Hair Regrowth is Not a Distant Dream — There are Near-Term Options
Recently, BBC Science Focus shared a study that science has found a natural baldness cure. However, the truth is that the “sugar” remedy mentioned in the article has been around for quite a long time. The study made baldness headlines worldwide.
So, why did it happen, especially considering that this remedy is not new and has been around for decades? In fact, there are multiple remedies known to work and promote hair regrowth.
Here, the reasons are multiple, from lack of awareness to regulatory issues to Big Pharma’s disinterest in the segment.
Despite increasing interest in finding remedies for baldness caused by issues like androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, and others, the research in the area has been painfully slow and sporadic.
Many molecules that can promote hair growth remain obscure. Thus, there are limited medically approved molecules for hair regrowth apart from minoxidil. This molecule was approved for topical use decades ago.
The cosmetics industry dominates the hair regrowth segment. The pharma industry is aware of the existence of many wonderful molecules that can promote hair regrowth, but they have been hesitant to enter this segment.
Considering many of these known molecules are already in widespread use, the pharma industry has little to gain; they cannot patent these molecules and monopolize the market, which precludes their interest to participate.
The following hair regrowth molecules should be considered for anyone experiencing hair loss, thinning, or baldness. Of course, remember that hair growth is a slow process, so expect to see a real benefit from consistent use for at least three month or preferably six.
2-deoxy-D-ribose (2dDR)
Let’s begin with the molecule that made recent headlines worldwide, which is 2dDR. It is a D-isomer of ribose, naturally present in the human body and many other organisms. The human body can and does produce it in some amounts. However, a new clinical study published in Frontiers in Pharmacology found that it may increase hair regrowth by as much as 50% when applied topically.
Not only that, this study also found that it is comparable to minoxidil for hair regrowth. This is a very interesting finding, as 2dDR is quite readily available, and as a sugar that the human body can produce, it also has an excellent safety profile. This is especially important because hair regrowth formulations must be used for months or even years.
2dDR works due to multiple reasons. It is a metabolic enhancer. This molecule may have a long-lasting impact, unlike minoxidil, which temporarily increases local blood flow to the scalp. Previous studies have shown that 2dDR is good for promoting angiogenesis, or the formation of new blood vessels, thus enhancing the blood flow to the application area.
This is not the first sugar being tested for enhancing metabolism. For example, 2-deoxy-D-glucose (2-DG), which is closely related to this sugar molecule, is an approved COVID-19 remedy, since it is known to enhance blood oxygen saturation when ingested.
2dDR is not an approved hair regrowth medication, but its use for hair regrowth is gaining popularity. It is now commonly added to various topical formulations and hair regrowth serums. There is definitely sound evidence in its favor, though more extensive human studies are needed.
Exosomes — Benefits of Regenerative Medicine
Everyone knows about stem cell therapy and how it can help regenerate tissues. Exosomes are related to stem cells, but a bit different. These are cell-free. Exosomes are tiny sacs that various cells produce to communicate with each one another. These little sacs contain cargo like various signaling molecules, DNA, RNA, lipids, and nutrients. They are generally 30–150 nanometers in diameter.
Science is still testing exosomes for their role in various diseases, such as cancers, neurodegenerative disorders, orthopedics, and more. As one can guess, different types of cells produce different types of exosomes. Greater research is required to understand what type of exosomes would work best for hair growth, but the results reported by hair clinics from across the world is impressive. Using exosomes is one of the most promising approaches in regenerative medicine, and it may transform many medical fields in the future, including hair regrowth.
Several early clinical studies evidence that exosomes derived from mesenchymal stem cells are especially good for promoting hair growth. Since these cells can be grown at an industrial scale, exosomes are also relatively easy to produce. Further, a lack of cellular components means a lower risk of allergic reactions or adverse immune responses.
Tripeptide-Copper Complex
This is yet another emerging hair regrowth booster. As the name suggests, these are peptides that carry copper molecules. It is a potent growth factor promoting growth and cell differentiation. It is especially good for promoting the proliferation of dermal fibroblasts. It is also known to increase the production of vascular endothelial factors.
All this means that when this complex (L-alanyl-L-histidyl-L-lysine-Cu2+ (AHK-Cu)) is applied to the scalp, it boosts local blood flow, promotes the formation of new blood vessels, and also stimulates the elongation of hair follicles.
Despite some encouraging results in preclinical studies, more clinical data is still needed. There is definitely a need to explore this molecule further in regenerative medicine, including its role in stimulating hair growth and other skin disorders.
Hexapeptide-11
Hexapeptide (Phe–Val–Ala–Pro–Phe–Pro (FVAPFP)), originally isolated for yeast, is another promising hair growth stimulator requiring further scientific investigation. It is not the first peptide to demonstrate this effect. In fact, peptides are frequently added to various hair care products.
One of the key mechanisms through which Hexapeptide-11 promotes hair growth is by enhancing the expression of genes involved in collagen production and cellular proliferation.
Collagen is a vital protein that provides structural support to the skin and hair follicles, contributing to the overall health and strength of the hair. By boosting collagen production, Hexapeptide-11 helps maintain the integrity of the hair follicle, which can lead to thicker, healthier hair.
In addition to its positive effects on collagen synthesis, Hexapeptide-11, has been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties. Inflammation around hair follicles can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle, leading to hair thinning and loss.
Another important aspect of Hexapeptide-11’s role in hair growth is its ability to stimulate the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1). IGF-1 is a hormone that plays a significant role in hair follicle development and growth. Increased levels of IGF-1 can lead to a prolonged anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle, resulting in longer and thicker hair.
There is, in fact, an abundance of research around this peptide. Various preclinical studies have explored its role in reducing skin wrinkles, protecting skin from photodamage, promoting skin healing, hair growth, and more.
However, despite so much research into the peptide, there is still limited clinical data. This means there is an urgent need to carry out robust clinical trials regarding its role in hair regrowth. It may ultimately emerge as one of the most potent hair growth molecules in modern history.
Skin Penetration Remains Significant Hurdle in Many Cosmetic Products and Hair Growth Boosters
Above are a few select and promising molecules known to boost hair growth, with incredible results in preclinical studies. However, only some of them have been tested well in clinical studies. When carrying out clinical studies, results often vary due to poor skin penetration of many of these molecules. For example, large protein molecules or peptides, may help with hair regrowth. However, they do not penetrate the skin well.
This is also one of the reasons why many molecules that show excellent results in preclinical studies often fail to deliver promised results; such limitations can be overcome. There is an equal demand to focus on molecules that can enhance skin penetration of the bioactive compounds indicated in this article.
Ethoxydiglycol, for example, is a very popular skin penetration enhancer. Ethoxydiglycol, also known as diethylene glycol monoethyl ether, is a versatile solvent widely used in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries. It is a clear, odorless liquid, and highly valued for its ability to dissolve a wide range of substances, making it an excellent carrier for active ingredients in various formulations.
Its ability to improve ingredient penetration through the skin ensures that the beneficial components of a product are effectively delivered to the targeted areas, leading to improved efficacy. It is a common ingredient in serums, creams, and lotions, and it helps to optimize the performance of ingredients like vitamins, peptides, and other bioactive compounds.
Additionally, ethoxydiglycol, has a low viscosity, which allows it to create lightweight formulations that spread easily and absorb quickly without leaving a greasy residue. This property makes it particularly useful for producing haircare products with a desired non-oily feel.
However, despite its widespread use by the cosmetics industry, clinical studies rarely use it with other ingredients known to boost skin penetration. Many clinical studies fail because they use the wrong formulaic approach.
To conclude, it is a valiant need of the hour to focus on hair regrowth considering alopecia is one of the most significant problems in aesthetic medicine in addition to the psychological impact of those losing their hair. However, the industry remains largely neglected by big Pharma, with minimal clinical research occurring or announced. There are numerous molecules known to promote hair regrowth in preclinical trials; all that is needed to propel the industry forward is a broad focus on clinical studies and the utilization of skin penetration enhancers during these studies, as that would be the correct clinical approach.
Before I receive several hundred inquires to where these ingredients can be purchased, a quick google search lead me to 3 products:
https://2ddr.shop/
Snapshot: 2dDR and various oils
www.2ddrhair.com
Snapshot: 2dDR, Exosomes, Tripeptide-Copper Complex, Hexapeptide, and Ethoxydiglycol
https://follex.co/
Snapshot: 2dDR and Aloe