TLDR Photodynamic therapy can remove nonpigmented hair in mice and might work for humans.
In a study from 2016, researchers explored the use of photodynamic therapy (PDT) for the removal of nonpigmented hair in mice. The study involved BALB/c and C57BL/6 female mice and compared the effects of PDT to an 800-nm diode laser. Results indicated that PDT was effective in achieving temporary and, after multiple sessions, permanent reduction of nonpigmented hair by damaging the hair matrix and inducing a catagen-like transformation in hair follicles. In contrast, pigmented hair was less effectively removed by PDT but more effectively by laser treatment. Histological examination after repeated PDT sessions showed damage to bulge stem cells and dermal papillae, suggesting a bystander effect that could lead to permanent hair reduction. The study concluded that PDT could be a viable method for nonpigmented hair removal, while laser treatment was more suitable for pigmented hair. However, challenges remain in applying PDT to humans, including asynchronous hair cycling and potential complications with high-dose PDT.
6 citations,
June 2013 in “British Journal of Dermatology” Intense pulsed light treatment mainly damages pigmented hair parts but spares stem cells, allowing hair to regrow.
207 citations,
January 2011 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Laser hair removal is the most requested cosmetic procedure and has become a scientifically-based treatment suitable for all skin types.
134 citations,
September 2008 in “Lasers in surgery and medicine” Low fluence photoepilation temporarily removes hair by targeting the hair follicle's pigmented area without severe damage.
82 citations,
May 2005 in “Dermatologic therapy” Laser hair removal has advanced to effectively reduce hair for various skin types and hair colors.
112 citations,
July 1998 in “Journal of Investigative Dermatology” Ruby laser pulses best destroy hair follicles during the growth phase and effectiveness varies with laser intensity; melanin is key for targeting, and timing treatments can improve results.
January 2022 in “Journal of St. Marianna University” Substances from human hair cells can affect hair loss-related genes, potentially leading to new treatments for baldness.
15 citations,
April 2014 in “Experimental Dermatology” Scientists developed a system to study human hair growth using skin cells, which could help understand hair development and improve skin substitutes for medical use.
321 citations,
December 2009 in “Journal of Dermatological Science” Dermal cells are key in controlling hair growth and could potentially be used in hair loss treatments, but more research is needed to improve hair regeneration methods.
January 2003 in “Chinese Journal of Reparative and Reconstructive Surgery” Dermal papilla cells can help form hair follicles and produce hair.
66 citations,
August 2001 in “Experimental Dermatology” Human hair follicle cells can grow hair when put into mouse skin if they stay in contact with mouse cells.
57 citations,
November 1998 in “Wound Repair and Regeneration” Hair papilla cells can create and regenerate hair bulbs under the right conditions.
