Hair Growth-Promoting Activities of Chitosan and Surface-Deacetylated Chitin Nanofibers

The 2019 study explored the hair growth-promoting effects of chitosan and surface-deacetylated chitin nanofibers (SDACNFs) through in vitro and in vivo experiments. In vitro, both substances increased proliferation in human follicle dermal papilla cells and production of fibroblast growth factor-7 (FGF-7) by day 3. In vivo tests on mice demonstrated that chitosan and SDACNFs enhanced hair growth, with a notable rise in anagen follicles and a reduction in telogen follicles, as well as increased expression of FGF-7 and Sonic hedgehog in hair follicles. The in vivo experiments involved groups of 3-4 mice each. These findings indicate the potential of chitosan and SDACNFs as treatments for hair loss.