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Hair and Scalp Articles
Platelet-Rich Plasma Monotherapies for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Network Meta-Analysis and Meta-Regression Study
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is a commonly used therapeutic option for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Evidence syntheses for the impact of PRP on AGA has been handicapped by non-standardized protocols for its administration. We quantitatively synthesized the evidence base to determine the relative efficacy of PRP regimens with different frequencies of administration. We defined frequency as a vector of the (i) number of sessions and (ii) time interval between the sessions.
GLP-1 Receptor Agonist Paradox in Hair Biology: A Biphasic dWAT–Follicle Signaling Hypothesis
Glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1RAs) have transformed obesity and type 2 diabetes management, yet emerging reports of hair loss represent a potential adherence concern. Pharmacovigilance analyses using the FDA Adverse Event Reporting System (FAERS) demonstrate significantly elevated reporting odds ratios for alopecia with semaglutide (ROR: 2.46, 95% CI: 2.14–2.83) and tirzepatide (ROR: 1.73, 95% CI: 1.42–2.09) compared to other antidiabetic agents.1,2
Melatonin and the Human Hair Follicle
Melatonin, a pleiotropic hormone, affects the physiological processes including that of the hair follicle. We seek to identify the scientific evidence to support the potential benefits of melatonin in human hair growth.
Objective: To summarize the evidence on the association between melatonin and hair health, denoted by hair growth.
Real-World, Open-Label Study of the Efficacy and Safety of a Novel Serum in Androgenetic Alopecia
Pattern-type hair loss is a highly prevalent condition affecting the majority of men and women at some point in their lifetime. Although genetics and androgens are instrumental in the pathogenesis of this type of hair loss, it is increasingly recognized that inflammation, stress, and environmental factors play a central role. The few and widely used monotherapies approved by the US Food and Drug Administration, such as minoxidil or finasteride, are not efficacious in all people and cause adverse events that prevent patient compliance.
Alopecia Areata: The Clinician and Patient Voice
Alopecia areata (AA), an autoimmune disorder of hair follicles, results in varying degrees of scalp, facial, and body hair loss. In addition, it is associated with profound psychosocial and quality-of-life impairments, which can lead to anxiety and depression. The clinical course is unpredictable, with spontaneous remissions and relapses. There is no cure, and current treatments are limited by their efficacy, safety, and high relapse rates after discontinuation. This article reviews clinician and patient perspectives on AA, based on clinician and physician surveys, and discusses the unmet needs and gaps in care.
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Topical Minoxidil Adherence in Patients With Alopecia
Non-adherence to topical minoxidil in alopecia patients is a barrier to efficacy. Understanding patient factors associated with adherence and non-adherence may provide actionable targets to improve adherence and outcomes.
Methods: Ninety-nine alopecia patients at an outpatient university dermatology specialty clinic completed a survey assessing demographics and aspects of treatment adherence. Patients currently using minoxidil additionally completed a survey grading their level of adherence. A two-sample t-test was used to compare the average age between adherent and non-adherent groups. Differences in demographics and patient factors by adherence level were evaluated using the 2-tailed χ2 test and Fisher’s exact test.
A Randomized Control Trial Comparing the Efficacy of Platelet-Rich Plasma and 5% Topical Minoxidil for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common cause of hair loss in men and has limited treatment options. Minoxidil is a common therapeutic option for AGA patients because of its availability. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) therapy is a newer option in AGA management with promising results that may be suitable for some patients. Despite a great prevalence of AGA outside the United States and Europe, there remains limited studies on the efficacy of PRP for AGA treatment. Our study’s objective was to compare the efficacy of PRP and minoxidil therapy for the treatment of AGA in a Pakistani population.
Examining the Uncertainties Surrounding Exosome Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Call for Evidence-Based Practice
Hair loss, a pervasive and often distressing condition, affects a substantial number of individuals globally. Although conventional treatments such as hair transplantation, topicals, oral medications, and injectables exist, they have limitations, including the necessity for repeated treatments, potential adverse effects, and cost barriers. Exosome therapy, an innovative and burgeoning option within regenerative medicine, offers a novel approach to hair loss treatment. Exosomes are small vesicles that are produced from the membranes of late-endosomes and secreted by cells, playing a crucial role in intercellular communication. Research on humans is limited,1-4 and animal studies have shown that exosomes derived from various cell types can stimulate hair growth, resulting in increased research and development of exosome therapy for hair loss.5 Establishing a uniform reporting method for exosome therapy is vital as research in this area continues to expand. A standardized approach to research reporting and results is essential for comprehending the underlying mechanisms, safety, and efficacy of exosome therapy. This article provides an in-depth analysis of the current state of exosome therapy for hair loss, including potential advantages, and limitations, as well as directions for future research.
Efficacy of Topical Finasteride 0.25% With Minoxidil 5% Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% Alone in Treatment of Male Pattern Androgenic Alopecia
Androgenic alopecia, commonly known as male pattern baldness, is a prevalent form of hair loss that primarily affects men. It is characterized by a combination of genetic and hormonal factors, particularly the hormone dihydrotestosterone (DHT).1 DHT causes the hair follicles to shrink, leading to the production of thinner and shorter hair strands. Over time, this results in hair loss and baldness, typically starting at the temples and crown of the head.
Artificial Intelligence-Based Personalization of Treatment Regimen for Hair Loss: A 6-Month Clinical Trial
Hair loss affects up to 50% of women and 80% of men. The high costs and wait times for professional consultations lead many to seek one-size-fits-all solutions that are frequently ineffective. This study tested an artificial intelligence (AI) model for customizing non-medicated hair loss treatments. In a 24-week trial, 38 women with self-reported hair thinning received personalized product kits based on AI analysis of scalp images and questionnaires. Treatments included various combinations of topical serums, shampoos, oral supplements, and marine collagen peptides. Of the 27 participants who completed the study, significant improvements were observed in hair growth, coverage, and thickness (P<0.001 for all). Hair shedding decreased by 37.3% at 12 weeks and 32.4% at 24 weeks. Scalp transepidermal water loss was reduced by 61.5% at 12 weeks and 69% at 24 weeks. Scanning electron microscopy showed improved hair texture. Participants reported overall hair improvement (88.9%), better scalp health (85.2%), and less hair brittleness (92.6%) (P<0.001 for all). No adverse events were reported. The AI-driven platform effectively delivered personalized hair loss treatments, suggesting a data-driven, customized, and accessible self-served alternative for hair loss management.
Addressing the Root Causes of Female Hair Loss and Non-Pharmaceutical Interventions
Female hair loss affects over 50% of postmenopausal women, with up to 40% of healthy women experiencing frontal/parietal hair loss, often beginning around reproductive age. Androgenetic alopecia is the most prevalent form of hair loss. Other types include alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and scarring alopecias, such as lichen planopilaris and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia. Hair loss can severely impact a woman’s psychological well-being, yet treatments approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) remain limited to topical minoxidil and oral Janus kinase inhibitors. This manuscript reviews the multifaceted causes of female hair loss, hormonal imbalances, inflammation, nutrient deficiencies, aging, and oxidative stress, and explores non-pharmaceutical interventions. Saw palmetto, horsetail, and pumpkin seed oil, all of which inhibit 5α-reductase, show promise in promoting hair density and reducing hair follicle miniaturization. Curcumin has demonstrated anti-inflammatory effects, contributing to improved hair and scalp health. Nutritional deficiencies, particularly in iron, vitamin D, and essential minerals, also play a significant role in hair loss, underscoring the importance of a balanced diet and conservative supplementation. Avoiding excessive supplementation, especially with biotin, is recommended due to potential diagnostic test interferences. With increasing demand for non-pharmaceutical options, identifying natural, safe, and effective treatments for female hair loss is imperative. Further studies are needed to validate the efficacy and safety of these interventions.
An Exosome Regenerative Complex Plus Microneedling Promotes Hair Growth in Subjects With Self-Perceived Thinning Hair
Thinning hair affects the quality of life of affected men and women but has limited treatment options. A novel technology refines exosomes from stem cells to create a concentrated complex that is quickly absorbed into the scalp to deliver growth factors, peptides, coenzymes, minerals, amino acids, and vitamins (Exosome Regenerative Complex+®. BENEV, Inc.; Mission Viejo, CA). This study assessed the efficacy and safety of the Exosome Regenerative Complex applied following microneedling on the scalp of subjects with self-perceived thinning hair. Enrolled subjects were male (n=15) and female (n=15) with a mean (SD) age of 50.2 (10.9) years (range, 26-65 years). Subjects were treated on days 0, 30, 60, and 90, with a final assessment on day 120. Trichoscopy assessments showed this treatment significantly increased terminal and vellus hair counts (P<0.0001) and decreased hair shedding on day 120 (P<0.01), increased mean follicular units per cm² (P<0.0001), and decreased inter-follicular distance (P<0.0001). On day 120, the investigator rating for improved hair quality was 97% and improved hair growth was 83%. Subject satisfaction with treatment results was high with no reported adverse events. The combined use of an Exosome Regenerative Complex combined with RF microneedling appears to be an effective and well-tolerated treatment for hair loss in men and women.
Efficacy of Dual-Serum Cosmetic System in Women With Female Pattern Hair Loss
Hair loss is a widespread condition with a potentially severe psychological burden, especially among women. The chance of suffering from female alopecia increases with menopause, and topical treatments beyond minoxidil are scarce. Over the past several years, new combinations of natural ingredients and patented mixtures have shown promising results to improve hair shedding, thus helping recover self-esteem and confidence. In this work, results of a prospective, open-label clinical trial conducted in women of predominantly menopausal age provides evidence that the dual cosmetic serum system developed by KilgourMD displays statistically significant and clinically meaningful effects on female hair loss, measured through an objective combing test, modified hair wash test, and clinical expert evaluation, after an application period of 4 months.
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Alopecia Areata: The Clinician and Patient Voice
The review synthesizes clinician and patient survey data to describe the lived burden of alopecia areata, the condition course, and current care gaps. It highlights the profound psychosocial impact and quality of life impairments that patients experience, including anxiety and depression, and summarizes clinician observations about diagnostic challenges and therapeutic limitations.
Article Highlight: Efficacy of Topical Finasteride 0.25% With Minoxidil 5% Versus Topical Minoxidil 5% Alone in Treatment of Male Pattern Androgenic Alopecia
This article from November’s JDD study reveals a potential game-changer in the fight against Androgenetic Alopecia (male pattern baldness). Researchers compared two popular treatments for hair regrowth, and one combination therapy delivered significantly superior results. Could this new approach offer a more effective solution for millions of men?
AI-Powered Personalization for Hair Loss: A Promising Alternative?
With up to 50% of women and 80% of men experiencing hair loss, many turn to generic over-the-counter solutions—often with disappointing results. Could AI-driven customization be the answer?
Beyond Minoxidil: Is It Time to Rethink Female Hair Loss Treatment?
More than half of postmenopausal women, and a significant percentage of younger, healthy women, struggle with visible hair loss, often starting as early as their reproductive years. Whether it’s androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, or scarring forms like lichen planopilaris and central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia, the psychological toll is undeniable. Yet, despite its prevalence, FDA-approved treatment options remain frustratingly limited.
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Emerging Topical Approaches in the Management of Female Pattern Hair Loss
Alopecia can be categorized as cicatricial and non-cicatricial, with female androgenetic alopecia (AGA) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL) included in the latter category.
Efficacy of a Dual-Serum Cosmetic System in Women With Female Pattern Hair Loss
Hair loss is a widespread condition with a potentially severe psychological burden, especially among women. The chance of suffering from female alopecia increases with menopause, and topical treatments beyond minoxidil are scarce. Over the past several years, new combinations of natural ingredients and patented mixtures have shown promising results to improve hair shedding, thus helping recover self-esteem and confidence.






