3-Hydroxypropionic Acid Enhances Hair Growth-Related Signaling in Human Follicle Dermal Papilla Cells via Activation of the Wnt/β-Catenin Pathway

    February 2026 in “ International Journal of Molecular Sciences ”
    Chae Young Jeon, Yun Hoo Jo, Seung A. Woo, Yura Lee, Woochul Jung, Dong Wook Shin
    Image of study
    TLDR 3-Hydroxypropionic acid may help treat hair loss by promoting hair growth in cells.
    This study demonstrates that 3-hydroxypropionic acid (3-HP) enhances hair growth-related functions in human follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPCs) by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway, particularly under oxidative stress conditions. 3-HP improves cell viability, reduces intracellular reactive oxygen species (ROS), and supports mitochondrial function, which are essential for hair follicle regeneration. It also modulates gene expression by upregulating IGF-1 and WNT10B while reducing DKK-1 levels. These findings suggest that 3-HP could be a promising therapeutic agent for hair loss treatment, though further in vivo studies and clinical trials are needed to confirm its efficacy and safety.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    62 / 62 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 1000+ results

      community 3 month update finasteride 1mg daily no minoxidil

      in Progress Pictures  153 upvotes 6 days ago
      A mid-40s male experienced significant hair loss after weight loss, tried minoxidil with no success, then started 1mg finasteride daily, resulting in reduced hair loss and thicker hair in three months. Users expressed amazement and inquired about side effects and improvement timeline.

      community 3-Year Progress on Fin+Min (20M-23M)

      in Progress Pictures  77 upvotes 1 week ago
      A user shared their 3-year progress using finasteride and minoxidil for hair loss, noting significant improvement after adding minoxidil to their routine. They also use a derma roller weekly and apply minoxidil topically to the entire hairline.

      community 3.5 months of minoxidil + Fin (M28)

      in Minoxidil  10 upvotes 1 week ago
      A user shared their 3.5-month progress using 1 mg oral finasteride daily, 5% topical minoxidil nightly, and a dermaroller weekly, reporting no side effects. Others congratulated the user on their progress and inquired about side effects, to which the user confirmed experiencing none.

      community 3 months of finasteride. Working wonders

      in Satire  432 upvotes 1 week ago
      Finasteride is being humorously praised for its effectiveness in treating hair loss. The conversation includes jokes about side effects and mentions of a dog.

      community 3 month update with clearer pictures

      in Progress Pictures  97 upvotes 2 weeks ago
      The user shared a 3-month update on their hair loss treatment using finasteride, minoxidil, microneedling, and ketoconazole shampoo, later switching to dutasteride. They plan to evaluate progress after a year and consider a hair transplant.

    Similar Research

    5 / 1000+ results