Human Hair Follicle: An Update on Biology and Perspectives in Hair Growth Disorders Treatment

January 2014 in “ Hair therapy & transplantation ”

Ines Brajac Marija

TLDR New treatments for hair growth disorders are needed due to limited current options and complex hair follicle biology.

The 2014 document provides a comprehensive overview of the human hair follicle's biology and the complexities of hair growth disorders. It details the hair growth cycle, the signaling pathways and molecules involved, such as Wnt, FGF, TGF-B, IGF-1, VEGF, TRH, and spermidine, and their roles in the different phases of hair growth. The document acknowledges the limited effectiveness of current treatments like minoxidil and finasteride and underscores the necessity for more research into the molecular mechanisms controlling hair follicle cycling to improve treatment options. It also discusses the influence of hormones, neuropeptides, immune signals, and treatments on hair follicle function, and notes the identification of stem cell populations important for follicle regeneration. Despite advancements in understanding hair disorders, conditions like alopecia areata, telogen effluvium, and androgenetic alopecia continue to present significant challenges.

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