Preliminary Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Hair Follicle Characteristics in Healthy Subjects

February 2026 in “ Bioengineering ”

Hee Young Lee, J. W. Lee, Seung Chan Kim, Yoonsuk Lee

hyperbaric oxygen therapy hair follicle anagen phase hair density hair volume scalp health hair regeneration HBOT

TLDR Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve hair and scalp health.

This preliminary study investigated the effects of hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) on hair and scalp characteristics in nine healthy adults over 50 sessions. While objective measures showed positive trends in follicle density, hairs per follicle, and hair volume, these were not statistically significant. However, a significant decrease in hair shaft thickness was observed, suggesting early anagen-phase regrowth. Subjective assessments indicated significant improvements in scalp appearance, hair density, thickness, growth, and shedding. The findings suggest that HBOT may enhance hair follicle activation and scalp health, warranting further research into its potential as a non-pharmacological hair regeneration treatment.

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