What chemical controls hair growth?

Author: Prof. Madge Anderson  |  Last update: Friday, January 9, 2026

The researchers determined how a type of protein, TGF-beta, controls the process by which cells in hair follicles, including stem cells, divide and form new cells, or orchestrate their own death — eventually leading to the death of the whole hair follicle.

What chemical stimulates hair growth?

Minoxidil lotion applied with low concentrations of tretinoin has been show to promote greater hair growth—and possibly faster results—than minoxidil used alone. Tretinoin may increase the absorption of minoxidil through the skin as well as having additional hair growth promoting effects.

Which chemical is best for hair growth?

Look for these key ingredients: Minoxidil and finasteride are the gold standards for hair regrowth. Other beneficial ingredients include biotin, caffeine, copper peptides, and saw palmetto. Avoid irritants: Alcohol, sulfates, parabens, and fragrances can dry out and inflame the scalp, potentially worsening hair loss.

What regulates hair growth?

Hair growth is primarily regulated by genetics and hormones. Each hair follicle contains a group of cells that respond to signals from hormones, particularly androgens like testosterone. The pattern of hair growth, including its location, thickness, and color, is largely determined by these factors.

What hormone stimulates hair growth?

Androgen hormones, sometimes referred to as “male” hormones, like DHEA and testosterone, play the largest role in your overall hair growth. When your levels of these hormones are too high, you may experience excess hair growth, especially on the body or face.

The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair | Huberman Lab Podcast

What interrupts hair growth?

Hormonal changes and medical conditions.

A variety of conditions can cause permanent or temporary hair loss, including hormonal changes due to pregnancy, childbirth, menopause and thyroid problems.

What is the number 1 thing for hair growth?

When it comes to regrowing hair at home, Minoxidil (the generic form of Rogaine) is one of the most popular solutions. It comes up in almost every conversation we have with experts about hair growth — and for good reason.

What do Chinese use for hair growth?

Nu Shen Zi, also known as Chinese privet fruit, is a popular herb in TCM for promoting hair growth. It is rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals that support overall hair health.

What agent promotes hair growth?

Minoxidil (Rogaine).

Products with minoxidil help many people regrow their hair or slow the rate of hair loss or both. It'll take at least six months of treatment to prevent further hair loss and to start hair regrowth.

What truly makes hair grow faster?

Vitamins B and D factor big in healthy hair. So do zinc, omega-3 fatty acids, and the B vitamin biotin. Your doctor can test you for deficiencies. Ask them whether you should take a multivitamin or supplement and how much.

What helps excessive hair growth?

losing weight if you're overweight – this can help control hormone levels. things you can do at home to remove or lighten the hair – such as shaving, waxing, plucking, hair removal creams or bleaching. a prescription cream to slow hair growth on your face (eflornithine cream)

How to stimulate dead hair follicles?

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.

What drug makes hair grow?

Oral Finasteride

Finasteride slows the rate of hair loss and stimulates new hair growth by inhibiting the body's production of a hormone that destroys hair follicles. This medication is taken once a day by mouth and is most effective when taken at the same time each day.

What chemical kills hair follicles permanently?

Potassium Hydroxide. This extremely corrosive chemical also damages cells responsible for hair growth.

Which acid promotes hair growth?

These findings suggest that cinnamic acid, a component of Cinnamomum cassia, exhibits a hair growth-promoting effect, which is believed to be mediated through the upregulation of OXTR expression.

What do Africans use for hair growth?

Shea Butter, Avocado Butter, Cocoa Butter, Coconut oil, and Argan Oil: All kinds of butter and oils do not need any introduction. They are known for their healing effects and are grown in Africa. Some of them are limited to the African continent only. Production of these oils and butter is a great tradition.

What is the Indian secret ingredient for hair growth?

Amla oil. Amla, also known as Indian gooseberry, is a powerhouse of nutrients, including vitamin C, minerals, and antioxidants. Amla oil, derived from the amla fruit, is highly beneficial for promoting longer, stronger hair. It strengthens hair follicles, prevents greying, and reduces hair thinning.

What Chinese herb reverses grey hair?

In traditional Chinese medicine, preparations from Polygonum multiflorum have a long history of use for hair growth and blackening. Both oral and topical administration of P. multiflorum preparations were clinically used in the treatment of hair graying sometimes simultaneously in traditional application methods.

What are the big 3 for hair regrowth?

Most of the time when people are chatting about the big 3 for hair loss, they are referring to Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Ketoconazole (Nizoral) shampoo. Although, there are some who feel like the third component of the big 3 should be microneedling in place of Ketoconazole shampoo.

Which hormone causes hair loss in females?

Androgenic alopecia is generally used to describe female pattern hair loss, it is the most common cause of hair loss in women. It usually occurs after menopause because of an excess of androgens (“male hormones”) such as testosterone and dihydrotestosterone (DHT) caused by rapidly decreasing estrogen.

What controls hair growth speed?

These include: Genetics: A person's genes will dictate how quickly their hair will grow. Sex: Male hair grows faster than female hair. Age: Hair grows fastest between the ages of 15 and 30, before slowing down.

What does thyroid hair loss look like?

Severe and prolonged hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism can cause loss of hair. The loss is diffuse and involves the entire scalp rather than discrete areas. The hair appears uniformly sparse.

What makes hair follicles grow back?

“Even when a hair follicle kills itself, it never kills its stem cell reservoir. When the surviving stem cells receive the signal to regenerate, they divide, make new cell and develop into a new follicle,” Wang said.

Previous article
How do I get my bleached hair back to health?
Next article
Why can't firefighters have tattoos?