August 2024
A dental technician’s theory on malocclusion causing pattern hair loss sparked debate, with users contrasting it against traditional treatments focusing on DHT and blood flow. Meanwhile, scalp biopsies were emphasized as essential for diagnosing conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia, suggesting that combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could enhance treatment efficacy. The story of RU58841 and its market challenges was revisited, alongside discussions on FCE 28260, a promising 5α-reductase inhibitor that remains underdeveloped. Additionally, Pyrilutamide was discussed for its potential as a selective AR antagonist, offering an alternative to 5AR blockers. A user humorously questioned transplanted hair in prison. Another user shared their journey of embracing baldness, finding confidence in shaving their head. The use of grapefruit juice to enhance responsiveness to finasteride and dutasteride was discussed, though with caution due to potential interactions. A comprehensive microneedling guide was shared, detailing its combination with minoxidil for enhanced growth. Additionally, the community engaged in discussions about transplanting body hair to the scalp and the potential of topical dutasteride as a low side-effect treatment.
Recent research has highlighted the use of platelet-rich plasma (PRP) and its combinations with other treatments. Similarly, a systematic review confirmed that combining PRP with minoxidil enhances hair density and thickness more than minoxidil alone. Research on genetic variants in androgenetic alopecia identified specific pathways, such as the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, that are implicated in hair loss. This understanding could guide future therapeutic strategies. Additionally, a study using spatial transcriptomics revealed immune cell disruptions in androgenetic alopecia, suggesting potential targets for new immunomodulatory therapies. Innovative treatments are being explored, including the use of mesenchymal stem cell-derived exosomes and adipose stem cell-derived exosomes, both showing promise in increasing hair density and thickness. A novel formulation of minoxidil using cyclodextrin complexes demonstrated improved therapeutic effects, suggesting potential for enhanced hair growth treatments. The role of nutrition and lifestyle in hair health has been underscored by studies linking vitamin D and ferritin deficiencies to female pattern hair loss and highlighting the importance of antioxidant-rich diets in reducing hair loss risk. Additionally, a study on zinc status in individuals with hair loss emphasized the need for routine zinc screening and supplementation. Emerging therapies such as low-dose oral minoxidil and botulinum toxin type A combined with minoxidil have shown efficacy in treating androgenetic alopecia, offering new avenues for patient care. The potential of secretome-based therapies and glycogen phosphorylase inhibitors further expands the landscape of hair regrowth treatments.
September 2024
Recent discussions in the community have focused on the normalization of hair systems for men, with users advocating for societal acceptance similar to that of women’s use of wigs and extensions. Conversations emphasize the need for changing societal norms to make wigs and hair systems more acceptable for men. This theme is echoed in another discussion where users compare hair systems to makeup and extensions for women, suggesting that men should feel equally comfortable using them. Additionally, there has been a notable conversation about the affordability of hair loss treatments through Costco, with users comparing prices to other services like Mark Cuban’s Cost Plus Drugs and Amazon’s RxPass. Research and innovative treatments have also been a significant focus. A new treatment using dermal exosomes has been highlighted for its potential to restore up to 90% of lost hair in mice, sparking discussions about future human trials. Another topic of interest is the rarity of baldness among South Korean men, with users attributing this to factors such as early treatment, high beauty standards, and genetics. The potential benefits of sublingual minoxidil have also been discussed, with users suggesting it may offer greater bioavailability and fewer side effects compared to oral minoxidil.
A study on female-pattern baldness found no significant link between the condition and migraine prevalence, though a family history of hair loss was more common among those with migraines. In genetic and molecular research, CRABP1’s role in hair cell growth was highlighted, showing its potential in enhancing dermal papilla cell proliferation through the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, which could inform future treatments. Pharmacological studies have explored various compounds and their effects on hair growth. Baricitinib has been shown to be effective for Alopecia Areata, with studies emphasizing the need for careful patient history evaluation. Low-dose oral minoxidil was found to have serious side effects, such as heart issues, suggesting the importance of using the lowest effective dose. Dutasteride was noted to be more effective than finasteride for androgenetic alopecia, with mild, reversible side effects. Additionally, cedrol nanoemulsions were introduced as a promising treatment for androgenic alopecia, promoting hair growth and reducing DHT levels safely. Procedural advancements include the use of light-guiding microneedle patches combined with LED therapy, which effectively stimulated hair growth in androgenetic alopecia without serious side effects. Robotic hair restoration technology was compared to traditional methods, showing similar effectiveness but with a higher discard rate, indicating room for refinement. Fractional and excimer lasers have also been highlighted for their effectiveness in treating various forms of alopecia, promoting hair growth with minimal adverse effects. Nutritional and lifestyle factors have also been explored. A study on pollution and hair loss found that nutrients can help improve hair growth and thickness, while biotin’s role in hair growth was questioned, with evidence suggesting it may not benefit healthy individuals. The impact of dietary changes on alopecia areata was found to be mostly negligible, though further research is needed. In terms of diagnostic advancements, trichoscopy has been emphasized as a quick, accurate, and non-invasive method for diagnosing non-scarring alopecia, while atomic force microscopy has shown potential in diagnosing lichen planopilaris by identifying specific hair structure changes.
October 2024
A MIT-hosted hackathon aims to explore new solutions, while a study on oral biotin and topical minoxidil suggests a potential synergy in increasing hair growth, though the study’s limitations were noted. The long-term safety results of KX-826 indicate initial improvements in hair growth, but effectiveness declines after 24 weeks. The community continues to discuss the challenges of diffuse thinning compared to a receding hairline. A user reported significant regrowth after a year of using finasteride and minoxidil, while another shared their progress with a hair transplant and ongoing use of oral minoxidil and finasteride. The community also discussed the stigma around purchasing hair loss treatments, with suggestions for online purchases to maintain privacy. Additionally, a $3 hair oil applicator was highlighted as a cost-effective tool for applying minoxidil, reducing wastage and improving application efficiency.
A study assessing the quality of life impact of different alopecia types using the Skindex-29 and DLQI in a Colombian cohort found telogen effluvium to have the greatest impact, highlighting the importance of addressing psychological and social aspects in treatment plans. Meanwhile, a Google trends analysis from 2018 to 2023 showed varying public interest in alopecia types, with increased searches for telogen effluvium during 2020-2022, reflecting potential pandemic-related stress impacts. In treatment innovations, Et-BB3-CMU rice bran extract demonstrated promising results in promoting hair growth and preventing hair loss by activating key signaling pathways. Similarly, SULT1A1 enzyme boosters have been shown to enhance minoxidil effectiveness, particularly in females with androgenetic alopecia. Stem cell therapy continues to show promise, with adipose-derived and hair follicle stem cells improving hair density and growth. Additionally, exosomes are being explored for their potential to stimulate hair follicle stem cells, though more research is needed to confirm their safety and efficacy. The role of micronutrients and lifestyle factors in hair health has been further explored. A systematic review highlighted the potential impact of vitamin and mineral imbalances on androgenetic alopecia, while a study in Pakistan found a high prevalence of vitamin D3 deficiency among those with diffuse hair loss. Lifestyle factors such as smoking and alcohol consumption were found to negatively impact hair transplant outcomes in a study conducted in Tehran. Research into the genetic and molecular basis of hair loss has also progressed. A pilot study on extracellular matrix changes in androgenetic alopecia suggests potential targets for therapy, while a study on cashmere goats provides insights into hair follicle development that could inform human hair loss treatments. Additionally, oxytocin receptor agonists have been identified as potential promoters of hair growth, offering new avenues for treatment.