TLDR Certain treatments can speed up local hair growth in mice but don't change the overall hair growth pattern.
In a study with 221 albino mice, researchers found that hair growth was accelerated by clipping or epilation using either barium sulphide or a carcinogenic hydrocarbon. The treatments resulted in hair appearing earlier in the treated areas than in untreated areas, with a latent period before accelerated growth that varied by treatment. The artificially induced hair growth was histologically similar to normal hair growth. The study also discussed conflicting literature on hair growth induction, noting that while some studies suggest shaving or cutting hair can stimulate growth, others see no effect. The conclusion was that while local hair growth cycles in mice can be sped up through certain treatments, the overall pattern of hair succession is unchanged.
521 citations,
January 1954 in “Physiological Reviews” Hair growth is cyclic and influenced mainly by local factors.
50 citations,
October 1918 in “The journal of experimental zoology” Artificially inducing hair regrowth in mice can change the normal pattern and timing of hair growth, with minimal color differences between old and new fur.
521 citations,
January 1954 in “Physiological Reviews” Hair growth is cyclic and influenced mainly by local factors.
58 citations,
March 1985 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” The document concludes that electrolysis and thermolysis can permanently remove hair but calls for better regulation to ensure safety, and notes a possibility of hair regrowth and rare complications.
58 citations,
October 1993 in “International Journal of Dermatology” Minoxidil helps hair growth and reduces shedding in women.
51 citations,
January 2004 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” The document explains hair growth and shedding, factors affecting it, and methods to evaluate hair loss, emphasizing the importance of skin biopsy for diagnosis.
22 citations,
September 2014 in “Veterinary Dermatology” Low-level laser therapy seems to help dogs with noninflammatory alopecia grow hair back.
