Can the heat from capsicum actually wake up dormant hair follicles?

When people talk about "dormant follicles," they are referring to those tiny structures in the scalp that have stopped producing hair and remain in a prolonged resting state. When inactive, these follicles do not generate new hair, which contributes to visible hair thinning and loss. This condition is frequently associated with follicular miniaturization, a process in which the follicle becomes smaller, the hair fiber thinner, and eventually stops growing altogether. The stark truth is that dormant follicles, without intervention, may lose their ability to grow hair entirely. So, the question arises: can the heat stimulated by capsicum —specifically its active compound, capsaicin— reactivate these resting follicles? The theory lies in capsaicin’s ability to stimulate heat and pain receptors, triggering a response in the scalp.

But the central question remains: can this stimulation reverse dormancy and push follicles back into a growth phase?

The biological mechanism behind capsicum heat

Capsaicin activates a receptor called TRPV1 (transient receptor potential vanilloid 1), found in the nerve endings of the skin. Activation of TRPV1 causes a sensation of heat and mild pain, which leads to the release of a molecule called CGRP (calcitonin gene-related peptide). This peptide, in turn, stimulates the production of insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), a molecule that plays a key role in promoting hair growth by activating follicular cells.

In simple terms: capsaicin heats the skin, nerve fibers react and release CGRP, and the follicle receives a signal to wake up via IGF-1.

Actual and detailed scientific evidence

A study published in 2007 by Harada and colleagues used both human participants and mice to evaluate capsaicin combined with isoflavone. Forty-eight people with alopecia were enrolled, of whom 31 received 6 mg/day of capsaicin and 75 mg/day of isoflavone, while 17 received a placebo. Over five months, they evaluated hair growth through clinical photographs and plasma IGF-1 levels. The results showed that 65% of the treated group experienced hair regrowth, compared to 12% of the placebo group. However, because this study used a combination of substances and involved a small sample, it's difficult to isolate capsaicin’s individual effect.

Another experiment by the same research group applied a 0.01% capsaicin cream to the skin of mice and to the faces of 17 healthy female volunteers. The study showed increased IGF-1 levels in the skin and improved elasticity, though hair growth was not measured in humans. The experiment was brief and included a limited number of participants. In 2022, Zhou et al. conducted a randomized controlled trial with 60 patients diagnosed with alopecia areata. One group received a topical mixture containing piperine, capsaicin, and curcumin, while another used 5% minoxidil. After 12 weeks, the group using the natural mixture showed 63% efficacy, close to the 70% response seen with minoxidil. However, because this formula combined three active ingredients, it’s not possible to attribute the results to capsaicin alone.

A 2023 review summarized several studies exploring natural compounds for hair regrowth. It found repeated evidence that capsaicin could increase IGF-1 levels through CGRP release, supporting hair growth. Still, it emphasized that most studies were either in vitro, animal-based, or used multi-compound formulas.

A follicle that remains in a prolonged resting state can undergo several damaging changes. Miniaturization leads to the production of finer, nearly invisible hairs.

Blood supply to the area may decrease, reducing the delivery of oxygen and nutrients. Over time, the follicle can degrade or develop fibrosis (scarring), which further decreases the likelihood of reactivation. If no stimulation occurs, the follicle may become permanently inactive.

Capsaicin does show a biologically plausible mechanism —through TRPV1, CGRP, and IGF-1— that could reactivate resting follicles. Some human and animal studies report increased IGF-1 levels and partial hair growth. However, capsaicin is rarely tested in isolation, often combined with other compounds, making it difficult to confirm its independent effect. Existing trials have limitations: small sample sizes, brief durations, mixed ingredients, and a lack of large-scale clinical data. As of now, capsaicin appears to be a promising complementary strategy, but it is not a proven standalone treatment for follicle reactivation.

Practical considerations

Those interested in exploring capsaicin-based treatments should consult a dermatologist, especially if they have a history of scalp sensitivity or skin conditions. It is wise to begin with very low concentrations (such as 0.01%) and observe how the skin responds. People should also manage expectations: while capsaicin may improve circulation or follicular signaling, it does not guarantee full hair regrowth. It may be best used alongside validated treatments such as minoxidil or finasteride.

Reference

Harada, N., Okajima, K., Arai, M., Kurihara, H., & Nakagata, N. (2007). Administration of capsaicin and isoflavone promotes hair growth by increasing insulin-like growth factor-I production in mice and in humans with alopecia. Growth Hormone & IGF Research. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17569567/

Zhou, Y., et al. (2022). Efficacy of a mixed preparation containing piperine, capsaicin and curcumin in treating alopecia areata. International Journal of Trichology. Retrieved from https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/35318791/

Harada, N., et al. (2008). Topical application of capsaicin increases dermal IGF‑1 levels in mice and improves skin elasticity in humans. ResearchGate. Retrieved from https://www.researchgate.net/publication/6498943

Integrative and Mechanistic Approach to the Hair Growth Cycle and Related Treatments. (2023). Journal Article. PMC. Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC9917549/

Management of hair loss. (2025). Wikipedia. Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Management_of_hair_loss