The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair

In this episode, I explain the biology of hair, hair growth, why hair growth slows and what causes hair to stop growing and/or “fall out.” I discuss the essential role of hair stem cells and other supporting biological factors for healthy hair growth. Then I describe various approaches (mechanical and chemical) to slow hair loss by increasing blood flow to hair stem cells, including minoxidil, tadalafil, PRP, microneedling, Botox and ketoconazole treatments. I also discuss how age-related hormone changes cause hair loss and explain the effectiveness of treatments such as caffeine, saw palmetto, growth hormone, finasteride and dutasteride. For all hair growth options, I describe potential side effects, how soon to expect results and the amount of hair regrowth to expect and I highlight effective combination treatments for hair regrowth even in hair “dead” (bald) zones. For many listeners, thinning, brittle hair, or pattern baldness are a source of anxiety and stress. This episode explains the mechanisms underlying hair regrowth tools and the science behind them so that you can evaluate potential treatments and associated side-effect profiles and select the best one(s) for you.

Articles

• Microneedling and Its Use in Hair Loss Disorders: A Systematic Review (Dermatology and Therapy)
• Caffeine and Its Pharmacological Benefits in the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review (Skin Pharmacology and Physiology)
• The effectiveness of combination therapies for androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis (Dermatologic Therapy)
• Differential effects of caffeine on hair shaft elongation, matrix and outer root sheath keratinocyte proliferation, and transforming growth factor‐β2/insulin‐like growth factor‐1‐mediated regulation of the hair cycle in male and female human hair follicles in vitro (British Journal of Dermatology)
• The structure of people’s hair (PeerJ)

Note: The Huberman Lab podcast has no affiliation with or financial benefit from any of the products listed below, which are provided as a useful reference only.

Ketoconazole Shampoos

• Keeps
• Nurx
• Siena Health
• Intelligent

Biotin Shampoos

• Maple Holisitics
• Ouai
• R+Co

Microneedling

• Microneedling stamps and rollers