Trends and Techniques: A Statistical Review of Hair Care Product Evaluation Research

August 2025 in “ International Journal of Research in Dermatology ”

Maheshvari Patel, Nayan Patel, Rutuja Patil, S. S. Shrivastava

TLDR Better standardization and transparency in statistical reporting are needed to improve hair care research quality.

This review analyzes the statistical methods used in 22 clinical trials on hair care products from 2020 to 2025, highlighting the importance of appropriate and transparent statistical analysis for validating study outcomes. Common techniques included t-tests, Wilcoxon signed-rank, Mann-Whitney U tests, and more complex models like ANOVA and ANCOVA. Despite generally appropriate methods, inconsistencies in reporting assumptions, effect sizes, and statistical justifications were noted, potentially affecting reproducibility and interpretability. The review calls for better standardization and transparency in statistical reporting to enhance the quality and reliability of hair care research.

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Comparative Study Between Fractional CO2 Laser Alone Versus Fractional CO2 Laser Combined With Topical Dutasteride in Treatment of Male Androgenic Alopecia

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January 2025 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

Combining fractional CO2 laser with topical dutasteride is more effective for treating male hair loss than using the laser alone.

A Clinical Evaluation of the Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of the Soulflower Rosemary Redensyl Hair Growth Serum, Tetragain, in Healthy Female Subjects for the Treatment of Alopecia: Promoting Hair Growth and Reducing Gray Hair

research A Clinical Evaluation of the Safety, Efficacy, and Tolerability of the Soulflower Rosemary Redensyl Hair Growth Serum, Tetragain, in Healthy Female Subjects for the Treatment of Alopecia: Promoting Hair Growth and Reducing Gray Hair

January 2025 in “Cureus”

The serum effectively promotes hair growth and reduces gray hair without side effects.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals in Males With Thinning Hair

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study to Evaluate the Safety and Efficacy of a Nutraceutical Supplement With Standardized Botanicals in Males With Thinning Hair

January 2025 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The supplement improved hair growth and quality in men with thinning hair and was safe to use.

research Randomized Clinical Trial to Evaluate the Effect of Probiotic Intake on Androgenic Alopecia

August 2024 in “Nutrients”

Probiotics help reduce hair loss and increase hair growth in people with androgenic alopecia.

research Efficacy of Type A Botulinum Toxin Treatment for Androgenetic Alopecia Using Ultrasound Combined with Trichoscopy

June 2024 in “Skin Research and Technology”

Botulinum toxin treatment improves hair follicle width and length in androgenetic alopecia.

Comparative Efficacy of 2% Minoxidil Alone Versus Combination With Low-Level Laser Therapy in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Chinese Females

research Comparative Efficacy of 2% Minoxidil Alone Versus Combination With Low-Level Laser Therapy in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Chinese Females

January 2024 in “Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy”

Using minoxidil with laser therapy is more effective for female hair loss than minoxidil alone.

Topical Sodium Valproate-Loaded Nanospanlastics Versus Conventional Topical Steroid Therapy in Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Controlled Study

research Topical Sodium Valproate-Loaded Nanospanlastics Versus Conventional Topical Steroid Therapy in Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Controlled Study

January 2024 in “Archives of dermatological research”

Both treatments for alopecia areata showed similar modest effectiveness.

A Clinical Investigation on the Safety and Effectiveness of an Ayurvedic Hair Oil in Controlling Hair Fall in Healthy Adult Human Subjects: A Study on Hair Fall Management

research A Clinical Investigation on the Safety and Effectiveness of an Ayurvedic Hair Oil in Controlling Hair Fall in Healthy Adult Human Subjects: A Study on Hair Fall Management

December 2023 in “International journal of research in dermatology”

The ayurvedic hair oil is safe and effective for reducing hair fall, promoting hair growth, and improving scalp health.

research Safety and Efficacy of Hair Growth Promoting Product in Adult Human Subjects With Alopecia

December 2023 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

The hair growth product was effective and safe, increasing hair growth, thickness, and density while reducing hair fall.

Oral and Topical Administration of Standardized Saw Palmetto Oil Reduces Hair Fall and Improves Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects: A 16-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

research Oral and Topical Administration of Standardized Saw Palmetto Oil Reduces Hair Fall and Improves Hair Growth in Androgenetic Alopecia Subjects: A 16-Week Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Study

November 2023 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Saw palmetto extract reduced hair loss and improved hair growth in people with hair thinning.

Efficacy and Safety of Persimmon Leaf Formulated With Green Tea and Sophora Fruit Extracts on Hair Growth: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

research Efficacy and Safety of Persimmon Leaf Formulated With Green Tea and Sophora Fruit Extracts on Hair Growth: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial

August 2023 in “Skin Research and Technology”

BLH308, with persimmon leaf, green tea, and sophora fruit extracts, safely increased hair density and thickness.

Combination of Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Conditioned Media and Minoxidil for Hair Regrowth in Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind Clinical Trial

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August 2023 in “Stem Cell Research & Therapy”

Using adipose-derived stem cell media with minoxidil may help regrow hair in men with hair loss.

Biomolecules of Fermented Tropical Fruits and Fermenting Microbes as Regulators of Human Hair Loss, Hair Quality, and Scalp Microbiota

research Biomolecules of Fermented Tropical Fruits and Fermenting Microbes as Regulators of Human Hair Loss, Hair Quality, and Scalp Microbiota

1 citations , April 2023 in “Biomolecules”

Fermented papaya and mangosteen in hair care products helped prevent hair loss and improve hair thickness.

research Efficacy of Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Therapy Versus Topical Minoxidil in Men With Moderate Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized Open-Label Trial

February 2023 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil and PRP both help with hair growth, but Minoxidil has higher satisfaction and fewer side effects.

research Comparison Between Topical Cetirizine With Minoxidil Versus Topical Placebo With Minoxidil In Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Study

December 2022 in “Archives of Dermatological Research”

Adding cetirizine to minoxidil improves hair growth and thickness in women with androgenetic alopecia.

The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Alopecia, Quality of Life, and Acne in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

research The Effects of Magnesium Supplementation on Abnormal Uterine Bleeding, Alopecia, Quality of Life, and Acne in Women With Polycystic Ovary Syndrome: A Randomized Clinical Trial

2 citations , August 2022 in “Reproductive Biology and Endocrinology”

Magnesium supplements improved quality of life for women with polycystic ovary syndrome, but didn't help with acne, hair loss, or abnormal bleeding.

research Weekly Treatment with SAMiRNA Targeting the Androgen Receptor Ameliorates Androgenetic Alopecia

3 citations , January 2022 in “Scientific Reports”

A new treatment called SAMiRNA-AR68 increases hair count in people with hair loss, showing similar results to existing treatments but without side effects.

research Efficacy and Safety of Topical Finasteride Spray Solution for Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Phase III, Randomized, Controlled Clinical Trial

11 citations , October 2021 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Topical finasteride is an effective and safer treatment for male hair loss.

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3 citations , October 2021 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

Setipiprant did not significantly improve hair growth in men with hair loss.

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Helmet-like device safely increases hair density for people with hair loss.

Migration Inhibitory Factor in Conditioned Medium from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Stimulates Hair Growth

research Migration Inhibitory Factor in Conditioned Medium from Human Umbilical Cord Blood-Derived Mesenchymal Stromal Cells Stimulates Hair Growth

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Substance from human umbilical cord blood cells promotes hair growth.

A Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Study of Hair Regeneration Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Constituent Extract in Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized, Double-Blind, Vehicle-Controlled Clinical Study of Hair Regeneration Using Adipose-Derived Stem Cell Constituent Extract in Androgenetic Alopecia

25 citations , May 2020 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

ADSC-CE treatment safely increases hair density and thickness in androgenetic alopecia patients.