ScienceDaily: Hair Loss News

Baldness linked to increased risk of coronary heart disease

Wed, 03 Apr 2013 20:01:01 EDT

Male pattern baldness is linked to an increased risk of coronary heart disease, but only if it's on the top/crown of the head, rather than at the front, a new analysis finds.

Sensory hair cells regenerated, hearing restored in noise-damaged mammal ear

Wed, 09 Jan 2013 12:42:42 EST

Researchers have demonstrated for the first time that hair cells can be regenerated in an adult mammalian ear by using a drug to stimulate resident cells to become new hair cells, resulting in partial recovery of hearing in mouse ears damaged by noise trauma. This finding holds great potential for future therapeutic application that may someday reverse deafness in humans.

Drug used to treat glaucoma actually grows human hair

Fri, 26 Oct 2012 12:51:51 EDT

If you're balding and want your hair to grow back, then here is some good news. A new research shows how the FDA-approved glaucoma drug, bimatoprost, causes human hair to regrow. It's been commercially available as a way to lengthen eyelashes, but these data are the first to show that it can actually grow human hair from the scalp.

Depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts found in former finasteride users

Tue, 07 Aug 2012 10:13:13 EDT

Men who developed persistent sexual side effects while on finasteride (Propecia), a drug commonly used for male pattern hair loss, have a high prevalence of depressive symptoms and suicidal thoughts.

Dermatologists' top tips for maintaining smooth, shiny hair

Tue, 10 Jul 2012 09:32:32 EDT

Want more good hair days? Dermatologists say how you wash your hair and the products you use could go a long way in maintaining smooth, shiny hair.

Hair regeneration from adult stem cells

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:50:50 EDT

Scientists have demonstrated “functional hair regeneration from adult stem cells.” This is a substantial advance in the development of next-generation of “organ replacement regenerative therapies.”

Inhibitor causing male pattern baldness and target for hair-loss treatments identified

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 14:30:30 EDT

Researchers have identified an abnormal amount a protein called Prostaglandin D2 in the bald scalp of men with male pattern baldness, a discovery that may lead directly to new treatments for the most common cause of hair loss in men.

Styling practices can lead to serious hair and scalp diseases for African Americans

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 11:15:15 EDT

Styling practices can lead to serious hair and scalp diseases for some African Americans, say researchers.

Cellular automaton model predicts how hair follicle stem cells regenerate

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 13:26:26 EST

Your hair -- or lack of hair -- is the result of a lifelong tug-of-war between activators that wake up, and inhibitors that calm, stem cells in every hair follicle on your body.

New treatments for baldness? Scientists find stem cells that tell hair it's time to grow

Thu, 01 Sep 2011 13:46:46 EDT

Researchers have discovered the source of signals that trigger hair growth, an insight that may lead to new treatments for baldness.

Why hair turns gray: Communication between hair follicles and melanocyte stem cells key to mystery

Tue, 14 Jun 2011 11:50:50 EDT

A new study has shown that, for the first time, Wnt signaling, already known to control many biological processes, between hair follicles and melanocyte stem cells can dictate hair pigmentation.

Genetic mutation causing excessive hair growth discovered

Fri, 03 Jun 2011 12:18:18 EDT

Researchers have discovered a chromosomal mutation responsible for a very rare condition in which people grow excess hair all over their bodies. Investigators hope the finding ultimately will lead to new treatments for this and less severe forms of excessive hair growth as well as baldness.

Potential for solution to baldness? Surprising clues about communication in hair stem cell populations

Mon, 09 May 2011 09:16:16 EDT

In one of the first studies to look at the population behavior of a large pool of stem cells in thousands of hair follicles -- as opposed to the stem cell of a single hair follicle -- scientists deciphered how hair stem cells in mice and rabbits can communicate with each other and encourage mutually coordinated regeneration.

Hair styles may contribute to scarring hair loss in African-American women

Mon, 11 Apr 2011 16:38:38 EDT

Hair grooming practices, such as braids and weaves, as well as inflammation in the form of bacterial infection, may be contributing to the development of scarring hair loss in African American women, according to a new study.

Hair dyeing poised for first major transformation in 150 years

Wed, 02 Mar 2011 12:17:17 EST

Technological progress may be fast-paced in many fields, but one mundane area has been almost left in the doldrums for the last 150 years: The basic technology for permanently coloring hair. That's the conclusion of an analysis of almost 500 articles and patents on the chemistry of permanent hair dyeing, which foresees much more innovation in the years ahead, including longer lasting, more-natural-looking dyes and gene therapy to reverse the gray.

Regrowing hair: Researchers may have accidentally discovered a solution

Wed, 16 Feb 2011 18:54:54 EST

Scientists were investigating how stress affects gastrointestinal function may have found a chemical compound that induces hair growth by blocking a stress-related hormone associated with hair loss -- entirely by accident.

Losing hair at 20 is linked to increased risk of prostate cancer in later life, study finds

Tue, 15 Feb 2011 19:11:11 EST

Men who start to lose hair at the age of 20 are more likely to develop prostate cancer in later life and might benefit from screening for the disease, according to a new study.

Drugs for hair loss and benign prostatic hyperplasia may result in loss of libido, erectile dysfunction in men

Tue, 11 Jan 2011 13:32:32 EST

Researchers have found that 5a-reductase inhibitors, while improving urinary symptoms in patients with benign prostatic hyperplasia and possible hair loss prevention, produces significant adverse effects in some individuals including loss of libido, erectile dysfunction, ejaculatory dysfunction and potential depression.

Male pattern balding may be due to stem cell inactivation

Tue, 04 Jan 2011 13:39:39 EST

Using cell samples from men undergoing hair transplants, researchers compared follicles from bald scalp and non-bald scalp, and found that bald areas had the same number of stem cells as normal scalp in the same person. However, they did find that another, more mature cell type called a progenitor cell was markedly depleted in the follicles of bald scalp.

Hair color of unknown offenders is no longer a secret

Mon, 03 Jan 2011 11:03:03 EST

The hair color of an unknown perpetrator who has committed a crime will soon no longer be a secret for forensic investigators. Scientists have discovered that DNA can be used to predict people's probable hair color.

Genetic basis of alopecia areata -- one of most common causes of hair loss

Wed, 30 Jun 2010 13:27:27 EDT

Researchers have uncovered eight genes that underpin alopecia areata, one of the most common causes of hair loss. Since many of the genes are also implicated in other autoimmune diseases, including rheumatoid arthritis and type 1 diabetes, this discovery may soon lead to new treatments for the 5.3 million Americans suffering from hair loss caused by alopecia areata.

Gene that regulates hair growth identified

Thu, 15 Apr 2010 08:53:53 EDT

Activation of the gene Lhx2 leads to increased hair growth. The findings partly refute earlier research results in the field.

New gene in hair loss identified

Wed, 14 Apr 2010 13:45:45 EDT

Scientists have identified a new gene involved in hair growth. This discovery may affect future research and treatments for male pattern baldness and other forms of hair loss.

Laser hair removal: No training required?

Mon, 12 Apr 2010 12:50:50 EDT

Canada needs minimum training standards for laser hair removal operators, as currently anyone, trained or not, can legally operate a laser machine for hair removal in Canada, states an editorial in CMAJ.

Dermatologists Can Help Women Win the Fight Against Common Forms of Hair Loss

Sat, 06 Mar 2010 14:33:33 EST

For many women, unexplained hair loss can take a significant psychological toll on their overall quality of life. From altering their hairstyle to hide a thinning part to scaling back their hair care regimen in an effort to halt further hair loss, women try countless ways to cover up this problem -- and the results are often lukewarm at best. A better option is to see a dermatologist, a physician trained in the care of skin, hair and nails, who can diagnose and, in many cases, successfully treat hair loss in women.

Protein N-WASP helps hair growth

Mon, 11 Jan 2010 17:18:18 EST

Various human skin disorders are associated with aberrant regulation of the cytoskeleton (the scaffolding that supports the cell). This is because many physiological processes in the skin, including wound healing and hair follicle cycling, involve cytoskeleton reorganization regulated by the proteins Cdc42 and Rac1.

Why Hair Turns Gray Is No Longer A Gray Area: Our Hair Bleaches Itself As We Grow Older

Mon, 23 Feb 2009 13:11:11 EST

Wash away your gray? Maybe. Scientists have now solved a mystery that has perplexed humans throughout the ages: why we turn gray. These researchers show that going gray is caused by a massive build up of hydrogen peroxide due to wear and tear of our hair follicles. The peroxide winds up blocking the normal synthesis of melanin, our hair's natural pigment.

Fat Synthesizing Enzyme Is Key To Healthy Skin And Hair

Fri, 13 Feb 2009 07:05:05 EST

Scientists have found that an enzyme associated with the synthesis of fat in the body is also an element in healthy skin and hair.

Important New Hair-loss Gene Discovered

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:44:44 EDT

Scientists have discovered an important hair-loss gene. In 2005, these scientists had already characterized the first hair-loss gene inherited through the maternal line, which explained why hair-loss in men often reflects that of their maternal grandfathers. This newly discovered gene, on the other hand, may now account for the similarity in cranial hair growth between father and son.

Baldness Gene Discovered: 1 In 7 Men At Risk

Sun, 12 Oct 2008 16:44:44 EDT

Researchers have identified two genetic variants in Caucasians that together produce an astounding sevenfold increase the risk of male pattern baldness.

Treatment For Hearing Loss? Scientists Grow Hair Cells Involved in Hearing

Sat, 30 Aug 2008 00:56:56 EDT

Scientists have successfully produced functional auditory hair cells in the cochlea of the mouse inner ear. The breakthrough suggests that a new therapy may be developed in the future to successfully treat hearing loss.

Study Examines Normal Hair Loss In Men Without Evidence Of Baldness

Mon, 16 Jun 2008 16:34:34 EDT

Performing a standardized 60-second hair count appears to be a reliable method for the assessment of hair shedding, according to a report in Archives of Dermatology.

Studies Don't Support Common Treatments For Patchy Hair Loss

Tue, 15 Apr 2008 19:42:42 EDT

If clumps of your hair start to fall out from a common form of baldness, a new review of existing research unfortunately offers little comfort. Patients who are afflicted by the condition known as alopecia areata -- patchy hair loss -- should understand that there is no reliable, safe, effective, long-term treatment.

Getting To The Roots Of Hair Loss

Sun, 24 Feb 2008 13:47:47 EST

Scientists have identified a gene that is responsible for a rare hereditary form of hair loss. The newly identified receptor plays a role in hair growth. Researchers now hope that their research findings will lead to new therapies that will work with various forms of hair loss.

Developing A Bald Patch? It Could Be A Hidden Tooth Infection

Tue, 27 Nov 2007 08:03:03 EST

There is a close relationship between infection outbreaks on teeth and the presence of one type of hair loss. It starts with bald patches on the scalp, and sometimes elsewhere on the body. Researchers advise to going to the dentist when patients notice localized hair loss in order to have their oral health carefully examined.

Asian Men Who Smoke May Have Increased Risk For Hair Loss

Mon, 19 Nov 2007 17:02:02 EST

Smoking may be associated with age-related hair loss among Asian men, according to a new report. The men's risk for hair loss increased with advancing age, but remained lower than the average risk among white men.

New Cell Culturing Method Pumps Up The Volume

Tue, 25 Sep 2007 08:14:14 EDT

In a breakthrough that will likely accelerate research aimed at cures for hearing loss, tinnitus and balance problems, scientists have perfected a laboratory culturing technique that provides a reliable new source of cells critical to understanding certain inner-ear disorders.

Genes In Human Inner Ear Cells Restored

Thu, 14 Jun 2007 08:20:20 EDT

Researchers have discovered a way to transfer genes, which they hope will restore hearing, into diseased tissue of the human inner ear. This important step brings scientists closer to curing genetic or acquired hearing loss.

Treatment Found To Reverse Hair Loss

Mon, 11 Jun 2007 11:33:33 EDT

Male pattern hair loss is a condition that affects as many as 50 percent of men by the age of fifty, but according to a new study, baldness may soon be a treatable condition.

New Hope For Baldness Treatment: Hair Follicles Created For First Time In Mouse Study

Wed, 16 May 2007 13:30:30 EDT

Researchers have found that hair follicles in adult mice regenerate by re-awakening genes once active only in developing embryos. A better understanding of this process could lead to novel treatments for hair loss, other skin and hair disorders, and wounds.

Isolation Of Stem Cells May Lead To A Treatment For Hearing Loss

Thu, 05 Apr 2007 17:02:02 EDT

Recent research suggests new ways of treating hearing loss. Scientists have isolated "cochlear stem cells" located in the inner ear and already primed for development into ear-related tissue due to their proximity to the ear and expression of certain genes necessary for the development of hearing.

Allergy To Hair Dye Increasing

Mon, 05 Feb 2007 11:09:09 EST

Allergic reactions to hair dye are increasing as more and younger people dye their hair, warn researchers in this week's British Medical Journal. This can lead to dermatitis on the face and, in severe cases, facial swelling may occur.

Hair-growth Drug Artificially Lowers PSA Levels In Prostate Cancer Screening, Study Finds

Wed, 06 Dec 2006 09:53:53 EST

The popular hair-growth drug finasteride, taken by millions of balding men, artificially lowers the results of the prostate-specific antigen test, the standard screening test for prostate cancer, a multicenter study has found.

Hirsute-s You, Sir! Could Super Furry Animals Provide Clues For Baldness?

Mon, 28 Aug 2006 21:18:18 EDT

Scientists looking at mice may have discovered why certain people are hairier than others in what could provide clues as to the reason some men go bald prematurely.

Bedsores And Bald Hides: Novel Roles Revealed For A 'Scaffolding' Protein

Thu, 18 May 2006 08:05:05 EDT

A protein long thought to provide only mechanical support for keeping cells and tissues from literally falling apart turns out to have much wider utility. In a pair of reports, the protein K17 has been found to also influence wound healing and maintain the structural integrity of hair follicles, according to Johns Hopkins researchers.

Medication Plus Oral Contraceptive May Improve Female Pattern Hair Loss

Wed, 22 Mar 2006 08:56:56 EST

Finasteride, a medication approved to treat hair loss in men, may also improve the condition in women when combined with oral contraceptives, according to an article in the March issue of Archives of Dermatology, one of the JAMA/Archives journals.

Hair Follicle Stem Cells Contribute To Wound Healing

Thu, 01 Dec 2005 22:41:41 EST

Hair follicle stem cells are important contributors to the wound-healing process, according to new research by investigators at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine. Using an animal model, the researchers discovered that stem cells in the hair follicle are enlisted to help heal wounds in the skin. This finding may suggest a therapeutic target for the development of drugs to encourage and promote wound healing.

New Radiation Technique Helps Brain Cancer Patients Keep Their Hair

Mon, 17 Oct 2005 07:26:26 EDT

Patients whose cancer has spread to the brain can avoid typical hair loss (alopecia) when treated with newer radiation techniques, thereby improving their quality of life while still controlling their cancer, according to a study presented October 16, 2005, at the American Society for Therapeutic Radiology and Oncology's 47th Annual Meeting in Denver.

Tendency To Hair Loss Inherited From The Mother

Fri, 20 May 2005 17:21:21 EDT

Scientists from the universities of Bonn and Düsseldorf , Germany, have shown that specific changes in the genetic 'construction manual' of the androgen receptor may result in premature balding. The affected gene lies on the x chromosome; men inherit the defect therefore from their mother -- supporting the widespread assumption that as far as hair loss is concerned men take after their maternal grandfather rather than their father.

Mouse Model Gives Insight To Human Hair Loss

Wed, 17 Nov 2004 00:43:43 EST

A progressive skin disease causing hair loss in adult humans was identified in laboratory mice, providing a genetic tool to study the disease known as alopecia areata (AA).

Melanin Makes Skin Vulnerable To Harmful Ultraviolet Rays

Thu, 14 Oct 2004 07:55:55 EDT

Blondes and redheads not only are more susceptible to skin cancer, but the source of their skin and hair pigmentation, melanin, actually magnifies the damaging effects of ultraviolet (UV) rays, according to a study published online this week in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences.

Stem Cells Offer Promise For Hair Growth

Tue, 16 Mar 2004 07:36:36 EST

Researchers at the University of Pennsylvania School of Medicine have isolated stem cells responsible for hair follicle growth. The findings, published in the April issue of Nature Biotechnology, may serve as the foundation for new hair loss and skin grafting treatments.

University Of Michigan Scientists Trigger New Hair Growth In Mice

Thu, 15 May 2003 08:11:11 EDT

University of Michigan graduate student David Van Mater knew something strange was going on when he noticed stubble on the shaved skin of experimental mice in his laboratory. Instead of the tumors he had originally expected to see, the mice were growing hair.

Hair Loss Syndrome Created In Mice; Finding May Help Explain Related Conditions In People

Mon, 17 Jun 2002 07:43:43 EDT

Inactivating just one of more than two dozen similar genes can cause temporary but profound hair loss, known as alopecia, in mice, researchers from Johns Hopkins and the Pasteur Institute in France report in the June issue of Genes & Development.

Baldness Induced By Dopamine Treatments May Be Reversible

Tue, 12 Mar 2002 07:38:38 EST

Two women with Parkinson's disease who developed alopecia (baldness) while being treated with the dopamine agonists pramipexole or ropinirole found that the hair loss stopped after the drugs were discontinued and replaced with a new treatment. The study is published in the current issue of Neurology, the scientific journal of the American Academy of Neurology.

Researchers Identify Key Factor In Hair Loss Disorder

Mon, 24 Dec 2001 08:02:02 EST

Researchers at the Technion-Israel Institute of Technology have identified a key factor in the cause of alopecia areata, a hair loss disorder that often strikes children. Their study, to appear in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (December 2001), suggests that future treatments could involve desensitizing the body’s immune system to the substances that provoke the attack.

Blood Vessels Hold Key To Thicker Hair Growth

Thu, 15 Feb 2001 07:46:46 EST

Researchers at Massachusetts General Hospital (MGH) have been able to grow hair faster and thicker on mice thanks to a protein that promotes blood vessel growth in their skin. The mouse hair follicles – while no greater in number than those of normal mice – are individually bigger. Collectively, they increase the total volume of hair by 70 percent.

Substance Discovered That Induces Hair Follicle Formation In The Mature Skin Cells Of Mice

Thu, 26 Nov 1998 10:34:34 EST

Everyone has bad hair days. For 30 million men in the United States, roughly 40 percent of those over 35, every day is a no hair day. The good news is that thanks to new research, baldness may be fading away. Researchers from the Howard Hughes Institute at the University of Chicago have induced hair follicle formation in the mature skin cells of mice.

Columbia Researchers Identify Gene For Inherited Baldness

Fri, 30 Jan 1998 07:31:31 EST

Researchers at Columbia University College of Physicians & Surgeons have discovered the first human gene associated with hair loss. The new gene, called hairless, is linked to a severe form of inherited baldness and may be the trigger that turns on the entire human hair cycle. The discovery could lead to a better understanding of the hair cycle and, eventually, more effective treatments for various forms of hair loss.