TLDR Platelet-rich plasma can potentially promote hair growth by stimulating cell growth and increasing certain proteins.
In 2012, a study investigated the effects of activated platelet-rich plasma (PRP) on hair growth. The researchers found that PRP increased the proliferation of dermal papilla (DP) cells, stimulated certain signaling pathways, and upregulated growth factors, all of which are potent stimuli for hair growth. In an in vivo study, mice injected with PRP showed faster hair growth cycle transitions compared to control mice. The study also found that PRP increased the expression of certain proteins in cultured human DP cells, suggesting it stimulates hair growth by inducing the differentiation of stem cells into hair follicle cells. However, further studies were needed to investigate the mechanism of action and safety of PRP before it could be applied clinically.
51 citations,
February 2009 in “Journal of dermatological science” Pitx2 helps outer root sheath cells differentiate but can't start hair growth on its own.
41 citations,
January 2007 in “Journal of Korean Medical Science” Minoxidil and ATRA together boost hair growth more effectively than minoxidil alone.
251 citations,
October 2006 in “Plastic and reconstructive surgery/PSEF CD journals” Using platelet plasma growth factors in baldness surgery can increase the number of hair follicles.
3 citations,
April 2023 in “Dermatologica Sinica” PRP treatment may help with alopecia areata, especially in newer cases.
2 citations,
June 2023 in “Gels” Injectable hydrogels are becoming increasingly useful in medicine for drug delivery and tissue repair.
1 citations,
January 2017 in “Elsevier eBooks” The document concludes that new treatments for hair loss may involve a combination of cosmetics, clinical methods, and genetic approaches.
January 2019 in “Georg Thieme Verlag eBooks” Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy can effectively treat various hair loss conditions, improve hair count, thickness, and density, and potentially speed up results when combined with surgical techniques.
November 2023 in “Materials Today Bio” Light therapy might help treat hereditary hair loss by improving hair follicle growth in lab cultures.
November 2023 in “Stem cells and cloning” A new treatment using stem cell-conditioned media significantly improved hair growth in people with temporary hair loss.
