Reflections on How Wound Healing-Promoting Effects of the Hair Follicle Can Be Translated into Clinical Practice

Oleic acid and microneedling are being explored for hair regrowth, but results are mixed. Addressing DHT and fibrosis is crucial, with treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and scalp massage also discussed.

Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

PP405 may encourage earlier hair growth and slightly increase visible hair count but does not reverse hair follicle miniaturization in male pattern baldness. It does not address damage to the dermal papilla or broken Wnt signaling.

Pelage is developing a topical hair follicle stem cell therapy, PP405, for non-scarring alopecias like androgenetic alopecia, with Phase III trials planned and a potential market launch by 2027. The treatment may not require continuous use after initial regrowth.

Minoxidil alone is often insufficient for treating hair loss because it doesn't address the DHT-related cause. Combining it with finasteride, a DHT blocker, is generally more effective.