TLDR Apple procyanidin applied to the scalp may help grow hair without side effects.
In a 12-month clinical study from 2005, the topical application of 0.7% apple procyanidin oligomers was investigated for its potential as a hair growth agent in treating male pattern baldness. The double-blind study involved 43 male subjects, with 21 in the procyanidin group and 22 in the placebo control group. After 6 months, the procyanidin group showed a significant increase in the total number of hairs compared to the placebo group (procyanidin: 3.3 ± 13.0 hairs/0.50 cm²; placebo: -3.6 ± 8.1 hairs/0.50 cm²; P < 0.001). The procyanidin group's hair density improved over time, and no adverse side effects were reported, indicating that procyanidin therapy has potential as a hair growth treatment.
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March 1987 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Using minoxidil on balding scalps can stimulate hair regrowth and increase blood flow. It's an effective treatment for early hair loss.
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December 2000 in “Phytomedicine” Apple-derived procyanidin B-2 can safely promote hair growth in men.
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August 2018 in “Skin appendage disorders” Some alternative treatments for hair loss might work, but more research is needed.
