New Study Archives - Miami Hair Institute

New Study Sheds Light On Link Between Stress and Hair Loss

Scientists, researchers, and doctors have known for quite some time that chronic stress can lead to hair shedding and loss. Now, researchers from Harvard University have made a key discovery about the biological mechanics that connect stress and hair loss.

Recently published in the journal Nature, the study found that a major stress hormone in mice puts their hair follicle stem cells into an extended resting phase without regenerating the follicle or the hair. Hair follicle stem cells are what fuel that natural cycle between rest and growth. During the hair growth phase, hair follicle stem cells become activated to regenerate the follicle and hair, and hairs grow longer every day. These stem cells are dormant during the resting phase, causing hairs to shed more easily and frequently. That shedding becomes hair loss when the stem cells remain dormant without regenerating new tissue.

The Harvard researchers identified the specific cell type and molecule responsible for relaying the stress signal to the stem cells. They found that the overproduction of certain hormones triggered by stress had a negative effect on hair follicles and their growth cycle.

Corticosterone is a primary stress hormone produced by the adrenal glands in mice. The human equivalent of corticosterone is cortisol, often called the “stress hormone.” The researchers found that giving mice corticosterone reproduced the stress effect on the stem cells, suggesting that elevated stress hormones indeed negatively affect hair follicle stem cells.

Normally, time and aging slow down hair follicle regeneration over time, and the resting phase lasts longer. But when the researchers took the stress hormones out of the equation, the stem cells’ resting phase in the subject mice became significantly shorter. Their hair follicles constantly entered the growth phase and regenerated hair follicles throughout their life, even when they were much older.

The study confirms that reducing stress, thereby reducing the amount of cortisol we produce, can have a positive effect on hair loss. That is because stress keeps follicle stem cells from entering the growth phase and regenerating new hair follicles.

Of course, hair loss isn’t the only negative effect that too much stress has on our bodies. It can cause a whole host of health problems and diminish the quality of life. That is why self-care, including effective stress management, is so critical to our physical and mental health. Make sure that you identify a stress-reducing outlet that works for you, whether it is hanging out with friends, being alone with a book, walking your dog, or doing nothing at all.

No Matter Why You Are Losing Your Hair, The Miami Hair Institute Can Help

Our world-renowned hair restoration physicians at the Miami Hair Institute diagnose and treat hair loss cases no matter what the underlying cause. Through advanced hair restoration surgical techniques, technology, and alternative non-invasive treatments, we can help patients suffering from hair loss regain their hair and self-confidence.

To receive your personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.

New Studies: Melatonin Cream Shown to Stimulate Hair Follicles

If you’ve heard of melatonin, it is likely in the context of getting a good night’s sleep. That’s because melatonin is a hormone that plays a critical role in our daily cycle of sleeping and wakefulness. An increasing number of people are taking melatonin supplements to help them if they have chronic insomnia or experience other disruptions to their sleep cycle, such as jet lag or shift work. But recent research suggests that melatonin not only can help you get the rest you need, but it can help you keep the hair you want if you are experiencing hair loss issues.

A review recently published in the International Journal of Trichology looked at melatonin’s impact on hair loss. It concluded that topical melatonin solutions might provide effective treatment for hair loss caused by androgenetic alopecia, the most common condition that causes hair to fall out.

The researchers compiled the results of five separate studies of melatonin and hair loss. One of the studies – involving 30 men and women – showed a significant reduction in the degree of severity of androgenetic alopecia after using melatonin for 30 and 90 days. Another study that involved 60 men and women suffering from hair loss found a significant reduction in hair loss among female participants, with less of an impact on men. In yet another study, researchers concluded that a melatonin solution applied to the scalps of 40 women with hair loss increased hair growth significantly compared to participants who were given a placebo.

While it is unclear how exactly melatonin may encourage hair growth, some experts suggest that it may have to do with the same circadian rhythms that govern the sleep-wake cycle. The hair growth cycle in humans is also under circadian control, which may account for the connection.

The authors of the review wrote that “Since safety and tolerability in all of the studies was good, the topical application of a cosmetic melatonin solution can be considered as a treatment option in androgenetic alopecia.”

Schedule an Appointment for a Hair Loss Evaluation Today

While melatonin may have a role to play in strengthening and keeping hair, research is still preliminary, and it may not by itself be able to reverse hair loss or stop it completely in its tracks. At the Miami Hair Institute, our skilled physicians diagnose and treat hair loss cases that can’t be reversed at home. We can help patients suffering from hair loss through advanced hair restoration surgery techniques and alternative non-invasive treatments.

To receive a personalized evaluation and treatment plan, contact us online or call our office directly at 305-925-0222.