Healthy living
Anti-ageings
Hair restorer comes closer
So far, it’s only been tried on mice, but US researchers hope their baldness treatment will work on people too
A cure for baldness may not be far away, according to a new study published in the journal Nature. This will come as welcome news to the half of all men and 40 percent of all women who experience hair loss.
Scientists at the University of Pennsylvania have discovered a way to grow new hair follicles in adult mammals. In the past, treatment has always centred around trying to stimulate existing follicles, rather than creating new ones.
The team managed to reawaken follicle-forming genes in mice, previously thought to operate only in the developing embryo. They did this by removing patches of skin from the animals’ backs. At the wound site, new hairs sprouted.
They then identified the mechanism that was responsible for the regeneration. Special proteins known as Wnts help the skin to heal, and also trigger the regrowth of brand new hair follicles and oil glands
The scientists have now set up a company, Follica, to market their research. While its first target will be hair loss, Follica plans also to develop treatments for acne and other skin disorders.
Baldness - the bare facts
- You are more likely to lose your hair if there is a family history of hair loss – it is a myth that it only passes down the mother’s side or skips a generation.
- Shampooing, brushing and blow-drying do not speed up hair loss.
- Men generally start losing their hair in their 30s and 40s. For women it is later, during their 40s and 50s and loss is less rapid and complete, rarely resulting in actual baldness.
- There are currently two main medicines: finasteride (Propecia) and minoxidil (Regaine). Neither is available on the NHS.
Information on this site is for interest only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. You should consult your own doctor about any specific health concerns.
