Stem Cells May Be The Cure To Hair Loss

There is some exciting news for hair loss sufferers all around the world because scientists have recently acheived a breakthrough for curing genetic hair loss. On June 27th the results were presented to the International Society for Stem Cell Research in Los Angeles, California. Researchers were able to create natural-looking hair that grows through skin.



Can Stem Cells Be The Hair Loss Cure?

This discovery is being deemed revolutionary by many researchers in the field. Many feel this is a critical breakthrough in the development of stem cell based regenerative therapy. For countless years researchers have been studying a specific type of cell called dermal papilla, found in the hair follicle. The dermal papilla controls hair growth. In 2015 a breakthrough was made when scientists were able to successfully grow hair underneath mouse skin.



The success was achieved by creating dermal papilla derived from human pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) try and say that fast five times! At the time, the process was still in the early developmental stage and required further refinement. A 3Dbiodegradable platform made from natural and synthetic materials that can be dissolved was developed to control hair direction and to aid in integrating the stem cells in to the skin. The experiment was carried out on mice and proved to be a success. Now this may not sound like an astounding or even amazing discovery, but it is certainly a step in the right direction.



According to The American Academy of Dermatology hair loss affects an estimated 50 million men and 30 million women in the United States alone. The numbers worldwide would leave the public astounded. Hair loss has shown to cause depression, anxiety and low-self worth. Many who suffer from hair loss withdraw from society and friends because of shame. This condition can severely impact an individuals life and mental health.



Conclusion



There have been a lot of breakthrough developments in the hair loss world, some have been promising and exciting. Unfortunately, most of these developments prove to be nothing more than an exciting announcement. Will stem cells be the cure to hair loss? To early to say at this point, but there is some potential for the future. At the moment, the only proven method of growing hair on a bald scalp is through surgical hair restoration. Today, hair transplant surgery is king in terms of treatments for hair loss. Through surgical advancments hair transplants today are undetectable when performed by a quality hair transplant surgeon.

