"Topical minoxidil is the gold standard of treatment," said Dr. Zeichner. "It helps lengthen the active growing stage of hairs and promotes healthy delivery of oxygen and nutrients to the hair follicle."
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 can be used by men or women and is most effective at the first sign of hair loss. In rare cases, hair loss is due to a nutrient deficient diet, particularly one that lacks biotin, a B vitamin. In this case a biotin supplement can help.
According to Michele Green, a board-certified cosmetic dermatologist in NYC, choosing products with clinically proven ingredients is key to finding an effective hair growth serum. Currently, the only FDA-approved topical treatment for hair loss is minoxidil.
Corticosteroids, a type of anti-inflammatory drug, can be injected directly into the scalp to reduce scalp inflammation. This prevents further damage to your hair follicles. A 2022 study showed that corticosteroid injections are generally effective at stimulating hair growth in people with alopecia areata.
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.
Although GnRH, FSH, and LH are critically important in regulating folliculogenesis, hormones and growth factors, which are themselves products of the follicle, can act locally to modulate (amplify or attenuate) FSH and LH action. This is the autocrine/paracrine system of developing follicles.
Minoxidil for hair loss
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.
1. Rosemary (Rosmarinus officinalis): This fragrant herb can strengthen hair follicles, improve scalp circulation, and boast anti-inflammatory properties. Studies show it is as beneficial as minoxidil (a common hair loss treatment). Rosemary is considered safe for topical use when diluted properly.
In the second study, more than 300 people with hair loss did daily scalp massages for 11 to 20 minutes. After about 6 months, almost 70% of the participants reported either less hair loss or more regrowth.
Potassium Hydroxide. This extremely corrosive chemical also damages cells responsible for hair growth.
Original Article. Appendages. Activating Hair Follicle Stem Cells via R-spondin2 to Stimulate Hair Growth. Wnt signaling is required for the development of the hair follicle, and for inciting the growth (anagen) phase of the hair cycle.
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.
Scalp massage and regular exercise can enhance blood circulation, potentially stimulating dormant follicles. Mechanical stimulation, whether through derma-rolling or other techniques, has shown promise in promoting hair growth by activating dormant follicles.
“TGF-beta has two opposite roles. It helps activate some hair follicle cells to produce new life, and later, it helps orchestrate apoptosis, the process of cell death,” Wang said. As with many chemicals, it is the amount that makes the difference.