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Huberman Lab
The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair
Apr 10, 2023
02:00:45
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Quick takeaways
- Hair growth is a complex process influenced by hormones like DHT that can shorten the growth phase and prolong hair loss.
- Mechanical and chemical treatments like minoxidil, tadalafil, PRP, microneedling, and ketoconazole can increase blood flow and support hair maintenance and growth.
- Increasing blood flow to the scalp is crucial for hair growth and can be achieved through treatments like microneedling, minoxidil, and PRP injections.
- Combining microneedling with minoxidil treatment is more effective for recovering hair in "dead" zones.
- Botox injections can relieve tension and increase blood flow to the scalp, but its efficacy for hair loss prevention is not well-established.
Deep dives
Understanding Hair Growth and Stem Cells
Hair growth is a complex process involving stem cells that give rise to the proteins and pigment in the hair. Each hair has its own stem cell niche that determines its growth duration. Hairs on the head can grow for 4-8 years, while eyebrow hairs have a much shorter growth phase. The biology of hair is influenced by hormones like dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which can shorten the growth phase and prolong the hair loss phase. Treatments like minoxidil and low-dose tadalafil increase blood flow to the hair follicles, supporting hair maintenance and growth.
Managing Hair Loss with Minoxidil and Tadalifil
Minoxidil, also known as Rogaine, is a topical treatment that increases blood flow to the scalp. This can slow hair loss and potentially maintain existing hair. The oral medication Tadalifil, commonly used for erectile dysfunction, can also increase blood flow and is sometimes prescribed in low doses to support hair health. These treatments work by prolonging the growth phase of the hair and supporting the stem cells in the hair follicles.
Exploring PRP and Microneedling for Hair Regrowth
Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections and microneedling are procedures that stimulate hair growth by increasing blood flow and inducing mild inflammation. PRP injections use a person's own platelets to deliver nutrients and support stem cell activity in the scalp. Microneedling involves gentle puncturing of the scalp with tiny needles to stimulate cell response. These treatments are aimed at maintaining and regrowing hair by activating and supporting the stem cell niche.
Understanding the Importance of Blood Flow and Inflammation
Increasing blood flow to the scalp is crucial for hair growth, as it delivers oxygen and nutrients to the stem cell niche that supports hair follicles. Mechanical treatments like microneedling and chemical treatments like minoxidil and PRP work by improving blood flow and inducing mild inflammation, which can activate stem cells and promote hair growth. These approaches focus on addressing the underlying biological processes involved in hair growth and loss.
Microneedling and its use in hair loss disorders
Microneedling shows positive benefits in both men and women, regardless of age. Needle lengths of about 1 millimeter to 2.5 millimeters are more effective. Microneedling in combination with minoxidil treatment is more effective for recovering hair in dead zones, although it may take a long time for hair to grow in those regions.
Botox and its role in hair loss prevention
Botox injections to the scalp can relieve tension and increase blood flow to the stem cell follicle area. Botox treatment needs to be done by skilled professionals to avoid potential side effects. It is a safe alternative to other treatments like minoxidil, but its efficacy for hair loss prevention is not well-established.
Chemical variables and treatments for hair growth
Caffeine can indirectly stimulate hair growth by inhibiting PDE and increasing IGF-1. Topical caffeine applications can be as effective as minoxidil for preventing hair loss. Increasing IGF-1 levels through growth hormone or medications like sermorelin can also promote hair growth. Finasteride, whether taken orally or topically, can reduce DHT and increase hair count and thickness, but dosing should be carefully monitored to minimize side effects.
Maintaining Insulin Sensitivity for Healthy Hair Growth
Maintaining insulin sensitivity is crucial for preventing hair loss and promoting healthy hair growth. Insulin resistance and obesity can lead to hair thinning and hair loss. Regular cardiovascular and resistance exercises, along with a healthy body fat percentage, are essential for improving insulin sensitivity. Over-the-counter supplements like myoinositol, burbering, or metformin can also help enhance insulin sensitivity. However, it is important to consult with a doctor for the appropriate dosage and to consider individual differences in cosmetic and health goals.
Understanding Dihydrotestosterone and Hair Loss
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays a significant role in hair loss and thinning. As people age, testosterone is converted into DHT, which shortens the growth phase of hair and miniaturizes the hair follicles. Inhibiting the enzyme 5-alpha reductase reduces DHT levels and promotes hair maintenance and regrowth. Sol palmetto is a weak inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. While it may not be a robust treatment for reversing hair loss, it is known to have minimal side effects and can be considered as part of a comprehensive approach to hair maintenance. Ketoconazole, an antifungal, can also reduce DHT levels and has shown efficacy in maintaining hair growth. Combining mechanical approaches like microneedling with chemical treatments like finasteride can yield better hair regrowth outcomes.
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.
For the full show notes, visit hubermanlab.com.
Thank you to our sponsors
AG1: https://athleticgreens.com/huberman
LMNT: https://drinklmnt.com/hubermanlab
Waking Up: https://wakingup.com/huberman
Momentous: https://livemomentous.com/huberman
Timestamps
(00:00:00) Hair
(00:04:29) Sponsors: LMNT & Waking Up
(00:08:04) Psychological States & Hair
(00:13:19) Hair Anatomy & Stem Cells
(00:26:05) 3 Phases of Hair Growth
(00:32:06) Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens)
(00:36:55) Minoxidil & Blood Flow
(00:45:37) Increase Blood Flow: Massage, Tadalafil, Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP), Microneedling
(00:56:10) Microneedling, Minoxidil & “Dead Zones”
(01:01:25) Botox Treatments
(01:06:27) Androgens, Hair Growth & Pattern Hair Loss; Scalp vs. Beard Hair
(01:15:46) Topical Caffeine & Slowing Hair Loss
(01:21:06) IGF-1: Growth Hormone & Sermorelin; Insulin Sensitivity: Myo-Inositol
(01:25:52) Iron & Hair Growth
(01:27:04) 5-Alpha Reductase & Saw Palmetto; Curcumin
(01:33:22) Ketoconazole & Offsetting Hair Loss
(01:38:46) Topical & Oral Finasteride
(01:51:00) Post- Finasteride Syndrome
(01:56:01) Dutasteride
(01:58:53) Mechanical & Chemical Stimulation for Hair Growth
(02:02:46) Zero-Cost Support, YouTube Feedback, Spotify & Apple Reviews, Sponsors, Momentous, Social Media, Neural Network Newsletter
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