Retinoids in Hair Disorders

Retinoids played a crucial role in hair differentiation, growth, and regulation, impacting the hair growth cycle directly. Retinoic acid influenced the anagen initiation phase and directed stem cells to produce normal hair follicles. Systemic retinoids were linked to hair disorders like acute telogen effluvium, alopecia areata, and acquired progressive kinking of the hair. In contrast, topical retinoids were effective for treating androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata, while systemic retinoids were effective for frontal fibrosing alopecia and monilethrix.