Extraction and Formulation of Hydrolyzed Wool Keratin Solution for Hair Growth

The study investigated the effects of a keratin solution extracted from sheep wool on hair growth. The keratin was obtained through sulfitolysis and formulated into a 0.1% weight/volume solution. Applied topically to 4 telogenic mice, the solution significantly reduced the time for hair growth initiation and completion compared to a control group, with the treated mice's hair being hard, long, thick, and healthy. The solution was found to be a Newtonian fluid with good physical stability and a suitable pH for hair, and it did not cause skin irritation in albino rats. The study concluded that wool-derived keratin extract is a safe and effective topical agent for stimulating hair growth and could be a promising treatment for hair follicle disorders, though further research is needed for additional characterization.