Prompt Cast
The Science Behind Hair Growth, Hair Loss, and How to Slow or Reverse Hair Loss
TLDR This episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast explores the science behind hair growth, hair loss, and strategies to slow down or reverse hair loss. Topics discussed include the structure and function of hair, the hair growth cycle, treatments like minoxidil and microneedling, the role of androgens and caffeine, and the importance of stimulating natural production of IGF-1.
Timestamped Summary
00:00
Today's episode of the Huberman Lab Podcast discusses the science behind hair growth, hair loss, and how to slow or reverse hair loss.
07:06
Approximately 50% of men and women will experience noticeable hair loss by age 50, which is typically when they start to notice thinning hair in certain areas due to ongoing hair loss from around age 30, and this can lead to anxiety and a desire to halt or reverse the hair loss.
14:11
Hairs are made up of a protein called keratin, which stack up on top of one another and bind to one another with a strong bond, and the hair shaft, hair root, stem cells, pigment cells, sebaceous gland, erector pili muscle, and capillaries all play important roles in the structure and function of hair.
21:01
Manipulations or treatments that increase blood flow to the scalp can slow the loss of hair and extend the duration of hair growth, but they do not robustly enhance the rate of hair growth on their own.
28:01
The three critical phases of the hair growth cycle are the antigen phase, during which the hair grows, the catagen phase, during which the hair recedes and dies, and the telogen phase, which is a rest period.
35:09
Minoxidil works by increasing blood flow to the stem cell niche below the hair, and the dosage ranges for oral minoxidil can range from 0.25 milligrams to five milligrams per day.
42:02
Increasing blood flow to the hair stem cell niche is crucial for hair growth, and treatments like minoxidil, scalp massage, and low-dose tadalafil can help slow down hair loss and maintain existing hair by increasing blood flow.
48:58
Microneedling is a procedure that uses small needles to stimulate hair growth by reactivating stem cells and increasing inflammation, and when combined with minoxidil, it is more effective in recovering bald areas.
55:47
Combining microneedling and minoxidil is recommended for hair growth, as minoxidil treatment needs to be continued indefinitely to maintain the hair growth achieved with it, and Botox injections to the scalp can be used to relieve tension and increase blood flow to the stem cell follicle area, potentially offsetting hair loss.
01:02:54
Androgens such as dihydrotestosterone inhibit the action of IGF-1 and cyclic AMP, which extend the growth phase of hair, and as people age, there is more 5-alpha reductase activity, converting more testosterone to dihydrotestosterone, which inhibits hair growth, leading to pattern hair loss.
01:10:07
Caffeine can stimulate hair growth and prevent hair loss by inhibiting PDE and indirectly increasing IGF-1, making it a potential alternative to minoxidil with fewer side effects.
01:16:48
Stimulating the natural production of IGF-1 through methods such as getting sufficient sleep, managing insulin sensitivity, and ensuring adequate iron levels can help promote healthy hair growth and prevent hair loss.
01:23:17
Solpalmetto, a substance that inhibits five alpha reductase and reduces DHT, can help maintain or extend the growth phase of hair and prevent hair loss with minimal side effects when taken at a dosage of about 300 milligrams per day.
01:30:00
Using Keto-Conazol shampoos two to four times per week with a scalp contact time of three to five minutes can help maintain hair that would otherwise be lost, but it is unclear whether it can stimulate new hair growth.
01:36:53
Topical finasteride can inhibit DHT in the hair follicle and stimulate hair growth, but caution should be exercised in dosing and increasing the dosage too quickly to avoid side effects.
01:43:58
Topical finasteride is associated with fewer and less severe side effects compared to oral finasteride, and there is increasing attention on post-finasteride syndrome, which is characterized by severe symptoms like reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and depression in young males who stop taking finasteride after using it to offset hair loss.
01:50:40
Combination treatments involving a mechanical stimulus (such as microneedling) and a chemical stimulus (such as finasteride) are the most effective for hair regrowth, and it is important to consider both mechanical and chemical approaches when seeking treatments for hair loss and stimulating hair growth.
Categories:
Health & Fitness
Science
