TLDR Testosterone and dihydrotestosterone slow hair cell growth, while estradiol has no effect.
The study investigated the effects of testosterone, dihydrotestosterone, and estradiol on the growth of cultured hair bulb papilla cells and root sheath fibroblasts from three healthy male subjects. It was found that both testosterone and dihydrotestosterone inhibited the growth rates of these cells, with a more pronounced effect on hair bulb papilla cells at higher doses. Estradiol did not affect the growth of either cell type.
58 citations
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June 1987 in “Archives of Dermatological Research” EGF and FGF boost hair cell growth, hydrocortisone slows it, and minoxidil doesn't affect it.
29 citations
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May 1986 in “Journal of Steroid Biochemistry” Androgens don't directly affect hair cell growth or protein production.
Frontal hair in male pattern baldness shows reduced growth and thickness.
42 citations
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February 1985 in “Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology” Excessive hair growth can be assessed by history, exam, and blood tests, and treated with medication like dexamethasone, birth control pills, and spironolactone.
56 citations
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July 2005 in “Experimental Dermatology” Injected human hair follicle cells can create new, small hair follicles in skin cultures.
January 2003 in “Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery” Dermal papilla cells can help form hair follicles and produce hair.
61 citations
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October 1996 in “Development” Hair growth can be stimulated by combining certain skin cells, which can rejuvenate old cells and cause them to specialize in hair follicle creation.
94 citations
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February 1994 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” EGF makes hair follicles grow longer but stops hair production.