Hair Biology and Care Product Ingredients from Marine Organisms
December 2011
TLDR Marine-derived ingredients show potential for hair health but need more human trials to confirm effectiveness.
The document from December 20, 2011, explores the potential of marine organisms as a source of ingredients for hair care products aimed at treating alopecia and promoting hair health. It outlines the biology of hair, the hair growth cycle, and the influence of genes and hormones on these processes, noting an increase in hair loss due to lifestyle and environmental changes. The paper discusses various types of alopecia and their causes, including genetic, immunological, hormonal, and stress-related factors. It highlights a shift towards natural ingredients in hair care, with marine algae and fish extracts being identified as rich in minerals, vitamins, amino acids, proteins, and essential fatty acids beneficial for hair growth and health. Species like Palmaria palmata, Ecklonia cava, and Undaria pinnatifida, as well as cartilaginous fish extracts, have shown promise in promoting hair growth. However, the document concludes that while marine-derived ingredients are promising due to their nutrient content and low production costs, more human clinical trials are needed to confirm their effectiveness.
View this study on taylorfrancis.com →
Cited in this study
research Bald scalp in men with androgenetic alopecia retains hair follicle stem cells but lacks CD200-rich and CD34-positive hair follicle progenitor cells
Men with baldness due to androgenetic alopecia still have hair stem cells, but lack specific cells needed for hair growth.
research Androgens and hair growth
Androgens can both increase and decrease hair growth in different parts of the body.
research Nourkrin®: Objective and Subjective Effects and Tolerability in Persons with Hair Loss
Nourkrin® significantly increased hair growth and was well-tolerated by people with hair loss.
research Drug-Induced Hair Disorders
Some drugs can cause hair loss, excessive growth, or color changes, often reversible but sometimes permanent.
research Biology of the Hair Follicle: The Basics
The document concludes that understanding hair follicle biology can lead to better hair loss treatments.
research Human Scalp Hair Follicles Are Both a Target and a Source of Prolactin, which Serves as an Autocrine and/or Paracrine Promoter of Apoptosis-Driven Hair Follicle Regression
Prolactin contributes to hair loss by promoting hair follicle shrinkage and cell death.
research Effect of 5α-Dihydrotestosterone and Testosterone on Apoptosis in Human Dermal Papilla Cells
High levels of testosterone and 5α-DHT can lead to cell death in cells important for hair growth.
research Androgens and alopecia
Male hormones, particularly DHT, are linked to male pattern hair loss, and treatments like finasteride can help, but they don't work for postmenopausal women's hair loss, which may have different causes.
research Molecular Mechanisms Regulating Hair Follicle Development
Understanding hair follicle development can help treat hair loss, skin regeneration, and certain skin cancers.
research Control of hair growth and follicle size by VEGF-mediated angiogenesis
VEGF helps hair grow and determines follicle size by increasing blood vessel growth.
research Localization of Plasminogen Activator Inhibitor Type 2 (PAI-2) in Hair and Nail: Implications for Terminal Differentiation
research Androgens and human hair growth
research A Comparative Study of a New Food Supplement, ViviScal®, with Fish Extract for the Treatment of Hereditary Androgenic Alopecia in Young Males
ViviScal®, a food supplement, was found to be highly effective in treating hereditary hair loss in young males, while fish extract showed no impact.
research The secret life of the hair follicle
Hair follicles create different cell layers and proteins, controlled by various molecules.
Related
research Cosmetics and Cosmeceutical Applications of Chitin, Chitosan and Their Derivatives
Chitin and chitosan are useful in cosmetics for oral care, haircare, and skincare, including UV protection and strength improvement.