Recent studies suggest that the secret to reversing hair loss may be found in the stem cells of the upper and middle parts of hair follicles. These stem cells are foundational to hair development. Hair growth ceases when these cells are exhausted. By either activating these cells or replenishing them, researchers propose that hair regrowth can be achieved, presenting a promising new direction for treating hair loss.
Every single hair on our bodies sprouts from its own follicle, similar to how a tulip emerges from a bulb. Research has shown that the bulge located above the base of the follicle originates from stem cells situated nearer to the skin’s surface. These versatile stem cells can differentiate into various cell types and remain crucial for hair growth even after the follicle has formed.
These cells act as the initial building blocks for hair production. Located along the hair shaft under the skin, the stem cells migrate downwards to replenish and sustain the bulge at the base of the follicle.
In their experiments, researchers discovered that eliminating these stem cells at specific times stopped hair growth, highlighting their critical function in hair development and their possible involvement in hair loss. Maintaining the activity of stem cells to guarantee a sufficient supply for hair growth could, through additional research, present a novel method for tackling hair loss.
More research is necessary to explore the capabilities of these stem cells in human hair follicles. Studies have shown that in bald human scalps, even though the hair shafts have disappeared, a unique population of hair stem cells remains in the upper part of the follicle. This suggests that reactivating these cells to descend and replenish the follicle’s bulge could potentially lead to hair regrowth on bald scalps.
To view the original scientific study click below:
Epidermal stem cells controlling hair formation
