4th Intercontinental Meeting of Hair Research Societies 2004: The World of Hair

The 4th Intercontinental Meeting of Hair Research Societies, held in Berlin from June 17-19, 2004, focused on the latest developments in hair research, including stem cell research, pigmentation, endocrinology, alopecia areata, hair morphology and cycling, genetics, gene therapy, hair surgery, and epilation. Key findings presented at the meeting included the discovery that adult hair follicles contain multipotent stem cells capable of regenerating various epithelial lineages of the skin and that hair follicle dermis can differentiate into multiple cell types, including those with hematopoietic activity. Advances in understanding hair pigmentation were discussed, including the role of ß-endorphin and the molecular definition of the melanocyte stem cell niche. Progress in hormone regulation of the pilosebaceous unit has led to new therapeutic approaches for androgen-dependent disorders. Genetic studies have identified critical genes in hair growth and cycling, and a linkage for alopecia areata on chromosomes 5 and 8 was reported, along with a new treatment strategy using anti-interferon-y. Updates on hair transplantation and laser epilation highlighted modern techniques that yield natural-looking results. The meeting aimed to stimulate exchange and generate new ideas in the field of hair research.