TLDR Botulinum toxin affects hair follicles, inhibiting TGF-B1 secretion; more research ongoing.
This document is a reply to a comment on a study about the effect of intradermal botulinum toxin on androgenetic alopecia. The authors of the study clarify that their focus was on the direct effect of botulinum toxin on hair follicles, specifically its ability to inhibit the secretion of TGF-B1 from dermal papilla cells. They also mention the possible diffusion of the toxin to the subcutaneous layer, where the hair bulb is located. The study had a small sample size and was a pilot study without a control group, but a phase IIa clinical trial is currently ongoing to investigate further.
1 citations,
July 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Botulinum toxin may help treat hair loss by relaxing scalp muscles, improving oxygen and blood flow.
13 citations,
May 2020 in “Journal of Plastic Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgery” Botulinum toxin's effectiveness for treating scalp alopecia is not well-supported due to insufficient data.
12 citations,
December 2018 in “Dermatologic Therapy” Small Botox dose effectively treats hair loss in Chinese men.
24 citations,
January 2017 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery” Botulinum toxin was found to be a safe and effective treatment for male pattern baldness in a small test, but more research is needed.
50 citations,
November 2010 in “Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery” Botox increased hair count in men with baldness and might work by improving scalp blood flow.
15 citations,
April 2020 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Botulinum toxin injections may help treat hair loss by blocking harmful secretion in hair follicles.
1 citations,
September 2021 in “Skin appendage disorders” Botulinum toxin injections can help treat common hair loss in men, but more research is needed to confirm this and understand how it works.
September 2023 in “JPRAS Open” Botulinum Toxin A may help with hair growth and has some side effects; more research is needed.
4 citations,
April 2021 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Botulinum toxin may help hair loss by increasing blood flow and reducing harmful factors.
August 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology” Higher concentration of botulinum toxin A is safe and effective for treating hair loss in men and women.
