June 21, 2026 A very useful trichoscopy clue for distinguishing frontal fibrosing alopecia (FFA) from androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the presence of vellus hairs – or what some call “baby hairs.” In AGA, miniaturized (vellus-like) hairs are typically preserved and can often be seen along the frontal hairline. In FFA, these tiny hairs are progressively lost as inflammation targets and destroys the follicles. SO REMEMBER: Presence of vellus hairs favors AGAAbsence of vellus hairs favors FFA This article was written by Dr. Jeff Donovan, a Canadian and US board certified dermatologist specializing exclusively in hair loss. Source link

Mallia Therapeutics and Mallia Aesthetics Mallia Innovations (holding company for Mallia Therapeutics and Mallia Aesthetics) is a Germany-based company that is developing a novel hair loss treatment based on a soluble version of the CD83 protein (i.e., sCD83). Co-founder Dr. Alexander Steinkasserer authored a paper in September 2022 that found that hair follicle formation and wound healing are improved in CD83-treated mice. Mallia Therapeutics is developing MAL-856, a drug candidate based on sCD83. It will treat various forms of alopecia and skin wounds. Mallia Aesthetics is developing cosmetic applications for hair growth. Its 8T3 Essentials Hair Serum is based on the molecule MAL-838, which is derived from the naturally occurring protein sCD83. The bottom of this post is my original 2021 write-up about this company (then known as MalliaBiotech), with new updates on top. Update: June 19, 2026 Mallia Aesthetics Reports Positive Results from its 8T3 Essentials Hair Serum Mallia Aesthetics just announced positive results from a combined analysis of two six-month consumer studies evaluating its hormone-free 8T3 Essentials Hair Serum. Note that this is not a clinical trial, and the combined analysis only included 23 volunteers (18 men and 5 women). Per measurements using imaging systems from TrichoLAB or Canfield Scientific: 87% of participants responded to treatment, with 70% showing new hair growth. Average hair density increased by 30%. The most impressive responder saw a hair density increase of 193%. Per participant questionnaire responses, 95% reported a significant reduction or complete cessation of hair loss. And 80% noticed new hair growth. 8T3 Essentials Hair Serum and 8T3 Essentials Lash & Brow Serum are available throughout the EU via Mallia’s 8T3 website. To me, these numbers sound too good to be true. I hope we can get third party analysis of this product soon. And if they ever sell on Amazon, make sure to read all the verified customer reviews. Per Dr. Alexander Steinkasserer: “Most established hormone-free approaches focus primarily on increasing blood flow and nutrient delivery to the hair follicle, while the inflammatory environment causing premature hair loss prevails. The biological concept behind sCD83 is fundamentally different. Our research indicates that sCD83 supports the resolution of inflammation and helps protect hair follicles from premature cell death. At the same time, it activates stem cells and induces keratin production for healthy hair growth. This multi-modal mechanism offers a hormone-free approach that supports the natural hair growth cycle without affecting hormonal levels.” Update: September 15, 2025 Mallia Innovations GmbH: Mallia Therapeutics and Mallia Aesthetics Recently, someone from a company that handles Mallia Therapeutics’ communications e-mailed me the below update: “I wanted to share a quick but substantial update on Mallia, which you last covered back in May. Since then, Mallia has undergone a strategic reorganization and is now operating as a holding company, Mallia Innovations GmbH, with two subsidiaries focusing on therapeutic and cosmetic applications of its sCD83-based technology platform. The therapeutics arm, Mallia Therapeutics GmbH, continues to advance MAL-856, a drug candidate based on sCD83, aimed at treating various forms of alopecia as well as wound healing. The company is planning to advance the therapeutic candidate toward clinical trials. At the same time, Mallia has launched a second subsidiary, Mallia Aesthetics GmbH, to develop innovative cosmetic applications for hair growth based on a related molecule, MAL-838, which is also derived from sCD83. Their focus is on establishing a line of hormone-free, science-backed cosmetic products under the name 8T3 that are based on the mode of action of sCD83. The launch of the first 8T3 products is planned for 2025, with the goal of making advanced, research-driven solutions accessible to both professionals and consumers. To support the build-out of both subsidiaries, Mallia recently completed a 5.5-million-euro seed financing round. The capital will primarily be used to bring the cosmetic product line to market while continuing development work on the therapeutic candidate. The company has also formalized two advisory bodies. A corporate Advisory Board now includes Jens Holstein (former CFO of BioNTech), Dr. Alexandra Ogilvie (dermatologist and digital opinion leader), and Dr. Ulrich Dauer (serial biotech CEO). In parallel, a Scientific Advisory Board has been established, featuring leading experts in dermatology, translational research, and hair biology, including Prof. Dr. Ulrike Blume-Peytavi, Dr. Claire A. Higgins, Dr. Gillian Westgate, Dr. Geert Cauwenbergh, and Prof. Dr. Franklin Kiesewetter. These groups will provide strategic and scientific guidance as Mallia advances both clinical and consumer-facing programs. With the new structure, Mallia wants to deliver on its original therapeutic vision while expanding into the cosmetics space for rapid market entry.” Update: May 28, 2025 Mallia Therapeutics: 8T3 for Hair Regeneration It seems like Mallia will soon release two cosmetic hair loss products that are based on the ingredient MAL-838 (a formulation of the soluble CD83 protein): 8T3 Essentials for at-home use. 8T3 ProLine for profession use. Note that they also have a page on MAL-856, which is described as “a structural variant of the extracellular domain of the membrane bound form of CD83 (mCD83).” Both alopecia areata and androgentic alopecia are mentioned on that page. It is unclear whether the company still plans to conduct clinical trials and release a stronger non-cosmetic product in the future. Mallia Therapeutics will participate at the 2025 annual meeting of the European Hair Research Society (EHRS) in Warsaw, Poland from May 29 to 31, 2025. Their presentation is titled “Soluble CD83 as a novel therapeutic approach for the treatment of alopecia.” Also of note, in February 2025, Mallia Therapeutics and Northway Biotech (Lithuania) announced a partnership for the development of the production process and manufacturing of Mallia’s soluble CD83 protein (sCD83). Northway is a biologics Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with facilities in the US and Lithuania. Update: July 11, 2023 Mallia Therapeutics Secures Seed Funding Mallia Therapeutics (previously MalliaBioTech) finally has a website. Moreover, the company just announced that it has secured seed funding. They now plan to raise Series A funding prior to beginning clinical trials. The company is developing a soluble CD83 (sCD83) based topical treatment of hair

How We Use It at NHLMA At NHLMA, topical melatonin is part of how we approach hair loss from the ground up. We do not recommend it as a standalone fix, and it is not a substitute for understanding why your hair is thinning in the first place. But as a daily at-home treatment within a broader plan, it consistently plays a supportive role. We carry the NutraM Melatonin Topical Hair Growth Serum because it delivers melatonin in a lightweight, non-greasy formula that absorbs easily and works for all hair types. In a consumer survey of 128 users, 83% noticed hair regrowth and 85% noticed reduced shedding with consistent daily use. For patients in active treatment with us, topical melatonin pairs well with clinical therapies like PRF, exosomes, and our methylene blue protocols. Each addresses a different piece of the biology behind hair loss, and melatonin fills a specific role in keeping the growth cycle active between sessions. Who Is This Right For? Topical melatonin is one of the more broadly applicable tools in hair restoration because it works through pathways that are relevant across many different causes of hair loss. It is worth considering if you are dealing with androgenetic alopecia, diffuse thinning, stress-related shedding, or hair loss that has worsened with age. It is not a replacement for addressing hormonal imbalances, nutritional deficiencies, or other root causes. And if you have significant or long-standing hair loss, daily topical melatonin on its own is unlikely to reverse it without additional clinical support. The best starting point for most people is consistent daily use of a topical melatonin serum while also getting clarity on what is actually driving their hair loss. That combination of at-home support and clinical understanding is what produces the most lasting results. Source link

Update: June 17, 2026 Coegin to Launch VEXIENNE® Hair Active X™ powered by Follicopeptide® Coegin Pharma just announced that it had entered into a distribution agreement with LYKO (Sweden), a leading beauty retailer in the Nordic region. LYKO will launch and distribute the first Follicopeptide®-based product under Coegin’s VEXIENNE® brand. It is called VEXIENNE® Hair Active X™ and is meant to treat thinning hair. The planned commercial launch is expected in July 2026. Apparently, a “strategic launch” of this product already occurred earlier this year. Also of interest, Harklinikken (Denmark) undertook a small 16-week customer panel evaluation of hair loss patients at one of its clinics who used both Follicopeptide gel serum and a specially made Hårklinikken serum. The self-reported anecdotal results were favorable. The two companies are preparing for a broader commercial roll-out of Follicopeptide gel serum under Hårklinikken’s own brand in the second half of 2026. Including across the latter’s many physical clinics in the US, Europe and the Middle East, and via online sales channels. Update: September 11, 2025 Coegin’s Follicopeptide to be Released in Sweden in December 2025 True to its word, Coegin Pharma (Sweden) will release Follicopeptide in Sweden in December 2025. It has partnered with premium grooming retailer Gents (Sweden) via a distribution agreement. The launch will occur via both Gents’ website and its flagship stores in Sweden. For a history of this osteopontin-derived peptide product, make sure to read all my past updates below; as well as my many past posts on Follicum (written between 2015 and 2021). The latter company first developed Follicopeptide (as FOL-005), before being acquired by Coegin in 2022. Follicopeptide represents yet another very unique hair loss cosmetic product released in the past several years after Sirnagen’s CosmeRNA; Kintor’s KX-826; and Bosley plus Yuva Bioscience’s Revive+ Densifying Foam. Update: May 9, 2025 Coegin Pharma has released a Question & Answer section on its website based on people’s questions regarding Follicopeptide (for hair growth) and NPP-4 (for skin tanning). The former is planned to be launched in Europe as a cosmetic by the end of 2025. Follicopeptide is the name for FOL-005, which was originally developed by Follicum (acquired by Coegin in 2022). Key quote with some language modification by me: “In a large study, once per day application of Follicopeptide led to an average increase of 7-12 new hairs per cm2 after four months. Over 70% of users responding positively to treatment.“ Note that this average of 9.5 hairs per cm2 is higher than the 6.6 hairs per cm2 obtained in Follicum’s Phase 2 trial results for FOL-005 in 2021. Coegin Follicopeptide. Mockup image of potential future products from Coegin’s Twitter account. Update: September 24, 2024 Partnership with Scandinavian Biolabs Coegin Pharmahas has signed a joint development agreement with Scandinavian Biolabs to develop a portfolio of products based on FOL-005 for hair growth. Initial product launch is expected in the second half of 2025. Scandinavian Biolabs already has a presence in the hair loss world via its Bio-Pilixin hair strength shampoo, conditioner and hair activation serum. Update: September 11, 2024 Follicopeptide Coegin Pharma’s International Nomenclature of Cosmetic Ingredients (INCI) application for FOL-005 was approved at the end of May 2024. The hair loss cosmetic gel will be called FollicopeptideTM and is being prepared for a global launch. The key ingredient will be listed as “sh-Oligopeptide-128 SP”. For more details, see Coegin’s pipeline page. Per the company’s Twitter announcement image, they will produce a range of products containing Follicopeptide. Update: August 12, 2024 Hair and Skin Pigmentation Peptides Coegin Pharma has signed an agreement with the University of Bradford (UK) to commercialize groundbreaking hair and skin pigmentation peptides. Their goal is to release a topical self-tanning product based on the peptide NPP-4 as early as 2026. Update: October 25, 2023 Coegin to Release FOL005 Hair Growth Peptide Gel in 2025 Some major new updates since I wrote the summary earlier this year (see second half of this post). “After carefully analyzing the possibility of launching FOL005 as a cosmetic product line, we have come to the conclusion that it is an opportunity with great potential. This will minimize development risk, significantly reduce capital requirements and strengthen commercial opportunities in the short and long term. We have therefore revised our strategy and now aim to launch FOL005 as a cosmetic product series as early as 2025 with the USA as the first market.” It seems like CosmeRNA started a great new trend. No more prolonged clinical trials and failure to come to market. April 8, 2023 Follicum Past Clinical Trials I covered both of Follicum’s past clinical trial results in 2017 and 2021, respectively. In 2017, Follicum’s Phase 1 clinical trial results were released. They were deemed as positive (8 percent increase in hair growth), with an effect comparable to that of Minoxidil. Moreover, safety was not an issue, with no major side effects in trial participants. In 2021, Follicum’s Phase 2 clinical trials of FOL-005 came out. The topical compound resulted in a 6.6 hair/cm2 increase in hair growth, but this was deemed to be insignificant compared to placebo. Thereafter, the company ceased further development of FOL-005, and it all seemed over for yet another false flag operation. Or perhaps not? Merger and Acquisition by Coegin Pharma In September 2021, Coegin Pharma merged with Follicum. This merger was confirmed as an acquisition in 2022. In the first of the two links above, Coegin’s CEO Tore Duvold said something of interest in the interview: Question: “With regard to the hair loss project, which has recently been put on hold, how will it be handled once the companies merge”? Answer: “Follicum announced that they have paused the hair loss project. In Coegin, we have strong capabilities in dermatology, and we will review and analyze the results before we make any conclusions”. Follicum Back in the News In March, a Tweet from Coegin indicated that they were meeting with potential partners for Follicum’s FOL-005. Follicum was mentioned in February in an updated article

My original post on a grey hair cure that was first written in 2016 became way too lengthy due to the constant new updates. I am therefore moving all new updates from 2023 onward into this post. Update: June 2026 Rapamycin to Reduce Grey Hair In my May 22, 2023 update in this post, I discussed a US study that found that topically applied rapamycin (sirolimus) could reverse grey hair via mTORC1 inhibition. I also covered rapamycin in my post on autophagy. In recent years, the compound has been heavily researched for its anti-aging properties. Now we have yet another study with similar findings. At the 14th World Congress for Hair Research at the end of last month, Dr. Andy Goren made a presentation titled “Repigmentation of Grey Hair.” In it, he discussed a small 10-person proof of concept study for oral rapamycin as a potential treatment for early hair graying. The dosage was 0.5 mg every other day, and the male and female volunteers all had less than 30% grey hair. Of the 10 participants, 6 saw an improvement in grey hair within 30 days. Check out the 4 slides here for more details. Dr. Goren’s Instagram also has a related slide titled: “Fifty Shades of Grey. The Sirolimus Effect: Targeting mTOR Pathway in Premature Hair Greying.” Rapamycin and early-stage grey hair reduction. Source: Professor Andy Goren. Update: November 2025 An interesting new 10-person observational study found that exosome therapy may be a promising approach in inducing hair re-pigmentation. Update: April 2025 Targeting the prolactin receptor could restore hair pigmentation per a note on Absci’s website regarding its ABS-201 product. Upon further research, I found a 2006 study that mentions prolactin inducing cessation of pigmentation. In a podcast with Joe Rogan, the CEO of Colossal Biosciences Ben Lamm mentioned a new company spun out of Harvard that is developing a treatment to reverse grey hair. They deliver melanocyte stem cells and medications via microneedle patches. It is not clear which company he is talking about. Update: March 2025 Vasoactive intestinal peptide operates as a negative regulator of human hair follicle pigmentation. Update: February 25, 2024 Hormones and Hair Greying In a new German study titled “Endocrine Controls of Skin Aging“, one of the subjects covered is hair graying. According to lead author Markus Böhm, hormones may have therapeutic potential to prevent both skin wrinkling and hair greying. The researchers studied pivotal hormones that control skin aging, including insulin-like growth factor 1, growth hormone, estrogens, retinoids and melatonin. They also analyzed additional endocrine players, including α-melanocyte-stimulating hormone, members of the hypothalamic-pituitary-thyroid axis, oxytocin, endocannabinoids (found in CBD products) and peroxisome proliferator-activated receptor modulators. Update: February 6, 2025 A new Japanese study in mice found that luteolin (an antioxidant found in vegetables) may contribute to the prevention of hair graying. Actual study is here. Update: February 5, 2025 Phase 3 Clinical Trial for a Grey Hair Repigmentation Product In a bolt from the blue, a reader sent me a link to a Phase 3 clinical trial from Applied Biology in relation to a grey hair (canities) treatment called CS-001. The 240-person Phase 3 trial will begin on June 15, 2025 and end on June 15, 2027. Half the volunteers will be in the placebo group. CS-001 is described as a small molecule that: “Affects lysosomal storage and transfer of melanin from hair follicle melanocytes.” In vitro and a small pilot study already demonstrated re-pigmentation of grey hair following CS-001 application. I am not sure if they ever conducted Phase 1 or Phase 2 trials. It is also strange that while Applied Biology was sold in 2022, the company’s name and that of its CEO Dr. Andy Goren are still listed in the above clinical trial page link. Applied Biology developed a widely discussed minoxidil sulfotransferase enzyme booster hair growth product that I covered in detail. Grey Hair Reversal: Latest Updates Update: December 12, 2024 In a new Japanese study led by the renowned Junji Fukuda, researchers found that the knockdown of genes associated with melanosome production (Bcl2 and Mitf) and transport (MyoX, PAR2, and Rab11b) significantly increased the number of gray hairs in hair follicle organoids. This new organoid model allows for a better understanding of hair pigmentation, and potential screening of new grey hair reversal drugs. Update: August 2024 The University of Bradford (UK) and Coegin Pharma (Sweden) partnership will release various peptide based products to target skin and hair pigmentation. The first product to increase skin pigmentation (i.e., self-tanning) will likely come out in 2026. A new study finds that the bitter taste receptor TAS2R50 is a novel regulator of human scalp hair follicle pigmentation. One of the co-authors is Ralf Paus, and his company Cutaneon holds a patent (see number 7) for TAS2R50 and regulation of pigmentation. Update: July 30, 2024 Liposomal Nicotinamide Riboside and Pterostilbene Supplement for Grey Hair Reversal. Reader “Andy” just posted an interesting link regarding a patent for a new grey hair treatment that combines Pterostilbene and Nicotinamide. A popular supplement on Amazon that contains both Pterostilbene and Nicotinamide has one reviewer who said that it helped her friend with grey hair. Moreover, upon further research, I found the following encouraging 2-year old comment from a Subreddit on supplements: Grey Hair Reversal Supplement with Pterostilbene and Nicotinamide. Update: October 1, 2023 Can hair greying be prevented? Update: September 6, 2023 A new South Korean company named YJ Lab is raising funds to start a large-scale clinical trial for its unique melanin restoration technology. The company recently developed a regenerative material that restores the pigment of grey hair. It re-activates damaged melanocytes and removes active oxygen in order to restore hair color. It has already conducted successful internal trials. New grey hair reversal technology. Source: YJ Lab. Interestingly, YJ Lab is developing a specially made comb equipped with its refillable solution. Consumers can then conveniently apply this melanocyte regeneration material into the scalp. Update: August 28, 2023 Yet another detailed new study from China

What Happens During the Treatment The Keravive Scalp HydraFacial follows a three-step process. First, the scalp is deeply cleansed and exfoliated using a gentle peel that removes the outermost layer of buildup and dead skin, uncovering a fresher, more receptive surface underneath. Then the device uses its signature painless suction to extract impurities from the pores. This is the “scalp vacuum” step that most people are curious about. It is gentle and not uncomfortable, and the results in terms of what comes out of the scalp are often striking. Finally, the scalp is saturated with the Keravive peptide complex, a nourishing blend of growth factors, proteins, and hydrating ingredients that support follicle health from the outside in. The Vortex-Fusion technology drives these ingredients deeper into the scalp than topical application alone could achieve. The full session is 60 minutes, and there is no downtime. What Results to Expect Most patients notice an immediate difference in how their scalp feels, cleaner, less tight, more comfortable. Visually, hair often looks fuller and healthier after a session as the scalp environment improves. Over a series of treatments, the cumulative benefits include increased scalp circulation, a reduction in buildup and inflammation, and a more favorable environment for follicle activity. Patients in our hair restoration programs consistently report that adding regular scalp HydraFacials to their protocol improves the results they see from their clinical treatments. Results from a single treatment include a cleaner, exfoliated and hydrated scalp, improved scalp circulation, and a visibly healthier appearance to the hair. For ongoing support, we recommend the 3-pack membership for the most consistent benefit. Who Is It For? The Keravive Scalp HydraFacial is appropriate for anyone looking to improve scalp health or support their hair growth results. It is particularly beneficial for people who are in active hair restoration treatment and want to optimize the scalp environment between clinical sessions, anyone dealing with product buildup, excess oil, or scalp dryness, people noticing early signs of thinning who want a proactive approach to scalp health, and those who want to boost results after exosome therapy, PRP, or scalp microneedling. It is suitable for all hair types and scalp conditions. If you are unsure whether it is appropriate for your specific situation, our team can advise during a consultation. How It Fits Into a Hair Restoration Plan At NHLMA, we think of the scalp HydraFacial as the nourish layer of your treatment plan. Clinical treatments like exosomes, stem cell secretomes, and scalp microneedling work at the biological level to stimulate regrowth. The scalp HydraFacial ensures the environment those treatments are working in is as clean, healthy, and receptive as possible. For patients using topical treatments like minoxidil or our topical melatonin serum, a clear and well-hydrated scalp also improves absorption and effectiveness. Source link

A bestselling anti-dandruff shampoo. What is the best dandruff shampoo for your itchy, dry and flaky scalp? Nowadays, there are many popular choices. These range from Nizoral anti-dandruff shampoo, to Selsun Blue, to Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength. The below list of dermatologist recommended 14 best dandruff shampoos in 2026 is applicable for both men and women. Some of the popular brands have many decades of research behind their formulas. Comparison Table of the Best Dandruff Shampoos The 14 Best Dandruff Shampoos in 2026 The below is a list of the best dandruff shampoos in 2026 to tackle scalp itching and dry flakes. Most of the below shampoos are also recommended by dermatologists and doctors. Make sure to lather, rinse and scrub your scalp thoroughly when using these products. Nizoral Shampoo Amazon Basics Anti-Dandruff Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Jason Natural Head & Shoulders Classic Selsun Blue Pura D’or Dove DermaCare Nioxin Scalp Recovery Paul Mitchell Tea Tree OUAI Anti-Dandruff Sachajuan Scalp Shampoo Mizani Scalp Care Free & Clear Medicated Nizoral A-D Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Nizoral A-D Nizoral shampoo (1%) is one of my favorite best dandruff shampoo products with ample scientific backing behind its efficacy. Numerous positive Amazon, Walmart and Reddit reviews. The key active ingredient in this over-the-counter shampoo is ketoconazole 1%, which is an anti-fungal agent with anti-dandruff and anti-androgenic properties. The last of these aids scalp hair growth according to a number of studies. In some countries, you can also purchase ketoconazole 2% (Nizoral 2%) shampoo, usually via a prescription. Nizoral attacks the Malassezia microbe, the main cause of dandruff in many instances. It also reduces hairfall in some cases due to anti-androgenic properties. Nizoral comes in a fairly small bottle, but still lasts for many months with twice a week usage. I do not recommend more frequent usage or else you can exacerbate scalp dryness and end up with brittle hair quality and texture. You can also get Nizoral 2% medicated shampoo with a prescription. Amazon Basics Anti-Dandruff Shampoo Amazon Basics Anti-Dandruff This bargain basement priced $7 shampoo from Amazon contains a high strength coal tar 1%. It controls symptoms of psoriasis, seborrheic dermatitis and dandruff. It is formulated to fight scalp itching, flaking and redness. Previously, Neutrogena made a very popular T/Gel shampoo with coal tar 0.5% (2% Neutar® solubilized coal tar extract). However, the manufacturer stopped making this product in 2023. Note that Neutrogena T/Sal was a different product made by the same company, and it contained salicylic acid 3%. It is also not longer on the market, Pura D’or makes a 0.5% coal tar extract based shampoo that I have broken out further below. Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Dandruff & Dermatitis Shampoo Head & Shoulders Clinical Strength Over the years, Head & Shoulders has produced more varieties of dandruff and hairfall shampoos than any other company. Their most popular product for preventing scalp flakes is this clinical strength shampoo for stubborn cases of dandruff. The key active ingredient in it is selenium sulfide 1%, which reduces scalp fungus and bacteria at the root. This product offers lasting relief from scalp itching and flaking. You can also find a number of other highly rated and reviewed Head & Shoulders dandruff shampoos on Amazon. After lathering, make sure to leave the product on your scalp for at least 5 minutes before rinsing and styling. Head & Shoulders also sells an anti-dandruff and anti hairfall two-in-one shampoo. However, I am skeptical in general about shampoos that claim to reduce hair fall. L’Oreal Paris also makes a fall resist 3X anti-dandruff anti-hair fall shampoo. JASON Natural Dandruff Relief Shampoo JASON Natural Although not as well known as the above three listed products, Jason Natural is a unique pH balanced largely natural product. It contains colloidal sulfur 2.4% and salicylic acid 2.2% as the two main active ingredients to tackle dandruff and seborrheic dermatitis. Formulated with additional beneficial herbal and natural ingredients that improve scalp health, including: cooling aloe vera, apple cider vinegar, jojoba oil, methylsulfonylmethane (MSM), olive oil, rosemary oil, seaweed extract, tea tree oil and vitamin E. Head & Shoulders Classic Anti-Dandruff Head & Shoulders Classic Clean (Walgreens Link) Head & Shoulders came out with a zinc pyrithione (or pyrithione zinc) based shampoo all the way back in 1961. To this day, the company still makes anti-dandruff shampoos that are based on this original active ingredient, in a zinc pyrithione 1% formulation. This key ingredient helps inhibit scalp yeast and fungus growth. Note that you can also purchase stronger more effective zinc pyrithione 2% shampoos such as DHS zinc shampoo. A cleaner scalp helps provide relief from uncomfortable itching and flaking; reduces redness and scaly skin; and removes product buildup. All beneficial in those with thinning hair. You can pick up various Head & Shoulders shampoos at your local Walgreens or CVS pharmacies. This classic clean version is paraben free. Selsun Blue Selsun Blue Medicated (Walmart Link) Selsun Blue moisturizing anti-dandruff shampoo with aloe is Sanofi’s bestselling product to fight visible flakes and dry hair. It contains selenium sulfide 1% (also spelled sulphide) . The aloe will soothe and moisturize sensitive scalps. Also popular are Selsun Blue medicated dandruff shampoo and conditioner 2-in-1; and Selsun Blue Active 3-in-1 dandruff shampoo, which contains salicylic acid 2% to help fight acne and buildup. Sanofi also makes a Selsun Gold shampoo and Selsun 2.5 shampoo that both contain selenium sulfide 2.5%. However these products do not seem to be sold OTC in the US. Perhaps you can get them via a prescription. Update: A reader recommended Vichy Dercos anti-dandruff shampoo, which contains 0.6% micronized selenium sulfide. Pura D’or Pura D’or MD Anti-Hair Thinning Shampoo Pura D’or has taken the hair loss world by storm over the past decade. The company’s shampoo products contain a wide range of beneficial ingredients. Moreover, Pura D’or is especially renowned when it comes to its product packaging and marketing. The Pura D’or Maximum Defense (MD) anti-hair thinning shampoo contains both 0.9% ketoconazole and

Since beginning this blog in 2013, I have covered most of the World Congress for Hair Research biennial meetings. The 14th edition of the World Congress for Hair Research takes place from May 28-31, 2026 in Seoul, South Korea. It is being organized by the Korean Hair Research Society. 14th World Congress for Hair Research. May 28-31, 2026. 14th World Congress for Hair Research I am delighted that the 14th World Congress for Hair Research will take place in South Korea. The country now leads the world when it comes to having the most number of groundbreaking companies involved in curing hair loss. Make sure to check out my subsection on the numerous leading cutting edge South Korean companies involved in hair loss research. As always, the final Full Program Guide is very interesting. Numerous globally renowned hair loss researchers are presenting or participating. Among the ones I have covered thoroughly in the past and who are working on some truly groundbreaking work that could cure hair loss include: Dr. Angela Christiano, Dr. George Cotsarelis, Dr. Claire Higgins, Dr. Colin Jahoda, Dr. Sung-Jan Lin, Dr. Lu Le, Dr. Sarah Millar, Dr. Emi Nishimura, Dr. Ralf Paus and Dr. Michael Rendl. Of special note, one of the three joint Congress Presidents is Ohsang Kwon (also called Kwon Oh-sang), the world’s leading researcher of person-to-person (allogeneic) hair transplants. Also of interest, Dr. Hyuma Tsuji of Shiseido (Japan) is presenting on dermal sheath cup cells. Dr. Maria Hordinsky will present on the Phase 3 trial of Ireland-based Cosmo Pharmaceuticals’ androgen receptor (AR) antagonist Clascoterone topical solution 5% to treat androgenetic alopecia. A presentation on the other AR targeting drug (China-based Kintor Pharma’s KX-826) that is currently in Phase 3 trials will be made by Dr. Cheng Zhou of China. Several of the presenters have their own hair and skin related research labs that I have not covered in the past. These include Dr. Se Kyu Choi’s Choi Laboratory in South Korea; and Dr. Maria Kasper’s Kasper Lab in Sweden. As always, there are a huge number of presentations in relation to alopecia areata (AA) and JAK inhibitors. The combination of alopecia areata, alopecia totalis and alopecia univeralis accounts for less than 5% of all hair loss patients. Social Media Links for #WCHR2026 Source link

I originally wrote this post on the arrector pili muscle (APM) and its connection to androgenetic alopecia (male pattern hair loss) in 2017. This was followed by important updates in 2020 and 2022. And now we have yet another major update again in 2026. Note that this post is in chronological order, so the latest update is at the bottom. Jan 10, 2017 Androgenetic Alopecia: New insights into the role of the Arrector Pili Muscle Several weeks ago, the arrector pili muscle got significant coverage in a few newspapers around the world. Famed Australian dermatologist Dr. Rodney Sinclair co-authored an important paper titled “The arrector pili muscle, the bridge between the follicular stem cell niche and the interfollicular epidermis” that was just published this month. Dr. Sinclair has been involved in this area of hair loss research for a few years. See his 2014 paper titled: Beyond goosebumps: Does the arrector pili muscle have a role in hair loss? Also see the very interesting new insights on the APM section of his website. Australian newspapers were especially interested in this latest study and its findings as evidenced by articles such as this one and this one. The Arrector Pili Muscle Arrector pili muscles are small muscles attached to individual human hair follicles on both the scalp as well as body (so we have millions of these muscles throughout our bodies). Contraction of these muscles causes hairs to stand up, a phenomenon that is known as goosebumps. Therefore, the musculus arrector pili is often referred to as the goosebump muscle. Every hair root is connected to the arrector pili. This smooth muscle contracts in response to signals from the “fight or flight” sympathetic nervous system. Arrector Pili Muscle Degeneration and Hair Loss In recent years, a few studies have come out that suggest a possible connection between the arrector pili muscle degenerating (where it gets replaced by fat) and hair loss due to the subsequent disconnection between various hair follicle stem cell populations. It is possible that an intact APM plays a crucial role in the maintenance of follicular integrity and stability. However, there are many uncertainties about this theory that I discuss in the next section. It seems that while in alopecia areata (AA) patients the arrector pili muscle remains intact, this is not true in androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients. So this could be why it is much easier to grow back hair for people with AA compared to people with AGA. Unfortunately, over 95 percent of balding men suffer from AGA. Of note, the rate at which the arrector pili muscle degenerates and gets replaced by fat varies substantially between patients and between individual hairs on the same scalp. Some miniaturized vellus hairs in balding regions might even never lose most of their arrector pili muscle connection. My Thoughts and Points of Contention According to Dr. Sinclair’s own quote from a past paper, “It remains unclear whether arrector pili muscle regression is a cause or effect of permanent follicle miniaturization“. I think this is the crux of the issue surrounding this theory/hypothesis. I am curious why hair that is transplanted from the back of a person’s scalp to the front grows so well if the arrector pili muscles in front have been destroyed? Surely the transplanted hair cannot just automatically regenerate the APM? Related to the above, an important Japanese study from 2012 concludes that correctly transplanted hair can re-enable “connectivity and cooperation” with the arrector pili muscle and nerve system. In effect, it might be very possible to reactivate or regenerate the APM. In Dr. Tsuji and his team’s groundbreaking technology “the transplanted primordium also forms connections with surrounding tissues (arrector pili muscle and nerves) and repeats normal hair cycles”. There are 100s of online anecdotal reports with before and after photos of people re-growing long-lost hair in bald scalps. Miracle results are especially common in people undergoing male-to-female transition regimens. You can also find many reports of surprising hair regrowth in many old men who recently started taking dutasteride for enlarged prostate issues. And the Reddit result logs from people taking oral minoxidil are sometimes spectacular. Maybe they regenerated their arrector pili muscles; or maybe those muscles always remained intact in spite of severe AGA; or maybe one can regenerate hair without the need for having any intact arrector pili muscles? It is unclear when exactly we have a point of no return where the arrector pili muscle is largely or entirely replaced by fat and hair stops growing (either as a cause or effect). It seems like there is significant variation depending on the person and hair follicle. In many cases, the APM might not be entirely degenerated and replaced by adipose tissue even in areas of the scalp where one has been bald for several decades. In such cases, subsequent hair and muscle regeneration could then be possible via something like dutasteride or finasteride. Update: August 7, 2020  Goosebumps, the Sympathetic Nervous System and Hair Growth Yesterday, Taiwanese and US researchers published an important paper titled: “Cell Types Promoting Goosebumps Form a Niche to Regulate Hair Follicle Stem Cells.” The work was led by Dr. Sung-Jan Lin of National Taiwan University, in collaboration with researchers from Harvard University (US). Goosebumps, Arrector Pili Muscle and Hair Growth. The scientists made some important discoveries in relation to the arrector pili muscle and the sympathetic nervous system. The APM maintains sympathetic innervation to hair follicle stem cells. (HFSCs) The sympathetic nerve activates HFSCs via synapse-like contacts and norepinephrine. An important quote: “APMs are often lost in the scalp skin of people with androgenetic alopecia. It is possible that in such skin, loss of APMs leads to the loss of sympathetic nerves, making HFSCs more difficult to activate. Our results also suggest the potential of using selective β2 agonists to promote HFSC activation.” Lin’s team found that the biological mechanism behind baldness in men is closely connected to the sympathetic nervous system. Hair follicle stem cells activate after receiving signals via what

You reach for Zyrtec every morning without a second thought. It keeps the sneezing at bay, clears your head, and lets you get through allergy season like a functioning human being. But lately you have been noticing more hair in the shower drain or on your pillow, and now you are wondering: could my allergy pill actually be thinning my hair? It is a surprisingly common concern. You are not imagining things, and you are not alone in asking. Let’s talk through what we actually know. The Reports Are Real, Even If the Science Is Still Catching Up Hair loss is not listed as an official side effect of cetirizine (the active ingredient in Zyrtec) in the product labeling. But that does not mean nobody is experiencing it. According to FDA adverse event data analyzed by eHealthMe, out of more than 109,000 people who reported side effects while taking Zyrtec, about 1.59% noted hair loss. That might sound like a small number, but it adds up to roughly 1,745 people. So the pattern exists. What is less clear is whether Zyrtec is the actual cause, or whether something else is going on. Why You Might Be Shedding More (And It May Not Be the Pill) Here is something worth knowing: the most common type of hair loss that follows a medication or stressor is called telogen effluvium. Think of it like a traffic jam in your hair growth cycle. Normally, your follicles cycle through growing, transitioning, and resting phases. When your body experiences any kind of disruption, whether that is illness, stress, hormonal changes, or certain medications, more follicles than usual get nudged into the resting phase at once. A few months later, you start shedding. The tricky part? The timing delay means you might blame whatever you started three months ago, when the real trigger was something entirely different. Some researchers have also raised the question of whether long-term antihistamine use could interfere with the absorption of nutrients like zinc or iron, both of which are critical for healthy hair growth. This is still a theoretical connection and not proven outright, but it is worth having on your radar. Source link