Polyphenol-Rich Olive Mill Wastewater Extract and Its Potential Use in Hair Care Products

In 2021, a study was conducted to examine the effects of polyphenol-rich Olive Mill Wastewater (OMWW) extract on hair growth and hair loss. The research found that OMWW extract increased the proliferation of hair follicle dermal papilla cells (HFDPC) and the release of the growth factor IGF-1, both crucial for hair growth. The extract also reduced the production of reactive oxygen species (ROS), which can cause cell damage and contribute to hair loss. The study concluded that OMWW extract could potentially enhance and prolong hair growth and prevent hair loss due to oxidative stress. However, the exact mechanisms of action and the relationship between DHT, IGF-1, and hair loss were not fully understood, suggesting a need for further research.