Hair Growth Effects of Zinc Sulfate and Zinc Chloride Using a Mouse Model

This study investigated the effects of zinc sulfate (ZnSO4) and zinc chloride (ZnCl2) on hair growth in C57BL/6 mice. Over 6 weeks, the mice's dorsum hair was depilated and treated with 20 ppm zinc solutions, with 3% minoxidil as a positive control and tonic water and no treatment as negative controls. Results showed that 3% minoxidil had the highest hair growth, followed by ZnSO4, tonic water, no treatment, and ZnCl2. Histological analysis revealed well-developed hair follicles, hair papilla, and hair roots in the ZnSO4 group, suggesting that zinc solutions could promote hair growth by influencing growth hormones around hair follicles. Further clinical trials were recommended to explore zinc's potential as a therapeutic agent for alopecia.