Preliminary Effects of Hyperbaric Oxygen Therapy on Hair Follicle Characteristics in Healthy Subjects
February 2026
in “
Preprints.org
”
TLDR Hyperbaric oxygen therapy may improve hair growth and scalp health.
This preliminary study on hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) involved 9 healthy adults and aimed to assess its effects on hair follicles. While objective measures like follicle density and hair volume showed positive trends, they were not statistically significant. However, a significant decrease in hair shaft thickness was observed, indicating early-stage hair regrowth. Subjective assessments and visual documentation revealed significant improvements in scalp appearance, hair density, thickness, growth, and reduced shedding. Despite the small sample size and lack of a control group, the findings suggest that HBOT may enhance hair follicle activation and scalp health, warranting further research.