Alpha-1 Adrenergic Receptor Agonist Induced Piloerection Protects Against the Development of Traction Alopecia

The study from December 17, 2015, demonstrated that the topical application of the α₁-adrenergic receptor agonist, phenylephrine, could prevent traction alopecia—a type of hair loss due to pulling on the hair roots. Involving 15 female subjects aged 18-40 who regularly styled their hair in ways that applied tension to the hair follicles, the study found that phenylephrine application led to a 42% reduction in hair shedding and a 172% increase in the force required to pluck hair. These results indicate that α₁-AR agonist-induced piloerection may offer protection against hair loss from traction alopecia, marking the first evidence of α₁-AR agonists' potential in treating this condition and reducing hair shedding caused by cosmetic hair styling practices.