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

All the latest updates are underneath the below introductory section on KX-826 and GT20029. Note that Kintor is already selling its KX-826 (Pyrilutamide) androgen receptor antagonist (finishing Phase 3 trials in 2026) as a topical cosmetic on Amazon. Kintor Pharmaceutical Pyrilutamide (KX-826) Androgen Receptor Antagonist. Kintor Pharmaceutical: KX-826 and GT20029 for Androgenetic Alopecia My original post on Kintor Pharmaceutical (China) has become way too lengthy after so many updates. I will now add all new updates in this post below this section. This rapidly moving well funded company is in Phase 2 and Phase 3 trials in the US and China for both its male androgenetic alopecia (AGA) products. Kintor (pipeline here) is conducting hair loss trials for: Two separate androgen receptor (AR) targeting products: a degrader (GT20029) and an antagonist (KX-826 aka Pyrilutamide). Each of these trials is being conducted in both China and the US. Each of these products is being tested for both males and females with androgenetic alopecia (aka pattern hair loss). i.e., a total of 8 types of clinical trials times 3 phases in each = 24 developments we have to track. A bit too much if all of these do end up taking place, but a most welcome development. Over one-half of these 24 potential trials are already finished. The GT20029 product is an androgen receptor degrader (AR Degrader). It is developed using Kintor’s proprietary Proteolysis Targeting Chimera (PROTAC) platform. This is the world’s first topical androgen receptor (AR) compound (AR-PROTAC) to enter clinical trials. GT20029 degrades the AR protein via the E3 ubiquitin ligase pathway. During preclinical studies, GT20029 did not cause any notable side effects or systemic drug accumulation. Kintor’s main product for treating male pattern hair loss is KX-826 (Pyrilutamide) and is an androgen receptor antagonist (AR Antagonist). KX-826 is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials in the US and has completed Phase 3 trials in China. Note that Cassiopea’s Breezula (Clascoterone) is an AR antagonist that is also currently in Phase 3 trials in the US. Kintor’s website has an interesting article discussing both these competing AR antagonist products and hair loss. Make sure to also read my related past post on destroying the androgen receptor to reverse hair loss. Kintor GT20029 Androgen Receptor Degrader. Update: June 2, 2026 KX-826 Phase 3 Results Positive and Approval is Likely Kintor made a poster presentation at last week’s WCHR Conference that was well received and received an award. Professor Cheng Zhou from Peking University People’s Hospital (the lead principal investigators of the phase III clinical trial), presented the final results of KX-826 1.0% tincture. The treatment group consisted of male Chinese adults with androgenetic alopecia. On their site, they released an encouraging summary of the results, with the following quote: “The overall results demonstrated that KX-826 exhibited excellent efficacy and safety in patients with AGA.” Kintor is now actively pursuing the marketing authorization for KX-826. Upon approval, KX-826 is expected to become the first new treatment for male pattern hair loss in 30 years. Minoxidil was approved to treat androgenetic alopecia in 1988; and finasteride was approved for the same purpose in 1997. Update: March 18, 2026 KX-826 1.0% Phase 3 Trial Primary Endpoint Results Kintor just announced that the Phase 3 stage of the company’s pivotal clinical trial for its KX-826 tincture 1.0% for the treatment of AGA has obtained top-line results. The numbers show statistically significant and clinically meaningful hair growth outcomes, while demonstrating excellent efficacy and safety. A total of 666 patients were treated for 24 weeks. Both the 1.0% BID (i.e. twice a day) group and 0.5% BID group demonstrated statistically significant therapeutic efficacy and clinical significance relative to the placebo group. The target area non-vellus hair counts (“TAHC”) of the 1.0% BID group showed an increase of 15.33 hairs/cm2 from baseline. The TAHC of the 0.5% BID group showed an increase of 14.46 hairs/cm2 from baseline. The TAHC of the placebo group showed an increase of 4.68 hairs/cm2 from baseline. Note that at the bottom of the press release, they basically imply that competing product Breezula will beat them to market in the US and EU. Update: December 3, 2025 Positive Phase 2 Trial Results for GT20029 In my April 2024 update, I discussed the positive interim results for the Phase 2 clinical trial of GT20029 in China. Now we have a final report published on PubMed. The randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase II trial entailed 180 Chinese adult males with androgenetic alopecia. It lasted from April 2023 to April 2024. The subjects were randomized equally into six groups receiving GT20029 (0.5% or 1.0%) or placebo, either once daily (QD) or twice weekly (BIW) for 12 weeks. All four GT20029-treated groups showed significant increases in target area hair count (TAHC) at Week 12. Target area hair width (TAHW) also improved significantly in the 1.0% BIW group vs placebo. Update: September 25, 2025 Check out the Kintor AMA on Reddit with one of their medical scientists. Update: August 1, 2025 KX-826 1.0% Phase 3 Trials to Finish in Early 2026 Kintor’s enrollment of 666 patients in the Phase III Pivotal Clinical Trial of KX-826 tincture 1.0% for the treatment of AGA is finished. This trial is expected to be completed by the beginning of 2026. Update: July 25, 2025 KX-826 1.0% versus KX-826 0.5% Among the numerous trials that Kintor is undertaking for its two androgen receptor targeting products is a Phase II/III trial for KX-826 tincture 1.0% dosage. Yesterday, it announced the results of its “Phase 2 stage” of this pivotal trial consisting of 90 volunteers. The target area non-vellus hair counts (“TAHC”) of the 0.5% BID group increased by 22.39 hairs/cm2 from baseline. The TAHC of the 1.0% BID group increased by 21.87 hairs/cm2 from baseline. The TAHC of the placebo group increased by 8.73 hairs/cm2 from baseline. So the 0.5% and 1.0% dosages seem equally effective. A bit disappointing. Update: May 2, 2025 Clinical Observational Study finds KX-826 plus Minoxidil to be Superior Kintor just published the primary endpoint

What Happens During Your Hair Loss Consultation in Scottsdale A Real Conversation First Your consultation begins with a conversation, and we mean a real one. Your clinician will ask about your health history, lifestyle, stress levels, diet, and any significant life changes that may correlate with your hair loss. We are listening for patterns and clues that go beyond what is visible on the surface, because hair loss is almost always a signal of something happening internally. A Thorough Scalp Analysis Using clinical-grade tools, your clinician will conduct a detailed analysis of your scalp and hair follicles. This allows us to assess follicle health, scalp condition, hair density, and the pattern of loss in a way that a mirror at home simply cannot replicate. This step is foundational to building a plan that targets the right areas with the right treatments. Identifying the Root Cause This is where NHLMA differs from a standard office visit. Rather than prescribing a generic solution based on surface symptoms, we work to identify the underlying cause of your hair loss. This might involve a recommendation for comprehensive lab testing to look at hormones, thyroid function, nutrient levels, inflammation markers, and other systemic contributors that often drive hair loss from within. Understanding the root cause is what allows us to build a plan that produces lasting results rather than temporary improvements. Exploring Your Treatment Options Once your clinician has a clear picture of what is happening and why, they will walk you through the treatment options that are most appropriate for your situation. This is a collaborative conversation. We explain the science behind each option, what the process looks like, the expected timeline for results, and how the treatments work together within a personalized protocol. You will leave knowing exactly what we recommend, why we recommend it, and what you can realistically expect. Source link

I have covered Japan-based OrganTech (previously known as Organ Technologies) for many years due to the company’s affiliation with founder Dr. Takashi Tsuji and RIKEN (Japan). I have covered Dr. Tsuji’s groundbreaking hair loss cure related work for over 12 years. This post was first written in 2020, and I regularly update it with the latest developments on top. Update: June 4, 2026 Injecting the “Third Cell” Planned for 2027 A day after I made the below major update yesterday, Dr. Tsuji granted a new interview to a Japanese website (h/t “Theo”) with some very interesting points. A therapy involving injecting “the third cell” into the affected area of hair loss is planned for 2027. Following that, the goal is to transplant hair follicle seed cells containing the third type of cell by 2028. Finally, the transplanting of regenerated hair follicles cultured in vitro (third generation) will occur by the 2030s. I am not sure from the translation whether the 2027 first generation treatment will be available to all (or just for clinical trial participants). The estimated cost (for the third generation treatment I think) will be around 20 million Japanese yen (equivalent to $125,000). This matches the lower end of the 20 million to 40 million yen estimate that Dr. Tsuji announced in 2019, albeit before the new “third cell” discovery. They plan to reduce costs to around 5 to 10 million yen down the road. I assume that the first generation 2027 treatment will be a lot cheaper. Key quote from Dr Tsuji: “The crucial difference with the third generation is that they are cultured outside the body, and seedlings are grown from seeds and then transplanted. Just like with rice cultivation, it is more reliable to plant seedlings that have properly developed than to sow the seeds and pick what grows.” Update: June 3, 2026 OrganTech gets Financing and Dr. Tsuji gets the Attention of the BBC In a great development, OrganTech just announced the successful completion of a financing round to support its next stage of growth. Some of these new funds will go into “accelerating the hair regeneration research and business development” related to the “Third Cell Type”. I discussed these “Third Cell” findings in my prior two updates from earlier this year. Long-time readers of this blog may remember how the first iteration of OrganTech (Organ Technologies) had to fold due to lack of funding. In 2021, I even tried to help RIKEN raise funds per their request (since I had so much respect for Dr. Tsuji). Also of significance, Dr. Tsuji got major coverage today in an article about women’s hair loss in the BBC. In the past, he almost never got any mentions in western media. Interestingly, they skipped covering almost all of Dr. Tsuji’s past two decades of work. The focus is just on the 2026 “novel third cell type” breakthrough finding, which Dr. Tsuji describes as a potential game changer in the treatment of alopecia. Update: May 20, 2026 Production of Hair Regeneration Supporting “Third Cell” Begins OrganTech has granted a manufacturing license to Kojin Bio (Japan) for the production of the “Third Cell” (hair follicle regeneration support cell). The latter was discussed in my last update. Apparently, Kojin Bio already sells a high-performance culture medium that enables the cultivation of dermal papilla cells and hair follicle regeneration supporting cells. Note that the artificially created “third cell” assists adult hair follicle-derived epithelial stem cells and dermal papilla cells to progress beyond hair bulb formation to actual hair shaft production. Update: February 21, 2026 OrganTech and RIKEN Scientists Discover “Third Cell” that Produces Hair OrganTech “third cell” for hair regeneration. Assists adult hair follicle–derived epithelial stem cells and dermal papilla cells to progress beyond hair bulb formation to sustained down-growth and hair shaft production. OrganTech and RIKEN just published a new study regarding the identification and subsequent artificial creation of a “third cell” to induce hair growth in mice. They first made the discovery of a previously unrecognized accessory mesenchymal cell population that is indispensable for functional hair follicle regeneration. When this new third cell was added to two existing cells (that had previously been identified as necessary for hair production), they were able to create a hair-producing organ. If applied to humans, this could lead to the development of new treatments for alopecia. The plan to begin clinical trials by the end of 2026. More details can be found on their website. “Specifically, the investigators describe a “third cell type,” termed hair follicle regeneration–supporting cells, which enables adult hair follicle–derived epithelial stem cells and dermal papilla cells to progress beyond hair bulb formation to sustained downgrowth and hair shaft production.” Edit: This news is now being published in many different publications. The latest eye catching headline: “Scientists Built Working Hair Follicles in a Lab. They Could Cure Baldness Forever.” It was already known that epithelial stem cells and dermal papilla cells are important for hair follicle regeneration. But while the presence of a ‘third cell’ was considered essential for hair follicles to enter the growth phase and produce hair, its identity remained unknown for a long time per Dr. Tsuji. In contrast to the conventional hypothesis that it was fibroblasts or adipocytes, the Tsuji team discovered a new group of cells in the mesenchymal region surrounding the bulge region of the hair follicle. These hair follicle regeneration supporting cells lead to the down-growth phenomenon in which hair follicles extend into the deeper layers of the skin. “The discovery that a third type of cell divides and powerfully pushes the tip of the hair follicle deeper into the skin is a groundbreaking achievement that overturns previous research. Mouse experiments have demonstrated that fully functional hair follicles can be regenerated by stacking these three types of cells vertically.” Update: July 12, 2025 HairDao’s much anticipated interview with Dr. Tsuji is out. I am traveling outside the country right now and won’t get a chance to listen to it till tomorrow. Update:

Signs Your Hair Loss Could Be Linked to Low Vitamin D Hair loss from vitamin D deficiency tends to look a little different from other types. Here’s what to watch for: Diffuse thinning across the entire scalp rather than in one specific area. Increased daily shedding that goes beyond the normal 50 to 100 hairs per day. Hair that grows back finer, weaker, or slower than before. A scalp that feels dry, tight, or irritated. Fatigue, muscle weakness, or mood changes alongside the hair loss, since vitamin D affects far more than just your hair. If any of this sounds familiar, it’s worth getting a simple blood test to check your 25-hydroxyvitamin D levels. Most experts consider levels below 30 ng/mL insufficient and below 20 ng/mL deficient. What You Can Do About It The encouraging news is that vitamin D deficiency is one of the more straightforward root causes to address once you know it’s a factor. Here’s where to start: Get tested. A simple blood draw is all it takes. At NHLMA, we recommend this as part of a comprehensive evaluation for anyone experiencing hair loss, because understanding what’s happening on the inside is just as important as what we can see on the outside. Supplement wisely. Vitamin D3 is the most bioavailable form, and pairing it with vitamin K2 helps ensure proper calcium metabolism. Our Essential Vitamin D3 + K + A was formulated with exactly this in mind, delivering the nutrients most people are deficient in, in the forms your body can actually use. Support absorption. Vitamin D is fat-soluble, so taking it with a meal that contains healthy fats makes a real difference. And if you have gut health concerns, addressing those will help your body absorb and utilize the vitamin D you’re taking in. Prioritize safe sun exposure. Even 10 to 15 minutes of midday sun on your arms and face a few times per week can support your body’s natural production (with usage of SPF of course). Balance is everything here. The Bigger Picture At NHLMA, we always say that hair loss is rarely about just one thing. Vitamin D is often one piece of a larger puzzle that might include hormonal shifts, stress, gut health, inflammation, or nutritional gaps. That’s exactly why we dig deeper than surface-level solutions. Your hair is telling you something about what’s happening inside your body, and listening to that message is where real progress begins. If you’ve been struggling with thinning or shedding and feel like you’ve tried everything, consider whether your vitamin D levels have ever been part of the conversation. Sometimes the answer has been hiding in plain sight. We’re here at our hair loss clinic in Scottsdale, AZ when you’re ready to find it. Ready to get to the root of your hair loss? Book a consultation with our team and let’s build a plan that’s personalized to you. Source link

Update: June 8, 2026 More new Papers from Jong-Hyuk Sung Epibiotech’s CEO and prolific hair loss researcher Jong-Hyuk Sung has co-authored two new major papers in recent months: Update: Epibiotech CEO Sung (who is the author of the new 2022 paper covered in this post) is answering our questions in the comments this week. Please note that English is not his first language. Q & A has now ended. November 25, 2022 Effective cell Therapy for Hair Regeneration Earlier this month, Epibiotech CEO Jong-Hyuk Sung published a detailed new paper titled “Effective and economical cell therapy for hair regeneration.” It was widely covered in South Korean media (h/t “Theo”, who also sent me this update on Mr. Sung’s presentation covering the paper). They call him Seong Jong-Hyeok in that article. My interest piqued when I read such a thorough scientific paper from a CEO. Almost unheard of in the western world. I showed it to a well known US hair transplant doctor, and he found it to be a great summary. Adipose-Derived Stem Cells, Dermal Papilla Cells and Dermal Sheath Cup Cells Note that Dr. Sung has published numerous papers on adipose-derived stem cells and hair regeneration (and wound healing) for 15 years. This CEO seems to be a scientist first and foremost, rather than a business person. This latest paper covers the three main types of cell based hair regeneration treatment strategies that are currently being developed: Adipose-derived stem cells (ADSC or ASC). Dermal papilla cells (DPC). Dermal papilla epithelial cup cells, better known as dermal sheath cup cells (DPSC or DSC). The paper also mentions the manufacturing of hair organoids using induced pluripotent stem cells. Including a shout out to Dr. Takashi Tsuji. Note that Shiseido (including its use of Replicel’s technology) now offers a hair regeneration treatment involving culturing of dermal sheath cup cells. Also note that in the past, Aderans and Intercytex both saw some success in hair growth via dermal papilla cell culturing and injection into balding scalps. HairClone is currently trying something similar. Dr. Sung’s company Epibiotech is ultimately driven by “Off-the-shelf” allogeneic DPC therapy. It aims to begin Phase 1 clinical trials for its EPI-001 dermal papilla cell hair multiplication treatment in 2023. We are all hopeful that things will move faster in Asia in comparison to the US or Western Europe. The company can already mass-produce dermal papilla cells with hair growth ability using spheroid culture, hypoxic conditions, and growth factors. Cell therapy for hair growth. Adipose, dermal papilla and dermal sheath cup cells. Source: Biomedicine & Pharmacotherapy, January 2023. Adipose Derived Stem Cells Given the author’s background, the paper is especially detailed when it comes to ADSC (ASC). Dr. Sung highlights the pros and cons. Adipose-derived stem cells are easy to access and isolate in large quantities. This is not true when it comes to dermal papilla cells and dermal sheath cup cells. While ASCs promote hair growth through the paracrine effect, they have a poor potential in hair neogenesis. Dr. Sung suggests further development in methods to enhance the trichogenecity of ASCs. Other New Recent Studies on Hair Regeneration As if this was not enough, two new papers on hair regeneration came out in the past month. A literature review from Japan covers numerous cell therapies for hair regrowth. This includes mesenchymal stem cell (MSC) implantation. Adult sources of MSC include: adipose tissue (including SVF); bone marrow; DPC; DSC; placenta and umbilical cord. The paper also analyzes non-cell therapies, including exosomes, extracellular matrix, platelet-rich plasma, and the MSC secretome. The last mentioned “comprises bioactive materials, such as growth factors, cytokines and nucleic acids that play an important role in regulating the hair follicle cycle and regeneration”. A new study from China on microenvironmental reprogramming of human dermal papilla cells for hair follicle tissue engineering. Source link