Once a hair follicle dies, it generally cannot be revived or restored to function.
Reviving dormant hair follicles and promoting healthy hair growth can be achieved through a combination of methods, including scalp massage, essential oils, supplements, low-level laser therapy, PRP therapy, dietary changes, and stress management techniques.
Anagen growth is the active phase in which the hair follicle takes on its onion-like shape and works to produce the hair fiber. The anagen phase can be further broken down into proanagen and metanagen phases. Proanagen sees the follicle proliferating hair progenitor cells and begins the differentiation process.
Estrogen is directly associated with hair growth and loss, as the hormone binds to receptors on hair follicles and boosts the growth phase. Many women notice they have thicker, better-looking hair during pregnancy. That's thanks to the high estrogen levels.
Stem cell niches. The unique ability of the HF to self‐regenerate cyclically relies on different stem cell populations, located in distinct follicular niches, which coordinate or provide the necessary cellular material for the continuous turnover and replacement of differentiated cells.
Hair follicles are made from proteins, and filling the dormant follicles in your face with extra protein may give them the push they need to speed up the growing process. So add more lean meats, fish, eggs, beans and nuts to your diet so your body is full of wonderful natural protein.
Topical drugs.
The FDA has approved minoxidil (Rogaine), available over the counter, as a hair loss treatment for both men and women. It helps thicken hair follicles and promotes hair lengthening. It comes in a liquid or foam that's applied to the scalp.
Factors Contributing to Follicular Dormancy
Hormonal changes, particularly those related to thyroid issues or menopause, can also impact hair growth. Additionally, physical stress and trauma to the scalp, such as tight hairstyles or injuries, can lead to temporary or permanent hair loss.
Massaging, essential oils, cold showers and all the above methods help increase blood flow to your scalp. While you do these, also figure out and stick to a healthy hair care routine, consisting of basics like washing, conditioning and protecting your hair from heat.
Massaging your scalp may seem too simple, but it can help stimulate the hair follicles and encourage growth. It works because it increases blood flow to the follicles, which can activate the dormant ones. Try performing a scalp massage for five minutes on yourself every day.
Minoxidil (Rogaine).
To be most effective, apply the product to the scalp skin once daily for women and twice daily for men. Many people prefer the foam applied when the hair is wet. Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both.
The activation of dormant hair follicles can be influenced by a variety of factors, including hormonal changes, nutrient availability, blood flow to the scalp, and mechanical stimulation. For example, hair follicles can be stimulated by massaging the scalp, which increases blood flow and can activate dormant follicles.
“Topical minoxidil 5% can be helpful in regrowing facial hair while procedures like platelet rich plasma (PRP) can also help stimulate facial hair when injected.” She adds, “Tretinoin plus topical minoxidil in combination can be useful as has microneedling shown some benefit presumably due to increased oxygen to the ...
So dead hair follicles can look like a smooth, bald patch of skin or like a scar. A trichologist may be able to get a better view of your follicles by using a microscope or other trichological tools.
Topical caffeine and melatonin have some of the most promising results as effective natural hair-growth products. Other treatments, like scalp massage and using oils, are safe and low risk. They may be worth a try, but they may not produce noticeable benefits.