Red light therapy has become incredibly popular for things like skin rejuvenation, hair growth support, muscle recovery, and inflammation. In fact, clinical studies on hereditary and hormonal hair loss show that consistent red light therapy can help stimulate follicles, support hair regrowth, and improve overall hair thickness and density. Some research suggests that low level light therapy may produce results comparable to minoxidil, a commonly prescribed treatment for pattern hair loss.  This wellness tool has been studied extensively since the 1990’s by NASA, originally developed to support plant growth in space. As a bi-product of these studies, NASA found that red light therapy helps with body healing and inflammation reduction.  But one of the most common questions people ask is surprisingly simple. How often should you actually use red light therapy? The short answer is that consistency matters more than anything else. Most people see the best results when they use red light therapy three to five times per week. But the exact frequency can depend on what you are using it for and how your body responds over time. Let’s walk through how it works and what a realistic routine looks like. Why Consistency Matters With Red Light Therapy Red light therapy works differently than many skincare or wellness treatments. Instead of creating a quick surface level change, it works at the cellular level. When your skin or scalp absorbs red and near infrared light, it helps support the mitochondria inside your cells, which are responsible for producing energy and supporting cellular repair. Over time, this can help support things like But your cells respond best to regular stimulation over time. One treatment can feel nice, but the real benefits come from making it part of your routine. A helpful way to think about it is that red light therapy works more like exercise for your cells than a one time treatment. Source link

Dermal papilla and dermal sheath cup cell expansion lab at Medeze Group (Thailand). In the photo, the person on the left is hair loss patient Alvaro (a long-time reader of HLC2020). Dermal Papilla Cell and Dermal Sheath Cup Cell Expansion and Implantation The two biggest newly available hair loss treatments that I have covered on this blog during the past few years are as follows: Prior to its arrival, I followed Shiseido’s progress for well over a decade, including its ex-partner RepliCel (Canada)’s original work. Of most significance, Shiseido’s DSC cell multiplication technology went through all three phases of clinical trials with no reported major side effects. So I have no hesitation in recommending it to those with the wherewithal. Unfortunately, for the time being, it remains almost exclusively limited to Japanese citizens. I have also followed HairClone’s DP cell expansion work for over a decade (even longer when including past work from Intercytex). In contrast to Shiseido’s procedure, HairClone’s procedure should be available to most people from around the world before the end of 2027. Patients can already get their hair follicles extracted and banked at various HairClone partner clinics around the world. However, they will ultimately need to travel to Guatemala to get the cultured and expanded DP cells injected into their scalps. Combination DP Cell and DSC Cell Hair Multiplication Over the years, I have read a few studies in which they mention that a combination of multiplying and transplanting both DP cells and DSC cells to regrow hair is more effective than doing each procedure separately. So I was quite excited to see both the Shiseido and HairClone technologies becoming available. Sooner or later, someone will surely manage to get both treatments. However, out of the blue, a few months ago I read about and wrote about Medeze Group (Thailand). They started to offer Asia’s first hair follicle banking and cultivation service in 2025. Moreover, they were planning to culture both DP cells and DSC cells for subsequent injections into patient scalps. And they were partnering with Shibuya Company of Japan to implement the world’s first robotic culture system. Although Medeze Group’s CEO has presented at reputable conferences and given a number of interviews to western publications, I was still skeptical about their progress. I felt like this was yet another hair multiplication related over-promise (in terms of speed of delivery) from an Asian company. Just like we have seen with South Korea’s Epibiotech and Han Bio. So I did not expect to cover Medeze Group again for several years, if ever. And of course the biggest drawback is that they have never conducted any clinical trials. Alvaro gets his own Expanded DP Cells and DSC Cells Injected into his Scalp at Medeze Since this blog’s inception in 2013, I have written just a handful of posts that were entirely driven by a reader’s personal experiences. For obvious reasons, I want to avoid anecdotal content. But there are always exceptions to the rule. Over the last few months, long-time blog reader “Alvaro” went to Switzerland and Thailand to get his hair follicles banked and his loss treated. He made his decision based on the posts I have written about HairClone and Medeze Group. I would urge readers to never make such important decisions based solely on my content! In any event, I am very excited to see Alvaro’s results in the coming year. Alvaro sent me all the details of his treatment (see below) as well as a bunch of photos, three of which I have added in this post. On January 26, 2026, Alvaro got his hair follicles banked at HairClone’s Switzerland-based partner Clinique de la Croix d’Or in Geneva. They extracted 100 of his scalp hair follicles and sent them to HairClone’s cryopreservation bank in Guatemala (at their partner Schambach Hair Clinic). This cost him 4,000 Euros. Thereafter, on February 9, 2026, Alvaro had a video call appointment with Dr. Schambach who was at her clinic in Guatemala. He begged her to let him participate in their “clinical trial”. However, they told him that because he previously received a hair transplant, he wouldn’t be selected as a candidate. So it seems like HairClone’s DP cell hair multiplication procedure is still only available via participation in a trial. In any event, the persistent Alvaro then contacted the Medeze Clinic in Thailand after reading about it in my blog post. Originally, he was hoping to get his banked cryopreserved hair follicles in Guatemala transferred to Thailand. However, after he contacted HairClone (or the Schambach Clinic) and told them his new plans, they told him that they could now treat him for 9,000 Euros. Please note that I have not verified all of this with the company, and am just posting what Alvaro is claiming. At this point, Alvaro just decided that it would be cheaper and more logical to get his hair follicles extracted and banked again in Thailand. And then multiplied and injected back into his scalp in Thailand at the same Medeze Clinic. Quote from Alvaro: “I think it’s the best thing I’ve ever done (I’ll always be grateful to you, administrator). At this clinic, the price is adjusted to the number of cells the patient needs, and they also multiply both DP and DSC cells. When I traveled there, I didn’t know anything about Bangkok, and Anya, the patient relations manager, arranged for cars to take me to the clinic, personally invited me to lunch, and picked me up herself in her car several times. They showed me the laboratory and the cryopreservation bank, and introduced me to all the people who work there. It’s a 100% safe and effective clinic. The medical team, the doctors, have always explained the process to me from the very beginning, and finally, yesterday, I traveled to Thailand for the second time and received the injections. I’d be happy to share photos of my progress throughout the process with the administrator.” Medeze DP and DSC cell hair

Why Scalp Health Matters for Hair Growth Your scalp is home to thousands of hair follicles. These follicles rely on a clean and balanced environment to produce strong, healthy strands. Over time the scalp can accumulate buildup from When this buildup sits on the scalp for too long, it can interfere with follicle function and create inflammation. This often shows up as itching, flaking, excess shedding, or slower hair growth. This is why scalp focused shampoos can make such a difference. The right formula helps cleanse the scalp thoroughly while supporting circulation, follicle health, and balance. Should You Double Cleanse Your Hair? One of the most helpful techniques for improving scalp health is something called double cleansing your hair. If you have ever double cleansed your face to remove makeup and impurities, the concept is very similar. In many of our regimens, you will notice something called a secondary shampoo rinse. The idea is simple. The first wash breaks down buildup. The second wash actually cleans the scalp. A double scalp cleanse ensures a deeper and more thorough clean. This process helps remove dirt, debris, environmental pollutants, and hormone buildup that can sit on the scalp and contribute to excess shedding and slower growth. We have used this method in our routines for over a decade and consistently see improvements in scalp health, faster hair growth, and reduced shedding. Source link

I originally wrote this post in 2017 (see the bottom of this page). However, since an August 2022 NY Times article on low-dose oral minoxidil (LDOM) for hair loss went viral, the media keeps covering this topic regularly. And major new studies on this subject keep getting published at least a few times per year. I cover these in all the regular updates you see below. When I first wrote this post, doctors from Thailand had already been using oral minoxidil to treat hair loss patients for a decade. And an Australian doctor was also using it regularly. Thereafter, Spanish doctors got into the game. It is only in 2022 that this option really took off in the US and much of Western Europe. Update: April 18, 2026 Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil: Hair Growth May Peak After 6 Months In a retrospective review of 178 patients from the US, it was found that the hair growth results from low-dose oral minoxidil peaked after 6 months. More specifically: Mean hair density increased significantly from baseline at 3-6 months (16.1 hairs/cm2). It then remained at a similar level at 6-12 months (16.2 hairs/cm2). This was followed by a modest increase from 12-36 months (19.0 hairs/cm2). Mean hair diameter improved significantly from baseline at 3-6 months (3.0 μm). And at 6-12 months (2.4 μm), but not at 12-36 months. Note that the median LDOM starting dose was only 1.25 mg/day, though 65.2% of patients underwent dose escalation during treatment. Update: September 20, 2025 Oral Minoxidil 2.5 mg/day shows Similar Efficacy to 5 mg/day A September 2025 study from Brazil has found that oral minoxidil 2.5 mg/day showed a similar efficacy to 5 mg/day in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia. Moreover, the lower dose had a better safety profile compared to the higher dose, as would be expected. Higher Dose Oral Minoxidil Interestingly, just a month earlier, scientists from Spain and Brazil published a report on the rare use of higher-dose oral minoxidil (greater than 5 mg/day) to treat androgenetic alopecia. They found that 17.5% of patients got a significant (over 50%) improvement in hair growth on the higher dose; and another 17.5% saw modest (under 10%) improvement. Update: March 30, 2025 Oral Minoxidil Significantly Raises VEGF Levels A study from Iraq finds that oral minoxidil substantially raises serum VEGF levels. Moreover, hair count and hair diameter also improved significantly. Update: December 1, 2024 Low-Dose Oral Minoxidil Speeds up both Nail and Hair Growth In an interesting small study of 10 adult men, it was found that low-dose oral minoxidil increased the rate of both hair and nail growth drastically. Minoxidil 2.5 mg increased nail growth speed by 50.7%. minoxidil 1 mg and 2.5 mg increased hair growth speed by 16.5% and 35.9%, respectively. Oral Minoxidil and Hair Growth Older Updates Update: April 11, 2024 — According to a new study from Brazil, oral minoxidil 5 mg (once per day) for 24 weeks did not demonstrate superiority over topical minoxidil 5% (twice per day) in men with androgenetic alopecia. Oral minoxidil was superior to topical minoxidil on the vertex (crown), but not on the frontal region of the scalp. It should ne noted that only 68 of the 90 participants completed the study, and 33 of those 68 were enrolled in the low-dose oral minoxidil group. Update: June 2, 2023 — Make sure to also check out my post on oral minoxidil before and after results from Reddit. I selected some of the best hair regrowth results that I have seen during the past year from people taking oral minoxidil. Update: May 18, 2023 — Joe Tillman interviews Dr. Bevin Bhoyrul of Sinclair Dermatology (Australia) in regards to using oral minoxidil to fight hair loss. Update: May 19, 2023 — On today’s Bald Truth show, there were two highly encouraging updates on oral minoxidil from callers. One (Greg, starting at 16:18) said that it has taken his hair quantity to almost how it was ten years ago. The other guy (starting at 57:13) who is 63 year old said that he was regrowing hair in the area of his scalp with scarring alopecia. Update: April 20, 2023 — On today’s “The Mane Event” show (Edit: link no longer working), regular watcher “Andrew 12” said that after 14 years of finasteride and then dutasteride giving him good results, he started oral minoxidil. He got the best ever hair growth results in his life. He later elaborated in the chat: “I never regrew a single hair on fin or dut, it only maintained my hair. Oral minoxidil regrew hair.” Update: April 4, 2023 — Per Dr. Ruth Williams: “I had a lot of patients grow their hair back on this medication so I’m very familiar with it and I really think it works.” Update: March 5, 2023 — In this post’s comments section, make sure to read my recent ones on: a long-time German reader who has been taking oral minoxidil for 20 years (initially 5mg, and then 10mg); a reputable HLT forum member named “Kagaho” who is seeing great hair growth from LDOM. Update: February 20, 2023 — Yet another great testimonial from a 75 year old patient. The below before and after photo is just after a few months use. His doctor Supriya Tomar is very pleased with oral minoxidil and says that the pill is effective, safe and very cheap. She says that LDOM will not regenerate new hair follicles, but will maintain what you have. I think that besides maintenance, it also thickens what you have if you are one of the lucky ones. And since the topical version can grow new beard hair, I would not be surprised that some people even see new scalp hair. Oral Minoxidil before and after in an older 75-year old male. Source: WPBF 25. Update: February 13, 2023 — In a response to a reader question on switching from topical to oral, Dr. William Rassman stated that: “About 40% of men respond to topical minoxidil, but

Here’s something that surprised even us: in a head-to-head clinical trial, rosemary oil performed comparably to minoxidil — one of the most widely used hair loss treatments on the market, for certain types of hair thinning. That’s a big claim, and it deserves more than a TikTok trend to back it up. So we’re breaking it down, what the research actually says, how rosemary oil works, who it’s most likely to help, and how to use it correctly. As hair loss specialists, we’ve been working with rosemary oil formulations for years. Here’s our honest take. What Is Rosemary Oil? Rosemary is a herb you’ve probably used in cooking, but it’s been used in medicine and skincare for centuries too. When it’s pressed into an essential oil, it becomes highly concentrated and contains compounds that have real, documented effects on the body. In recent years, research has shown that these compounds can have meaningful benefits for scalp health: reducing inflammation, improving circulation, and supporting the environment your hair follicles need to grow. What Does the Science Actually Say? Let’s start with the study people keep referencing because it’s legitimate. A clinical trial published in SKINmed Journal compared rosemary oil directly to 2% minoxidil, one of the most common over-the-counter hair loss treatments, in people with pattern hair loss (the most common type, affecting both men and women). After six months of consistent use, both groups showed similar increases in hair count. The rosemary oil group also reported significantly less scalp itching compared to the minoxidil group, a common complaint with minoxidil. THE BOTTOM LINE FROM RESEARCH After 6 months, rosemary oil produced hair count results comparable to 2% minoxidil for pattern hair loss, with fewer scalp side effects. That’s a meaningful finding. It’s worth being upfront about what this research doesn’t show: it compared rosemary oil to 2% minoxidil, not the stronger 5% version, and it focused on pattern hair loss specifically. It’s not a cure-all, and it won’t work the same way for every type of hair loss. But for what it studied, the results are genuinely encouraging. Why Does Rosemary Oil Help Hair Grow? Here’s the simple version of what’s happening when you apply rosemary oil to your scalp: 1. It Improves Blood Flow to Your Scalp Rosemary oil helps open up the tiny blood vessels in your scalp, which means more blood, and with it, more oxygen and nutrients, reaches your hair follicles. Think of your follicles like plants: they need to be fed to grow. Poor scalp circulation is a real contributing factor in hair thinning, and this is one of the ways rosemary directly addresses it. 2. It Calms Scalp Inflammation A lot of people dealing with hair loss also have an irritated or inflamed scalp, sometimes visibly, sometimes not. Inflammation around the follicle disrupts the hair growth cycle and can speed up shedding. Rosemary oil has strong anti-inflammatory properties that help calm this down and create a healthier environment for your hair to grow. 3. It Supports Follicle Recovery Beyond circulation and inflammation, research suggests rosemary may help revive follicles that have slowed down, not dead follicles, but ones that have become sluggish or are producing thinner, weaker hairs. This is where most people notice the most visible change over time. Source link

Veradermics (US) is working on a new extended-release oral Minoxidil tablet to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The product is called VDPHL01 and is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. Also see my past posts on immediate-release low-dose oral Minoxidil and sublingual Minoxidil. Note that this post was originally written in August 2024. The top two-thirds of it contain new updates in reverse chronological order. Veradermics VDPHL01 extended-release oral Minoxidil. Before and after hair growth photos. Update: April 26, 2026 Veradermics Announces Positive Phase 2/3 Clinical Trial Results for Oral VDPHL01 Veradermics just announced positive topline results from Part A of its randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled Phase 2/3 clinical trial to evaluate VDPHL01 for male pattern hair loss. The company’s stock price “MANE” rose almost 50% in early trading (it is currently up 35%). Make sure to go through their detailed Presentation Slides from today for more details, including very encouraging before and after photos. A quote from there: VDPHL01 is designed to deliver nearly twice the total amount of minoxidil over 12h and maintains concentrations above the hair growth threshold twice as long vs. a 2.5 mg IR tablet.” The trial (referred to as Study “302”) enrolled 519 patients who were randomized to receive either VDPHL01 8.5mg once daily (QD); VDPHL01 8.5mg twice daily (BID); or placebo. The results met all primary and all key secondary endpoints with statistical significance. There was a rapid and consistent response across patients, with a “robust” increase in hair count. There were no treatment-related serious adverse events (SAEs), nor any adverse events of special interest (AESIs) of cardiac origin. Key quote: “Patients achieved an average increase in non-vellus hair count of 30.3 hairs/cm² (p<0.0001) and 33.0 hairs/cm² (p<0.0001) in once daily and twice daily VDPHL01 treatment arms, respectively. Those receiving placebo only showed a 7.3 hairs/cm² increase from baseline at Month 6.” If such results were to hold for many years, this is truly impressive in my opinion. Even better than Finasteride (which inhibits the DHT hormone). But many people report that regular oral Minoxidil effectiveness declines over the years. So it is too early to get overly excited about extended-release oral Minoxidil just yet. In terms of the less meaningful patient self-reported outcomes, following 6 months of treatment with VDPHL01: 79.3% of patients in the once daily dose arm and 86.0% of patients in the twice daily dose arm reported improvement in hair coverage on the Androgenetic Alopecia Impact Rating Scale (AAIRS). A surprisingly high 35.6% of placebo patients also reported an improvement in hair coverage on the AAIRS scale. I am not sure why we see so many studies give significant emphasis to self-reported outcomes. Additionally, 48.4% of patients in the once daily dose arm and 62.9% of patients in the twice daily dose arm reported “improved” or “much improved” hair coverage on the AAIRS (compared to 13.4% of placebo patients). Veradermics believes that these results will lead to VDPHL01 becoming the first FDA-approved oral pill in nearly 30 years to treat pattern hair loss. Finasteride was approved in 1997. Note that Cosmo Pharmaceuticals’ Breezula is a topical solution that is also likely to get FDA approval (in 2027) to treat pattern hair loss. Veradermics also announced that it completed enrollment in a second Phase 3 male trial (Study ’304’) in February 2026. Topline results are expected in the second half of 2026. They also have an ongoing Study ‘306’ Phase 2/3 trial evaluating VDPHLO1 in females with pattern hair loss. VDPHL01 vs Rogaine Foam vs Oral Finasteride vs Oral Minoxidil From the earlier linked presentation, they have an interesting hair growth comparison chart of: VDPHL01 versus Rogaine 5% Foam versus Oral Finasteride 1mg versus Oral Minoxidil 5mg. I will repeat that these results while impressive, are still not proven to be long-lasting. VDPHL01 hair growth comparison versus Rogaine Foam, Oral Finasteride and Oral Minoxidil. Update: March 28, 2026 Faster Onset and Superior Efficacy of an Extended-Release Oral Minoxidil Tablet (VDPHL01) Veradermics is presenting at this week’s American Academy of Dermatology’s 2026 AAD Annual Meeting in Denver. Prior to the presentation, CEO Reid Waldman spoke with “Managed Healthcare Executive”. He said that VDPHL01 produced faster, more consistent and greater hair growth than existing minoxidil treatments. Update: February 4, 2026 Veradermics just completed a successful IPO that raised $256 million. It is now listed on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker “MANE.” Update: October 16, 2025 Veradermics Raises $150 million in Series C Financing Yesterday, we heard that Pelage Pharmaceuticals (US) raised a massive $120 million in Series B Financing. In 2026, they plan to begin Phase 3 trials for their hair growth product PP405. Today, we have news that Veradermics has raised an even larger $150 million in an oversubscribed Series C Financing. And this is after they raised $75 million in 2024 from Series B Financing. Such numbers are unheard of in the hair loss world. Veradermics is already conducting multiple Phase 3 trials for their hair growth product VDPHL. For context, in 2021, the esteemed RIKEN and Dr. Takashi Tsuji of Japan were finding it difficult to raise $5 million and even asked me to help them with the goal. And in 2025, Yunce Biotech (China) is finding it tough to raise just $2 million to move forward with their hair cloning work. See the most recent comments from reader “Jan Miedza” in that Yunce post. And in late 2024, the much hyped Stemson Therapeutics (US) folded because it could not raise sufficient funds. Many other hair loss companies that I have discussed on this site in the past folded due to lack of funds to proceed with tedious clinical trials and approval processes. In the earlier mentioned press release from Veradermics, they do not mention any other ingredient besides extended-release oral Minoxidil in this VDPHL01 tablet. The do provide some great before and after hair growth photos from their Phase 2 trials: Update: September 29, 2025 Early Study Finds Extended-Release Minoxidil Grows More Hair An optimistic summary of the

How Do Exosomes Support Hair Growth? Exosomes support hair restoration through several well-documented mechanisms. They activate the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, which is one of the primary molecular switches that governs the hair growth cycle. When this pathway is properly activated, follicles transition into the anagen (active growth) phase and stay there longer. A 2024 systematic review published in the Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology confirmed this mechanism as central to exosome-driven hair regeneration. They also reduce scalp inflammation, which is a significant but often overlooked contributor to hair thinning. Chronic low-grade inflammation around the follicle disrupts the growth cycle and can gradually damage the follicle over time. Exosomes carry anti-inflammatory signals that help create a healthier follicle environment. Finally, they improve blood flow and nutrient delivery to the follicle by supporting the growth of new microvasculature around the hair follicle unit. Better circulation means more oxygen and nutrients reaching the cells that power hair growth. What Does the Research Show? The clinical evidence for exosome therapy in hair restoration has grown substantially in recent years. A 2024 systematic review and meta-analysis analyzing nine clinical studies and 125 patients found that every study reported improvements in at least one key hair parameter. Hair density increased by 9.5 to 35 hairs per square centimeter depending on the exosome source and protocol, and hair thickness improved by up to 13 micrometers. No serious adverse events were reported across the studies. A prospective study published in Aesthetic Plastic Surgery in 2024 specifically examined exosome treatment in androgenetic alopecia and found meaningful improvements in both hair density and patient satisfaction over the follow-up period. A broader systematic review from PMC covering multiple alopecia types concluded that exosomes derived from adipose tissue, placenta, and umbilical cord sources all showed substantial benefits, with the research consistently pointing to improvements in follicle cycling and no significant safety concerns. The honest caveat is that most studies to date have been small, and the field is still working toward standardized protocols and larger randomized controlled trials. But the direction of evidence is clear and consistent, which is why exosome therapy has become a meaningful part of how we approach hair restoration at NHLMA. Who Is a Good Candidate? Exosome therapy tends to work best for patients in the earlier to moderate stages of hair loss, before significant follicle miniaturization has occurred. Once a follicle has been fully dormant for an extended period, the window for reactivation narrows. Earlier intervention generally means better outcomes. Good candidates include patients experiencing gradual thinning or increased shedding, those with androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss) at early to moderate stages, patients who have not responded fully to topical treatments like minoxidil, those looking for a non-surgical option with minimal downtime, and patients who want to enhance the results of other treatments like PRP or laser therapy. It is not a one-size-fits-all treatment, which is why we begin every exosome conversation with a thorough consultation and scalp evaluation. Understanding what is driving your hair loss determines whether exosomes alone or a combined protocol will produce the best result. Source link

In 2019 when I first discussed exosomes for hair growth, most doctors were injecting them into the scalp. Recently, I also discussed the rarer intravenous (IV) delivery of exosomes to tackle hair loss. Now I look at the topical application of exosome serums into the scalp, due to three such new products being in recent news. Note that some injectable products from exosome suppliers to the hair loss market can also be applied topically. The method of delivery will depend on your doctor’s or clinic’s preference. Calecim (PTT-6) Advanced Hair System with Topical Exosomes Calecim (PTT- 6) Advanced Hair System: Topical Exosomes and Growth Factors for Hair Growth. Recently, HairClone (UK) announced a partnership in which the company will work with an interesting new exosome containing topical product called Calecim Advanced Hair System (that comes with a Derma Stamp). Edit: The manufacturer has now given blog readers a 15% off discount code “HLC2020“ for purchases of the Advanced Hair System kit. Per their website, Calecim includes PTT-6®, which contains over 3,000 proteins, including growth factors, cytokines and exosomes that signal cells to regenerate. PTT-6 is derived from the secretion of cord lining stem cells isolated from the umbilical cord tissues of New Zealand red deer at birth. No deer is harmed during the extraction and harvest process of this rich source of stem cells. Calecim Dermastamp Included. The full list of ingredients is PTT-6® and cord lining conditioned media (from stem cell derived fibronectins, glycoproteins, albumin, collagens and hyaluronic acid). This Calecim topical serum is to be used with an included Derma Stamp for better absorption. A lot people underetrake at-home microneedling for similar reasons. This includes via dermarollers or dermapens or dermastamps. Elevai Exosomes Combined with Yuva Biosciences Mitochondrial Technology Elevai Topical Exosomes for Hair Growth. Elevai Labs (US) recently gave a positive update regarding the company’s topical Elevai “age zero” Exosomes™ product range for hair loss. In a year-long study that the company conducted, patients who used Elevai empower™ exosomes in combination with in-office microneedling saw favorable results. The company also makes Elevai enfinity™ for at-home use in repairing your skin. The 12-month results were assessed using imaging analysis and showed a cessation in crown inflammation, a reversal of miniaturized hairs, and a recovery of hairs from the dormant resting phase. the still on-going research study is being conducted in partnership with Carly Klein, president of the National Hair Loss Medical Aesthetics (NHLMA). Note that I previously also discussed Elevai in my post on Yuva Biosciences and BosleyMDs new hair loss product related to mitochondrial upregulation. Yuva is partnering with Elevai to release a hair loss product that will combine Elevai’s proprietary PREx™ exosome technology with Yuva’s Y100™ mitochondrial technology. The two companies jointly filed for a combination patent in August 2024. Ultimately, Elevai is developing a new hair and scalp care product line, called “Elevai S-Series Root Renewal System” that will be powered by exosomes and mitochondrial technology. According to company CEO Dr. Jordan R. Plews, they are in the process of conducting a follow-on study. This will further analyze the combination of Elevai exosomes and Yuva’s Y100 mitochondrial technology to address hair loss and thinning concerns. In January 2025, Elevai’s skin and hair care business was acquired by Carmell (US). In March 2025, Carmell announced a rebranding and name change to Longevity Health Holdings. The company plans to launch a hair growth serum in the second quarter of 2025. Most likely, it will be the exosome and mitochondrial upregulation product that I discusses above. ExoCelBio Evovex Serum Another company that makes a line of topical exosomes is ExoCelBio (US) via its Evovex serum. The company website says that these exosomes are derived from the chorion of placental mesenchymal stem cells (pMSCs). Their Exovex™ serum Refine brand was launched in 2023 and has a concentration level of 75 billion exosomes per vial. Refine employs a high concentration of non-lyophilized, purified exosomes that results in fuller and stronger hair. In May 2024, the US FDA sent a violation warning letter to ExoCelBio in relation to the company’s marketing and lack of a biologics license. This is not surprising, considering the new stricter FDA guidelines governing exosome products. In the US, exosomes are regulated as both a drug and a biologic. In Europe, you are not even allowed to use human-derived exosomes to treat hair loss. Zishel Xomage A June 2025 study that was co-authored by scientists from South Korea, France and Germany found the use of topical Zishel Xomage exosomes to significantly benefit hair growth. The product was applied to the scalp after microneedling. Note that Zishel makes both plant-based exosomes; as well as human adipose-derived mesenchymal stem cell based exosomes. Source link

Why Does Accutane Cause Hair Loss? Accutane works by dramatically reducing oil gland activity in the skin. This is what makes it so effective for severe acne, but those same oil glands in your scalp play a role in keeping your follicles healthy. When isotretinoin suppresses them, it can disrupt the hair growth cycle in two key ways. The most common is telogen effluvium. This is when a physical stressor, in this case the medication, causes a large number of follicles to shift prematurely into the resting phase. A few months later, those follicles shed at the same time, which is when you notice increased hair fall. Research published in Skin: The Journal of Cutaneous Medicine confirms telogen effluvium as the primary mechanism, with retinoids thought to arrest the anagen (growth) phase and impair how hair is anchored during the resting phase. Beyond that, a 2018 study in the Journal of the European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology found that isotretinoin directly affects the hair cycle at a cellular level, further supporting the link between the drug and follicle disruption. How Common Is It? Less common than most people fear. A systematic review of 22 studies published in the Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology found that hair loss occurred in about 3.2% of patients on lower doses and 5.7% of patients on higher doses. That said, these numbers likely reflect clinically documented cases. Milder shedding that patients manage at home probably goes underreported. A separate retrospective study found that patients who did experience hair loss tended to be older, had higher cumulative doses, and had been on treatment for longer. The takeaway is that dose matters. If hair loss is a concern for you, it is worth talking to your prescribing doctor about whether your dose can be adjusted. What Does It Look and Feel Like? Accutane-related hair loss is usually diffuse, meaning it affects the whole scalp rather than specific patches or a receding hairline. You may notice your ponytail feels thinner, more hair on your pillow, or increased shedding when washing. The scalp may also feel drier or more sensitive than usual. Shedding typically begins two to four months after starting treatment, though some patients do not notice it until they are finishing their course. Source link

During the past two years, a large number of unique and promising topical hair growth cosmeceuticals have entered the market. None of these have gone through all three phases of clinical trials, though one (KX-826) is currently in Phase 3 trials. All of these cosmeceuticals have some legitimate science behind their potential efficacy. This rapid proliferation of new well researched cosmeceuticals that can be purchased online to fight hair loss is encouraging. Even if many of the beneficial claims (often in mice) turn out to be exaggerated. Hair loss sufferers are tired of lengthy clinical trials that ultimately lead to nowhere. So I am glad about this “shortcut” to market. Most importantly, we have thus far not heard of any major issues with side effects from any of these new hair loss products. Note that the term “cosmeceutical” is a portmanteau of the words “cosmetic” and “pharmaceutical”. However, the FDA does not recognize it, and says that such a product has to be classified as: a (topical) drug, or a cosmetic, or both. New Topical Hair Growth Cosmeceuticals CosmeRNA for hair loss. The product that started this recent trend was CosmeRNA, first released in May 2023 in Western Europe by Bioneer (South Korea). In 2024, it was released in the US on Amazon. CosmeRNA targets the androgen receptor via self-assembled micelle inhibitory RNA (SAMiRNA) nanoparticle-type siRNA. Prior to the product’s release, the scientists behind its development published a study in Nature in January 2022. Yuva Biosciences BosleyMD Revive+ Foam for Hair Loss. In February 2024, Bosley (US) and Yuva Biosciences (US) together released a new hair loss foam product that works by boosting mitochondria levels in scalp hair. It contains Yuva’s Y100™ small molecule that improves mitochondrial function, and is sold on Amazon. Moreover, in December 2024, Elevai Labs (US) and Yuva launched a new line of hair loss products (shampoo, conditioner and serum) that contain Elevai ‘s PREx Exosomes™ and Yuva’s Y100™. Also of note, Atticus Pharma (US) is working on a hair growth topical product that will deliver a mitochondrial-activating molecule using the company’s Z-pod sustained-release technology. Kintor Hair Loss Cosmeceutical. In June 2024, Kintor Pharmaceutical (China) released its much anticipated KX-826 (pyrilutamide) hair growth spray on Amazon. While the original version was at a strength of 0.5%, the company released a higher-strength version in 2025. This was followed by two additional versions, including a foam. KX-826 is an androgen receptor antagonist, and is currently in Phase 3 clinical trials in both China and the US. It is expected to get released in China in 2027. Meanwhile, for the time being, we have the option to buy the cosmecutical version of KX-826 from Amazon. In October 2025, a South Korea based company called AriBio received permission from the Ministry of Food and Drug Safety to market its TeloAct product as a hair loss cosmetic. This topical product activates telomerase enzymes, which supposedly helps prevent hair loss due to telomere shortening. Read more about this in my post on telomerase activation and hair growth. In November 2025, Mallia Therapeutics (Germany) released its 8T3 Essentials Hair Serum. This hair growth product is based on a molecule called MAL-838, which is derived from a soluble version of the CD83 protein (aka sCD83). Research has indicated that hair follicle formation and wound healing are improved in CD83-treated mice. Coegin Pharma (Sweden) will release its Follicopeptide hair growth product in December 2025. This osteopontin-derived peptide product for hair growth has a decade of research behind it via Follicum (a company that was purchased by Coegin in 2022). A number of topical exosome products for hair growth were released in 2024 and 2025, with Calecim getting the most publicity. Some of them are only available at doctor or surgeon offices and often applied after scalp microneedling. Other Potential Future Topical Hair Loss Cosmeceuticals In July 2024, a study from the UK captured global media attention due to its viral finding that a naturally occurring sugar (2-deoxy-D-ribose — 2dDr) could reverse hair loss. The results were only in mice, and I doubt that anything significant will be seen in humans. Nevertheless, the scientists behind these findings plan to further research the potential of developing a topically delivered sugar gel product for human scalps. Meanwhile, a number of companies and entrepreneurs have already started selling cosmeceuticals based on 2dDr online. OliX Pharmaceuticals (South Korea) is conducting Phase 2 clinical trials for its topical hair growth product OLX104C that targets the androgen receptor. In the meantime, in June 2025, they launched a functional hair loss cosmetic called U:BERNA. However, it is unclear if there is any link to OLX104C in terms of mechanism of action. In October 2025, we heard about a new fatty acid serum from Taiwan that will likely be a cosmeceutical if and when released. The product will not need to go through any clinical trials since its fatty acid ingredients are already well established and safe. Energenesis (Taiwan) is working on a topical AMP-activated protein kinase (AMPK) hair growth cosmetic product. It boosts the adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels of human follicle dermal papilla cells. On a related note, Spain-based Ideeea Therapeutics is working on developing an injectable treatment consisting allogeneic mesenchymal stem cells (derived from adipose tissue) combined with ATP. Topical androgen receptor inhibitor Breezula from Cosmo Pharmaceuticals (Ireland) is also currently in Phase 3 clinical trials. Unlike what Kintor did with its earlier mentioned androgen receptor antagonist, Cosmo does not plan to release any cosmeceutical version of Breezula in advance of official government approval for its main product. Note that the much anticipated PP405 from Pelage Pharmceuticals is a topical hair loss product that will enter Phase 3 clinical trials in 2026. However, it does not seem like the company plans to release any cosmeceutical version in advance. Hope Medicine’s HMI-115 prolactin blocker is delivered via injection, so it is not exactly a topical (lotion, cream, gel or spray). But I will still mention it here since it has completed Phase 2