Why did you lose your hair? Can we scientifically reverse this process
Andrew huberman, from cellular biology, brought about an in-depth analysis of “hair health and regeneration”。
01
The core mechanism of hair growth
Each hair has an independent stem cell engine behind it。
At the bottom of the fur bag below the scalp, there is a structure known as “hair bulb”, which contains stem cells that can be divided over time。
These stem cells are created by cell fragmentation, and they gradually form angular protein, piled up over layers, and eventually pass through the skin surface and become visible hair to our naked eyes。
The growth of hair is not endless, but follows a cyclical life cycle. The cycle is divided into three phases:
The “life span” of each hair is determined by this cycle, with different parts of hair having different long periods。
For example, the long-term occurrence of head on the scalp can last up to a few years, while eyebrows are only a few months away, which is why we can keep long hairs but do not grow “whole-brows”。
In addition, hair is a high metabolism, high oxygen demand process that requires continuous oxygen and nutritional supplies. This means — sufficient blood flow is a fundamental guarantee for maintaining the viability of the cystic stem cells。
The main factors affecting hair loss and growth are hormones, which play an important role in the system that regulates hair growth. The most controversial is dht. Dht is a derivative of testosterone, which is converted from a 5-α reduction enzyme and expresses its receptor at a high level in a specific area of the scalp (e. G. Forehead, top)。
Dht leads to a loss of hair because it significantly reduces long-term life, prolongs degradation and stops, and inhibits signal access to hair growth such as igf-1 and camp。
As the age increases, the human body becomes more sensitive to dht, leading to the emergence of “the male hormonal disempowerment” (androgenic alopecia) after the age of 30。
In relative terms, hormones such as estrogen, thyroid hormones and igf-1 can prolong life and activate stem cell activity, which is closely related to the “hair thickness” that is common in women and at certain stages of adolescence。
In addition to hormones, mental state is silently affecting the fate of the furbag. Long-term pressure induces a rise in cortisol, thereby indirectly inhibiting the flow of scalp blood and pushing the fur bladders into a stopover period。
Huberman mentioned that many people suddenly lost their hairs in weeks or months after the stress event, which is the biological expression of “pressure-type hair loss”。
This, in turn, can lead to anxiety and depression, creating a vicious circle of “psych-chip-psychological”。
03 viable intervention strategy (i) strategies to increase blood flow
Given the importance of blood flow to furcystal stem cells, many interventions have targeted “improved blood flow”. The most common are:
Minoxidil (minordil): first found as a depressurizer, then applied in the field of reproduction. It effectively prolongs the life of the bladder by spreading its veins and increasing local blood flow. Minoxidil is used on an ongoing basis, either for oral or external use, and hair is often removed once the drug has ceased。
Low-dose tadalafil (darafe): commonly used for prostate and erection functional disorders, it has been observed that the whole body flow, including the scalp area, can be mildly elevated. Fewer side effects than minoxidil are a potential alternative。
Botox injections: indirectly improve blood circulation by relaxing the muscles of the scalp and reducing the “squeezing” of the scalp. In particular, in some cases of “cutis verticis gyrata”, botox can alleviate local oppression and restore hair length。
Prp injections (sleptomas): trophic factors are extracted from self-blood, and the head is injected to promote local nutrition. While the costs are high and the effects vary widely among individuals, the potential to promote the activity of the capsule has been demonstrated in some segments of the population。
(ii) mechanical irritation method
Apart from the flow of blood, mild physical irritation can also awaken sleeping furbags。
Microcroneedling (micropsychic), which causes minor damage by rolling in the scalp with a caliber of 0. 5 to 2. 5 mm, triggers a local mild inflammation response, thereby activating stem cells that are in suspense. Studies show that:
Huberman particularly reminds that this “harm-for-life” mechanism applies only to micro-level interventions. If the wound is too large, the formation of a scar would prevent the hair from growing。
Note: the information provided in this paper on hair growth, the causes of loss of hair and ways to prevent loss of hair and to promote growth is based on biological mechanisms and existing research, covering mechanical and chemical treatment. However, individual responses and side effects to treatment vary considerably, and any treatment programme (including drugs, supplements or lifestyle adjustments) should be guided by a specialist physician。
Before attempting any detoxification or birth control treatment, a doctor is consulted to monitor hormone levels (e. G. Dht, iron) and other health indicators to ensure safety and effectiveness. Healthy lifestyles, such as regular sleep, adequate exercise and balanced nutrition, are the basis for supporting hair growth. This document is for reference purposes only and does not constitute a medical recommendation。
