinical evidence	Current research is preliminary and does not confirm effectiveness for hair growth.
Lack of long-term data	No established information on how long potential effects may last or whether maintenance is required.
No established comparisons with standard treatments	Tricopat has not been clinically compared to minoxidil, finasteride, PRP, microneedling, or other recognised therapies.
Highly variable outcomes	Responses may differ significantly between individuals, and predictability is unclear.
Effectiveness may depend on accompanying topicals	Results may be influenced by the specific substances used alongside the device rather than the technology alone.

What Is Iontophoresis and How Does It Work?

Iontophoresis is a technique used to enhance the penetration of drugs or other products through the skin by applying a low electrical current.³ This method is used in dermatology and physical therapy for the delivery of therapeutic agents directly into the skin. 

Principle

Iontophoresis is based on the movement of charged particles under a low-intensity electrical current. In this process, charged molecules are encouraged to pass across the outer layer of the skin by applying an electric field. This can increase the permeability of the skin surface and support more localized, superficial delivery of selected substances.

Setup

A typical iontophoresis system uses two electrodes:

1. an active electrode, containing a solution with the ionized form of the medication
   
2. a return electrode, positioned elsewhere on the skin to complete the circuit
   

The charge of the active electrode matches the charge of the drug ion. When the current is applied, the drug ions are repelled away from the electrode and encouraged to move into the skin.³

Mechanisms

Several mechanisms have been described in relation to enhanced transport:

Electrorepulsion

The primary mechanism, where charged molecules are driven into the skin based on like-charge repulsion.³

Electroosmosis 

Movement of solvent, which can assist the transport of neutral or weakly charged molecules.

Changes in barrier properties 

Low-level current may temporarily increase skin permeability, although the extent and relevance of this effect can vary.³

Applications

Iontophoresis has been used in clinical and dermatologic settings for the localized delivery of analgesics and anesthetics, anti-inflammatory agents for superficial soft-tissue conditions, and selected dermatology preparations.³

Potential Advantages

Reported advantages of iontophoresis include:

• more targeted, localized delivery to superficial tissues
• reduced systemic exposure compared with oral administration
• an alternative option for individuals who may not tolerate certain medications by other routes³

Risks and Contraindications of Iontophoresis

Reported adverse effects may include:

• temporary skin irritation or redness at the electrode site
• itching, tingling, or mild discomfort
• localized swelling or sensitivity
• rare cases of superficial skin burns, typically linked to improper electrode placement or current settings³

The likelihood and severity of these effects can depend on device parameters, electrode contact, skin condition, and the substance being delivered.

Considering Tricopat? Start With a Consultation If you’d like to understand whether Tricopat is relevant to your type of hair loss, the appropriate starting point is a consultation with a hair restoration specialist. A clinical evaluation can help determine the cause of hair loss, discuss evidence-based treatment options, and explore where investigational technologies like Tricopat may fit into a personalised plan. To speak with a ForHair practitioner and learn more about diagnostic options and treatment paths, including conversations about investigational devices, you can schedule a consultation. Schedule a Clinical Evaluation Learn More About Tricopat at ForHair

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