AlmaTED (Trans-Epidermal Delivery) was developed by leading medical technology company AlmaTech. It utilizes a blend of targeted electromagnetic pulses and advanced algorithms to stimulate specific areas of the body, designed to provide non-invasive scalp-care support without the need for invasive procedures or medications.
TED is an emerging non-invasive technology being studied for scalp health and hair appearance¹. This technology is being explored for its potential effects on scalp condition. Early manufacturer descriptions suggest it may support a healthier environment for hair, but clinical evidence remains limited. With gentle yet powerful pulses, Alma TED may improve scalp condition; further studies are needed.2
The AlmaTED Procedure
Alma TED uses ultrasonic energy to create temporary openings in the skin’s surface, allowing a topical blend containing peptides and growth factors to make contact with the superficial scalp layers. The device is designed to support topical absorption rather than penetrate deeply, and this topical approach forms the basis for how the treatment is applied in clinical settings.
Some clinicians are exploring whether TED could assist topical contact of various formulations, but the delivery of medications such as dutasteride, minoxidil, or bimatoprost through this method remains investigational and is not FDA-approved.
The device uses ultrasonic energy, which the manufacturer states helps enhance topical absorption8. Independent clinical validation of this mechanism is still limited3/7. In addition, ultrasonic energy produces a sound that the patient hears while we treat the scalp.
Treatment schedules vary, and there is no established evidence-based protocol for frequency or product combinations.
What should I expect during the Alma TED procedure?
Alma TED is a non-invasive procedure that does not use needles, and most patients describe it as comfortable. The non-invasive treatment lasts 20-30 minutes. During your consultation, the practitioner will assess your scalp and customize the treatment to your needs. Some patients report noticing changes in scalp appearance within a few weeks, although timelines vary and there is no established clinical standard for expected results.
Hair transplant specialist Dr. Cole and his team will thoroughly evaluate your scalp and hair loss during consultations. They will assess hair density, calibre, and overall scalp health to create a personalized treatment plan. Some individuals may perceive changes over time, although responses vary and evidence on expected outcomes is still limited.
What are the benefits of Alma TED for hair loss?
Alma TED is generally well-tolerated for most patients when performed by a qualified clinician.
- Needle-free, non-invasive delivery
- Designed to minimise discomfort and avoid scalp trauma
- Short in-office procedure with no expected downtime
- May support healthier-looking hair for some patients
- Some users anecdotally report reduced shedding, but this has not been confirmed in controlled clinical studies
- Manufacturer marketing materials reference cosmetic improvements, however independent clinical data is still emerging.4
- No anesthesia required
How does Alma TED compare to PRP or other non-surgical/non-invasive Regenerative Treatments?
TED does not use needles and is designed to be comfortable for most patients, setting it apart from PRP, which requires blood drawing and needle injections into the scalp. The differences between Alma TED and PRP, as well as other non-surgical/non-invasive regenerative treatments, are as follows:
1. Treatment Approach: Alma TED creates microchannels to enhance topical solution delivery, while PRP involves injecting concentrated blood components.
2. Regenerative Potential: PRP contains growth factors and platelets for tissue repair, collagen production, and hair growth. Alma TED improves the absorption of regenerative treatments.
3. Invasiveness: Both Alma TED and PRP are non-surgical, but PRP involves needle injections, while TED does not. TED uses a handheld device for microchannel creation, while PRP injections involve needles, which are generally well-tolerated.
4. Applications: TED is marketed for applications such as skin rejuvenation and topical product delivery, but evidence remains limited, and further research is needed, while PRP has broader applications, such as hair restoration, joint pain management, and wound healing.
Remember, treatment effectiveness varies, so consult Dr. Cole and his team to determine the best option for your needs.
Who is a Good Candidate for Treatment with Alma TED?
Hair loss is a common problem that affects many people around the world. If you are someone who is experiencing thinning, shedding, or hair loss, you might want to consider treatment with Alma TED.
TED is sometimes explored by individuals noticing general thinning or reduced hair fullness, but at the same time, it’s important to emphasize that it has not been clinically validated for medically diagnosed hair loss conditions. Some clinics apply the device to other hair-bearing areas, although evidence for use beyond the scalp remains limited too.
Is the Alma TED Treatment Painful?
For most people, it’s quite comfortable, with some patients reporting it can even help them relax. You will likely experience a warm sensation from the device, vibrations, and ringing noises throughout the treatment, but there should be no discomfort. The procedure does not require any needles, resulting in very little discomfort, if any at all.
What Results Can You Expect with Alma TED Treatment?
To achieve noticeable changes, some clinics schedule a series of sessions, although optimal frequency has not been defined in published clinical literature. The use of other topical hair growth treatments may be suggested in between sessions.
Dr. Cole’s Own experience and results with the AlmaTED
In 2022, Dr. Cole started to notice his hair thinning. But he didn’t give up on having his luscious locks back. He underwent the ALMA TED procedure, an emerging non-invasive technology still being studied, which uses protein nutrition and Dutasteride to support his scalp health. By December, he had made significant progress in regaining his lost hair.
Alma TED treatment – What’s new?
Dr. Cole is exploring new formulations that may support hair growth, including investigational combinations involving dutasteride and finasteride. This approach is research in development, and trans-epidermal delivery of such medications through Alma TED is not FDA-approved. Any potential use of these agents with device-assisted delivery would require additional research and clinical validation before being considered a standard approach.
Some clinicians are exploring whether Alma TED could play a role in assisting local anesthesia delivery during hair transplant surgery, but this remains investigational. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and Cytokine-rich plasma (CRP) injections can be uncomfortable, so local anesthesia is commonly used to alleviate discomfort.
The efficacy of delivering PRP through Alma TED needs verification5, as platelets are relatively large and require collagen fibre separation using ultrasound and air pressure. However, CRP, which consists entirely of growth factors and is less than 3 micrometres in size, can be delivered with Alma TED and is being explored for potential use, but requires further study6 before any conclusions can be drawn.
What are the potential side effects of Alma TED hair treatment?
Available early reports have not identified serious adverse events, but data is limited and the full safety profile is not yet well-established. The hair treatment used in conjunction with Alma TED may have associated side effects. Here are the potential side effects of hair treatments used with Alma TED:
1. Scalp Irritation: Some individuals may experience scalp irritation, redness, itching, or a burning sensation due to products or the treatment itself.
2. Allergic Reactions: Allergic reactions to hair growth products are rare but possible. Symptoms may include rash, hives, swelling, or difficulty breathing. Seek immediate medical attention if signs of an allergic reaction occur.
3. Dryness or Flaking: Certain hair treatments can cause temporary dryness or flaking of the scalp, leading to discomfort.
4. Hair Texture Changes: Hair treatments might temporarily change hair texture, causing dryness, brittleness, or increased breakage. These effects are typically reversible.
5. Temporary Shedding: Starting some hair growth treatments can result in temporary shedding of existing hair. This is a normal part of the hair growth cycle, followed by healthier hair regrowth.
Consult us before undergoing any hair treatment, including those utilizing Alma TED. We can provide personalized advice, assess your situation, and discuss potential side effects and risks associated with the specific treatment.
How much does Alma TED hair treatment cost?
We offer annual membership plans for patients considering having the Ted treatment once per month for a year. Pricing for Alma TED varies by clinic location and treatment plan. Please contact the clinic directly for current rates.
How Many Treatments Are Needed?
The most common treatment for patients is three sessions. Followed by a follow-up session eight months later.
Considering Alma TED? Start With a Consultation
Because Alma TED is an emerging, non-invasive technology with limited independent clinical evidence, the most appropriate first step is a professional evaluation.
A consultation allows a specialist to assess scalp condition, hair characteristics, contributing factors, and whether exploring a device such as Alma TED aligns with your goals, expectations, and pattern of thinning.
At ForHair, clinicians have extensive experience working with investigational and evolving hair restoration technologies, including those that are still being studied for their potential role in supporting scalp health and hair appearance.
Our role is to help patients understand what is known, what remains uncertain, and where Alma TED fits within the broader landscape of established and experimental options. This includes discussing factors such as suitability, expectations, safety considerations, and where evidence is still developing.
If you would like to learn more or determine whether exploring Alma TED is appropriate for your situation, you can request a consultation here.
Read additional information about the Alma TED device, its intended use, and the current investigational context.
A consultation does not assume that Alma TED will be recommended, and no treatment decisions are made without a full clinical review. This helps ensure that any next step, whether observational monitoring, established therapies, or investigational options, is guided by medical assessment rather than assumptions or expectations.
Bottom Line
Hair shedding and hair loss can be a frustrating and discouraging experience for many people. Thankfully, there are treatments and solutions available to help promote hair growth and combat hair loss. One option some patients explore is Alma TED, a non-invasive device that is being studied for its potential role in supporting scalp health. Evidence is still emerging, and results vary.
Unlike many other treatments, Alma TED is a non-invasive option that many patients find comfortable, though experiences can vary. It may support the appearance of the hair over time, depending on individual response.
Medical Disclaimer
The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any medical condition. Microneedling and any related therapies should only be performed or recommended by a qualified healthcare professional. The procedures, research findings, and clinical considerations discussed here do not constitute medical advice, treatment protocols, or guidance for at-home use. Always consult a licensed medical provider regarding your individual circumstances, suitability for treatment, and potential risks or contraindications.
FAQs
Does Alma TED regrow hair?
Current evidence for Alma TED is limited. Early manufacturer descriptions suggest that it may support scalp health and hair appearance, but there are no large, peer-reviewed clinical trials confirming its ability to regrow hair. Individual responses vary, and results are not guaranteed.¹⁻³
Is Alma TED FDA-approved for drug delivery?
No. Trans-epidermal delivery of medications such as dutasteride, finasteride, or bimatoprost through Alma TED is not FDA-approved. This approach remains investigational and should only be considered under the supervision of a physician.⁴
How many Alma TED treatments do people usually get?
Most patients receive a series of three sessions spaced about one month apart. Some may continue with additional sessions depending on their response and practitioner recommendations. Treatment schedules vary because evidence on optimal frequency is still emerging.³
How soon can you see results from Alma TED?
Some patients report early visible changes within a few weeks, often based on feedback from the manufacturer or clinic, but timelines vary. There is no definitive clinical research establishing a standard expectation for results.³
Is Alma TED painful?
Most patients describe the procedure as comfortable. The device does not use needles, and reported sensations typically include warmth, vibration, or sound from the device.³
Can Alma TED be combined with PRP or topical medications?
Some clinicians combine Alma TED with PRP, CRP, or topical formulations. However, these uses are not well-studied, and trans-epidermal drug delivery remains experimental. Further research is needed before any combined protocol can be considered validated.⁴⁻⁶
Is there downtime after an Alma TED session?
There is usually no significant downtime reported. Patients can typically resume normal activities the same day, though scalp sensitivity may occur temporarily.³
Are there risks or side effects?
Current data suggest that no serious side effects have been reported in early use; however, mild, temporary irritation is possible. Any topical medications used in conjunction with TED may also carry their own risks, such as dryness, redness, or allergic reactions.³
Does Alma TED work for all types of hair loss?
No. Alma TED has not been clinically proven to treat medical hair loss conditions, such as alopecia areata or scarring alopecias. Its use is more commonly explored for non-scarring thinning and general scalp-health support, but evidence is still limited.²⁻⁴
References
- Mitragotri S. “Ultrasound-mediated transdermal drug delivery.” Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 2004.
- Lee WR, Shen SC, Liu CR, Fang CL, Hu CH. Ultrasonic frequency effects on transdermal permeation. Journal of Controlled Release. 2002;82(1):41-52.
- Polat BE, Blankschtein D, Langer R. Low-frequency sonophoresis: mechanism, scope, and emerging trends. Advanced Drug Delivery Reviews. 2011;63(11):1215-1223.
- Alves R, Grimalt R. A Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma: History, Biology, Mechanism of Action, and Classification. Skin Appendage Disorders. 2018;4(1):18-24.
- Ramaswamy Reddy SH, Reddy R, Babu NC, Ashok GN. Stem-cell therapy and platelet-rich plasma in regenerative medicine: A review. Journal of Oral and Maxillofacial Pathology. 2018;22(3):367-374.
- Faghihi G, Nabavinejad S, et al. Microneedling in androgenetic alopecia: comparison of needle depths. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology. 2021;20(4):1241-1247.
- Singh A, Yadav S. Transdermal drug delivery systems: a review. International Journal of Pharmaceutical Sciences and Research. 2012;3(8):2427-2433.
- Ultrasound and Electromagnetic Radiation in Medical Devices
