A Systematic Review on the Lipid Composition of Human Hair

    February 2022 in “ International Journal of Dermatology ”
    David Csuka, Ella Csuka, Margit Juhász, Ajay Sharma, Natasha Atanaskova Mesinkovska
    TLDR Lipids are crucial for healthy hair, protecting it from damage and breakage.
    This systematic review examines the lipid composition of human hair, highlighting variations by ethnic hair type and hair layer. Lipids in the hair shaft's cuticle, cortex, and medulla protect against environmental and chemical damage, prevent breakage, and influence hair's elastic and tensile properties. The review includes 59 articles and finds that lipid loss, accelerated by treatments like bleaching, dyeing, perming, straightening, and exposure to surfactants, sun, and aging, leads to dehydrated, breakable, and dull hair. Elevated hair lipid levels are associated with diseases such as acne, alopecia, and various cancers. The study underscores the importance of lipids in maintaining healthy hair and calls for further research on the impact of lipids on ethnic hair and changes due to dermatologic and systemic diseases.
    Discuss this study in the Community →

    Research cited in this study

    22 / 22 results

    Related Community Posts Join

    6 / 86 results

      community Fats on your Head to Stop Hair Loss?

      in Research/Science  140 upvotes 11 months ago
      The conversation discusses the potential of long-chain unsaturated fatty acids, like oleic and linoleic acid, as an additional treatment for hair loss, which may inhibit the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT and promote hair growth. Users humorously suggest using oils topically and discuss other hair loss treatments, but the main focus is on the science behind fatty acids and their role in hair health.
      [object Object]
      If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      community If You Have DUPA, PLEASE READ THIS: Everyone Should Be Scalp Biopsied

      in Research  830 upvotes 5 months ago
      Scalp biopsies are crucial for diagnosing hair loss conditions like Diffuse Unpatterned Alopecia (DUPA) and retrograde hair loss, as treatments like finasteride and dutasteride may not be effective if other conditions are present. Combining PPAR-GAMMA agonists with retinoids could improve treatments for conditions like Lichen Planopilaris.

      community He used Dutasteride for 20 years. Interview

      in Treatment  109 upvotes 2 months ago
      Dutasteride has been used for 20 years with some hair thickness improvement but no dramatic regrowth. The user also experimented with minoxidil, tretinoin, and peptides like BPC 157 for potential benefits in hair density and quality.
      Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

      community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

      in Research  759 upvotes 3 months ago
      The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

      community Massive hair gains! Hope! May this post be a light to you in dark phases when all other lights go out

      in Progress Pictures  193 upvotes 8 months ago
      A 27-year-old man saw significant hair regrowth after starting a regimen in January that included topical minoxidil with finasteride, vitamins D and B12, fish oil, zinc with magnesium, quitting smoking, and intermittent fasting. People commented on the effectiveness of minoxidil in Southern populations and asked about the details and timeline of his treatment.

      community Topical finasteride now the safest possible path?

      in Finasteride/Dutasteride  85 upvotes 6 months ago
      Topical finasteride is considered a safer option for hair regrowth with fewer systemic side effects compared to oral finasteride. Some users report similar efficacy and side effects between topical and oral treatments, while others prefer topical due to reduced systemic exposure.

    Similar Research

    6 / 1000+ results