From hair transplants to laser treatments, there are many options for treating hair loss, but there are often questions about their effectiveness. One alternative that’s been discussed for some time now the use of stem cells to reverse the effects of hair loss. In the simplest terms, stem cells are cells that aren’t assigned to a specific role in the body. They can be used to replace damaged or lost cells, and in this case, hair follicles. Having a scientifically-studied alternative sounds promising, but does it work to treat hair loss?
Doctors have come a long way in using stem cells for treating diseases and other health problems, but now the spotlight turns to the treatment of hair loss. Earlier this year, UCLA researchers discovered that activating hair follicle stem cells can make hair grow again. This study has been successful, but it is important to note that the study was conducted only on mice. Regardless, it shows promise in promoting hair loss for millions of men and women that suffer from uncontrollable factors like alopecia and pattern baldness.
Stem cells have been called magic by many of the people who do research on them because of their definitive and unique undifferentiation. This means that they can be easily reprogrammed, so to speak, to function like other cells (like those found in the hair follicle) and reproduce like the cells they’re turned into. A group at the University of Southern California, led by Dr. Cheng-Ming Chuong, have successfully tested hair regrowth on lab mice and other groups, such as KIKEN (teamed up with Kyocera and Organ Technologies), have announced a timeline, in which their treatments could be bought as soon as 2020. RIKEN is not only looking to break into the hair loss industry with their treatment within the next five years, but they’ve also successfully replaced the hair, teeth, and some glands of laboratory mice using their research and technology.
Going back to the question, “can stem cells treat my hair loss?” it appears the answer may be fact over fiction. While more stem cell research is needed, we could be seeing a solid solution sometime in the future. Hair follicles are exceedingly fragile cells. When they become damaged, then they generally stop producing hair. What’s more, the body doesn’t produce new follicles throughout life: you’re born with all the follicles you’ll ever have. That is until stem cell research regarding hair loss is completed. However, it won’t be as accessible and cost-effective as other alternatives with a whopping price tag starting at over $10,000. All in all, stem cells may prove to be an effective route treatment for hair loss, but until the FDA approves it and the success rate for humans increases, it has to remain in the category of “promising research.”
So, if you’re looking a modern treatment that is low cost and effective, try Scalp Micropigmentation at Hairline Ink. Our world-class specialists are highly skilled at meticulously applying specialized colored pigments that mimic the appearance of hair follicles on the scalp. It’s surgery-free, wallet-friendly, and achieving the look of fuller hair can happen in just two sessions.
Have questions about hair loss? Hairline Ink has the answers. If you or someone you know is suffering from hair loss, contact our team of experts to learn how scalp micropigmentation can help you to defy hair loss and reinvent the way you feel. We offer Scalp Micropigmentation in over 50 US cities. Call or text us today at 833-HAIR-INK (833-424-7465) to schedule an appointment, learn about our pricing, or to get a free quote!
