Topically Applied Magnetized Saline Water Activates Autophagy in the Scalp and Increases Hair Count and Hair Mass Index in Men With Mild-to-Moderate Androgenetic Alopecia

A pilot study of 20 Caucasian men with mild-to-moderate androgenetic alopecia found that daily application of a topical lotion containing 95% magnetized saline water for 12 weeks significantly increased hair count from 20.6 ± 9.8 to 32.5 ± 12.4 and Hair Mass Index (HMI) from 37.8 ± 11.4 to 45.1 ± 13.6. The lotion also increased levels of autophagy markers, Beclin-1 and LC3B, in scalp biopsies by 44% and 36% respectively, suggesting that the lotion may promote hair growth by inducing autophagy in the scalp. No adverse effects were reported. However, the study had limitations including a small sample size, lack of a placebo arm, and limited biopsy sampling, indicating the need for further research.