Curly Hair Follicle Is Sculpted by a Contracted Arrector Pili Muscle: A Hypothesis with Treatment Implications

The conversation discusses the tension theory of baldness, suggesting that over-developed masseter muscles may harm hair follicles. Botox injections to relax these muscles reportedly led to an 18% increase in hair count in men with AGA.

Relaxation may promote hair growth by reducing corticosterone, which affects hair follicle stem cells. Corticosteroids are used for alopecia areata, but their long-term use for androgenic alopecia is uncertain.

Scalp tension from the occipitalis muscle is theorized to contribute to hair loss, but most believe DHT and genetics are the main causes. Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are considered more effective than addressing scalp tension.

Hair follicles cannot be desensitized to DHT like allergies; treatments focus on reducing DHT levels or blocking its effects using methods like finasteride, GT20029, or PROTACs. Topical treatments like ceterizine and BPA application are also mentioned.

Pilose antler extracts may promote hair growth in androgenetic alopecia by activating hair follicle stem cells through the AKT and Wnt pathways. However, results in mice may not directly apply to humans due to differences in genetic and biochemical conditions.

Hair loss treatments include finasteride, minoxidil, and scalp exercises. Opinions vary on the effectiveness, with some attributing hair loss to muscle tension and inflammation, while others focus on genetics and DHT.