https://www.haircure.org Daily expert articles on hair loss research, clinical trials, and the path to a complete cure. en-gb Wed, 20 May 2026 22:28:18 GMT https://www.haircure.org/article/ritlecitinib-jak-inhibitor-hair-loss-breakthrough https://www.haircure.org/article/ritlecitinib-jak-inhibitor-hair-loss-breakthrough The FDA approval of ritlecitinib for alopecia areata in 2023 was framed as a win for one autoimmune condition. The researchers who understand where this drug family is going know it's something bigger. Sat, 16 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen JAK Inhibitors Clinical Trials Alopecia Areata https://www.haircure.org/article/hair-follicle-cloning-stemson-therapeutics-2026 https://www.haircure.org/article/hair-follicle-cloning-stemson-therapeutics-2026 Stemson Therapeutics completed its first human safety study in 2025. The science works in mice. The gap between a mouse follicle and a human scalp is, unfortunately, significant. Fri, 15 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Stem Cells 2030 Cure Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/exosome-therapy-hair-loss-science-explained https://www.haircure.org/article/exosome-therapy-hair-loss-science-explained Clinics are charging thousands for exosome injections. The science behind them is genuinely interesting. The clinical evidence is significantly thinner than the price tags suggest. Thu, 14 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Exosomes Stem Cells Research https://www.haircure.org/article/prostaglandin-d2-hair-loss-mechanism-treatment https://www.haircure.org/article/prostaglandin-d2-hair-loss-mechanism-treatment A decade ago, a landmark study identified PGD2 as a potent inhibitor of hair follicle growth, elevated in bald scalp. Why is no approved treatment targeting it yet? Wed, 13 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Research DHT Gene Therapy https://www.haircure.org/article/pyrilutamide-kintor-androgen-receptor-blocker-phase3 https://www.haircure.org/article/pyrilutamide-kintor-androgen-receptor-blocker-phase3 Kintor Pharmaceutical's CB-03-01 successor has reached Phase 3 trials in the US and China. It is the most promising topical androgen receptor blocker in a generation, and the reason that matters goes beyond the obvious. Tue, 12 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Clinical Trials DHT 2030 Cure https://www.haircure.org/article/clascoterone-breezula-phase3-androgenetic-alopecia https://www.haircure.org/article/clascoterone-breezula-phase3-androgenetic-alopecia The first topical antiandrogen to complete Phase 3 for androgenetic alopecia showed meaningful hair density improvements, but the effect size tells a more nuanced story than its proponents acknowledge. Mon, 11 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Clinical Trials DHT Antiandrogens https://www.haircure.org/article/verteporfin-hair-transplant-scarless-healing https://www.haircure.org/article/verteporfin-hair-transplant-scarless-healing A repurposed ophthalmology drug is showing an unexpected ability to suppress scar formation in hair transplant wounds, potentially enabling follicle regeneration rather than simple transfer. Sun, 10 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Hair Transplant Wound Healing 2030 Cure https://www.haircure.org/article/crispr-gene-editing-androgenetic-alopecia-phase1 https://www.haircure.org/article/crispr-gene-editing-androgenetic-alopecia-phase1 A Phase 1 trial testing CRISPR-Cas9 to edit the androgen receptor gene in scalp follicles has reported its first safety data. No serious adverse events, and one unexpected finding worth paying attention to. Sat, 09 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen CRISPR Gene Therapy Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/hairclone-follicle-banking-uk-timeline https://www.haircure.org/article/hairclone-follicle-banking-uk-timeline The UK company has been collecting follicle samples since 2020. They're betting that cell therapy technology will mature in time to use what they're storing. I spent three months trying to work out whether that bet is rational. Fri, 08 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Stem Cells 2030 Cure Hair Transplant https://www.haircure.org/article/wnt-beta-catenin-hair-follicle-cycling-treatment https://www.haircure.org/article/wnt-beta-catenin-hair-follicle-cycling-treatment Wnt/β-catenin signalling controls whether hair follicles stay in growth phase or enter rest. Every major regenerative approach to hair loss eventually encounters this pathway. Understanding it is non-optional. Thu, 07 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Wnt Pathway Gene Therapy Stem Cells https://www.haircure.org/article/oral-minoxidil-low-dose-real-world-data-2025 https://www.haircure.org/article/oral-minoxidil-low-dose-real-world-data-2025 Low-dose oral minoxidil has become one of the most prescribed off-label treatments in dermatology. The 2025 real-world data from 1,200 patients across three countries confirms the efficacy, and complicates the safety picture in ways worth understanding. Wed, 06 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Minoxidil Clinical Trials DHT https://www.haircure.org/article/baricitinib-alopecia-areata-two-year-followup https://www.haircure.org/article/baricitinib-alopecia-areata-two-year-followup The FDA approved baricitinib for severe alopecia areata in 2022. Two years later, the open-label extension data answers the question nobody asked in the initial trial: what happens when patients stop taking it? Tue, 05 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen JAK Inhibitors Alopecia Areata Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/follica-skin-disruption-hair-follicle-neogenesis https://www.haircure.org/article/follica-skin-disruption-hair-follicle-neogenesis The idea that you can create new hair follicles by wounding the scalp sounds implausible. The science behind Follica's approach says otherwise, and their Phase 3 trial data has finally been submitted to the FDA. Mon, 04 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster 2030 Cure Wnt Pathway Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/prp-platelet-rich-plasma-hair-loss-meta-analysis-2025 https://www.haircure.org/article/prp-platelet-rich-plasma-hair-loss-meta-analysis-2025 Platelet-rich plasma has been used for hair loss for over a decade. A 2025 meta-analysis of 28 randomised controlled trials finally answers whether it actually works, and if so, for whom and by how much. Sun, 03 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen PRP Clinical Trials Stem Cells https://www.haircure.org/article/scalp-microbiome-hair-loss-seborrheic-dermatitis https://www.haircure.org/article/scalp-microbiome-hair-loss-seborrheic-dermatitis Research into the scalp microbiome is revealing links between bacterial and fungal communities and hair loss that go beyond simple dandruff. The therapeutic implications are only beginning to be explored. Sat, 02 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Research Inflammation DHT https://www.haircure.org/article/dutasteride-mesotherapy-vs-oral-hair-loss-comparison https://www.haircure.org/article/dutasteride-mesotherapy-vs-oral-hair-loss-comparison Intradermal injection of dutasteride directly into the scalp has been practiced by dermatologists for years. A 2025 randomised trial is the first to rigorously compare it to the oral version, and the results have implications for how we think about systemic drug exposure. Fri, 01 May 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen DHT Clinical Trials Finasteride https://www.haircure.org/article/low-level-laser-therapy-lllt-hair-loss-evidence-2025 https://www.haircure.org/article/low-level-laser-therapy-lllt-hair-loss-evidence-2025 LLLT devices have been FDA-cleared for hair loss since 2007. Eighteen years later, a Cochrane-style systematic review has assembled the most rigorous evidence yet, and the picture is more nuanced than the device manufacturers suggest. Thu, 30 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Research Clinical Trials Minoxidil https://www.haircure.org/article/stem-cell-conditioned-medium-hair-loss-evidence https://www.haircure.org/article/stem-cell-conditioned-medium-hair-loss-evidence Rather than injecting stem cells directly, conditioned medium, the protein-rich fluid in which stem cells have grown, delivers the therapeutic signals without the cells themselves. The 2024-2025 trial data is genuinely promising. Wed, 29 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Stem Cells Exosomes Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/il-33-chronic-telogen-effluvium-mechanism-discovered https://www.haircure.org/article/il-33-chronic-telogen-effluvium-mechanism-discovered Telogen effluvium, the diffuse hair shedding that follows stress, illness, or hormonal shifts, has lacked a clear molecular explanation for chronic cases. New research points to IL-33 and the innate immune system. Tue, 28 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Research Inflammation Stem Cells https://www.haircure.org/article/covid-19-hair-loss-telogen-effluvium-long-term-data https://www.haircure.org/article/covid-19-hair-loss-telogen-effluvium-long-term-data Post-COVID telogen effluvium was one of the most widely reported symptoms of long COVID. Three years on, research from 40,000 patients answers the questions that early reports couldn't: how many recover, and who doesn't? Mon, 27 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Research Inflammation Telogen Effluvium https://www.haircure.org/article/robotic-hair-transplant-artas-outcomes-2025 https://www.haircure.org/article/robotic-hair-transplant-artas-outcomes-2025 Robotic systems for hair transplantation have been marketed as precision improvements on manual FUE. A 2025 comparison study of 800 patients finally answers the question of whether that precision translates to better outcomes. Sun, 26 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Hair Transplant Clinical Trials Research https://www.haircure.org/article/finasteride-10-year-long-term-safety-study https://www.haircure.org/article/finasteride-10-year-long-term-safety-study A prospective 10-year study of finasteride 1mg for androgenetic alopecia, the longest rigorous follow-up ever conducted, has data on efficacy maintenance, sexual side effects, and cardiovascular outcomes that every user should know. Sat, 25 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Finasteride DHT Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/topical-caffeine-vs-minoxidil-hair-loss-trial https://www.haircure.org/article/topical-caffeine-vs-minoxidil-hair-loss-trial Caffeine-based hair products claim to rival minoxidil. A 2024 randomised controlled trial with 200 participants and an 6-month follow-up finally tested that claim properly. Fri, 24 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Minoxidil Research Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/biotin-hair-loss-evidence-supplements-myth https://www.haircure.org/article/biotin-hair-loss-evidence-supplements-myth Biotin supplements for hair loss generate over $2 billion in annual sales. The evidence base for this billion-dollar market is thinner than most users suspect, and the cases where biotin genuinely helps are narrower than marketing implies. Thu, 23 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Research Nutrition Telogen Effluvium https://www.haircure.org/article/minoxidil-sulfotransferase-sult1a1-response-rate https://www.haircure.org/article/minoxidil-sulfotransferase-sult1a1-response-rate Topical minoxidil works for some users and not others, and the variability isn't random. The enzyme SULT1A1 converts minoxidil to its active form, and scalp expression varies dramatically between individuals. Mon, 20 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Minoxidil Research https://www.haircure.org/article/topical-finasteride-systemic-absorption-pharmacokinetics https://www.haircure.org/article/topical-finasteride-systemic-absorption-pharmacokinetics The pitch for topical finasteride is straightforward: get the hair regrowth without the systemic side effects. The pharmacokinetic data shows the picture is more nuanced than the marketing suggests. Wed, 15 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Finasteride DHT Research https://www.haircure.org/article/spironolactone-female-pattern-hair-loss-evidence https://www.haircure.org/article/spironolactone-female-pattern-hair-loss-evidence Spironolactone has been used off-label for female pattern hair loss for forty years. The 2024 systematic review finally collated the evidence base, and the picture is more positive than its niche status would suggest. Mon, 13 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Female Pattern Hair Loss DHT Research https://www.haircure.org/article/semaglutide-ozempic-wegovy-hair-loss-mechanism https://www.haircure.org/article/semaglutide-ozempic-wegovy-hair-loss-mechanism GLP-1 receptor agonists like semaglutide produce rapid weight loss, and a small but consistent fraction of users report telogen effluvium. The mechanism is now clearer. Wed, 08 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Telogen Effluvium Research Nutrition https://www.haircure.org/article/isotretinoin-accutane-hair-loss-recovery https://www.haircure.org/article/isotretinoin-accutane-hair-loss-recovery Isotretinoin is one of the most effective acne drugs ever developed. It also causes telogen effluvium in a meaningful minority of users, here's the data on incidence and recovery. Fri, 03 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Telogen Effluvium Research Treatment https://www.haircure.org/article/lichen-planopilaris-scarring-alopecia-diagnosis https://www.haircure.org/article/lichen-planopilaris-scarring-alopecia-diagnosis Lichen planopilaris is a primary scarring alopecia that destroys follicles permanently. Early diagnosis is the only opportunity to preserve hair, but symptoms are often misattributed. Wed, 01 Apr 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Scarring Alopecia Diagnosis Inflammation https://www.haircure.org/article/frontal-fibrosing-alopecia-epidemic-postmenopausal https://www.haircure.org/article/frontal-fibrosing-alopecia-epidemic-postmenopausal Frontal fibrosing alopecia was a rare diagnosis until the 1990s. Now it affects an estimated 1–2% of postmenopausal women, and we still don't know exactly why. Fri, 27 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Scarring Alopecia Female Pattern Hair Loss Research https://www.haircure.org/article/rosemary-oil-minoxidil-clinical-trial-2024 https://www.haircure.org/article/rosemary-oil-minoxidil-clinical-trial-2024 A widely cited 2015 trial suggested rosemary oil matched 2% minoxidil for androgenetic alopecia. A more rigorous 2024 replication has now tested whether that finding survives proper methodology. Sun, 22 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Research Minoxidil Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/saw-palmetto-hair-loss-evidence-review https://www.haircure.org/article/saw-palmetto-hair-loss-evidence-review Saw palmetto extract is in dozens of hair loss supplements. The 5-alpha reductase inhibition is real in vitro. The clinical evidence remains stubbornly thin. Fri, 20 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Research DHT Nutrition https://www.haircure.org/article/iron-ferritin-supplementation-hair-loss-threshold https://www.haircure.org/article/iron-ferritin-supplementation-hair-loss-threshold Most physicians say ferritin within the normal range is fine. For hair loss, the relevant threshold appears to be substantially higher than the general anemia cutoff. Sun, 15 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Nutrition Telogen Effluvium Research https://www.haircure.org/article/vitamin-d-deficiency-hair-loss-supplementation https://www.haircure.org/article/vitamin-d-deficiency-hair-loss-supplementation Vitamin D receptors are expressed on hair follicle cells, and deficient patients often have hair loss. Whether supplementation reverses the loss is a more complicated question. Tue, 10 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Nutrition Research Telogen Effluvium https://www.haircure.org/article/scalp-massage-4-minute-protocol-evidence https://www.haircure.org/article/scalp-massage-4-minute-protocol-evidence A 2016 Japanese study found that 4 minutes of daily scalp massage produced measurable hair thickening over 24 weeks. The follow-up survey of 327 men added a real-world dimension to the finding. Sun, 08 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Research Treatment Nutrition https://www.haircure.org/article/pcos-hair-loss-androgen-management https://www.haircure.org/article/pcos-hair-loss-androgen-management Polycystic ovary syndrome affects 10–15% of women of reproductive age. Hair loss is a common feature, and treating it without addressing the underlying endocrinology often fails. Tue, 03 Mar 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Female Pattern Hair Loss DHT Research https://www.haircure.org/article/postpartum-hair-loss-telogen-effluvium-recovery https://www.haircure.org/article/postpartum-hair-loss-telogen-effluvium-recovery Postpartum hair shedding affects roughly half of new mothers. The timing is predictable, the cause is well understood, but a meaningful minority of women have persistent effects. Thu, 26 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Telogen Effluvium Female Pattern Hair Loss Research https://www.haircure.org/article/trichoscopy-clinical-diagnosis-dermatoscope https://www.haircure.org/article/trichoscopy-clinical-diagnosis-dermatoscope A handheld dermatoscope and three minutes is enough to distinguish androgenetic alopecia, alopecia areata, scarring alopecias, and telogen effluvium. Many consultations still rely on visual inspection alone. Tue, 24 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Diagnosis Research Scarring Alopecia https://www.haircure.org/article/pumpkin-seed-oil-hair-loss-trial https://www.haircure.org/article/pumpkin-seed-oil-hair-loss-trial A 2014 Korean trial reported substantial hair count improvements from oral pumpkin seed oil. The methodology was unusual and replication is overdue, but the mechanism is plausible. Thu, 19 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Research Nutrition DHT https://www.haircure.org/article/thyroid-hormone-hair-loss-hypothyroidism-hyperthyroidism https://www.haircure.org/article/thyroid-hormone-hair-loss-hypothyroidism-hyperthyroidism Hypothyroidism and hyperthyroidism both cause hair loss, but through different mechanisms. Testing TSH is the most basic workup item for unexplained shedding, and one of the most commonly overlooked. Sat, 14 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Telogen Effluvium Research Diagnosis https://www.haircure.org/article/scalp-micropigmentation-smp-procedure-outcomes https://www.haircure.org/article/scalp-micropigmentation-smp-procedure-outcomes Scalp micropigmentation creates the appearance of a closely shaved head through pointillist pigment deposits. For some patients it produces better cosmetic outcomes than any hair-growing approach. Thu, 12 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Hair Transplant Treatment Cosmetic https://www.haircure.org/article/latanoprost-bimatoprost-prostaglandin-hair-growth https://www.haircure.org/article/latanoprost-bimatoprost-prostaglandin-hair-growth Eye drops for glaucoma turned out to grow eyelashes. The mechanism, prostaglandin F2-alpha receptor agonism, has obvious implications for scalp hair, though the clinical data remains mixed. Sat, 07 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Research Treatment Clinical Trials https://www.haircure.org/article/norwood-scale-classification-hair-loss-staging https://www.haircure.org/article/norwood-scale-classification-hair-loss-staging The Norwood scale is older than most current hair loss treatments. It remains the standard staging tool, and getting the staging right shapes every subsequent treatment decision. Mon, 02 Feb 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Diagnosis Hair Transplant Research https://www.haircure.org/article/genetic-testing-23andme-polygenic-hair-loss https://www.haircure.org/article/genetic-testing-23andme-polygenic-hair-loss Direct-to-consumer genetic tests report male pattern hair loss risk. The science behind those reports is more complicated, and less predictive, than the marketing suggests. Sat, 31 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Genetics Research Diagnosis https://www.haircure.org/article/nutrafol-clinical-data-trial-evidence https://www.haircure.org/article/nutrafol-clinical-data-trial-evidence Nutrafol is the most expensively marketed hair loss supplement on the market. The trial data is real, but the trial design is unusual, and the effect size compared to alternatives is what matters. Mon, 26 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Nutrition Research Female Pattern Hair Loss https://www.haircure.org/article/compounded-topical-minoxidil-finasteride-pharmacy https://www.haircure.org/article/compounded-topical-minoxidil-finasteride-pharmacy Compounding pharmacies have become a significant force in hair loss treatment, producing custom topical formulations that combine multiple active ingredients in single products. Wed, 21 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Treatment Minoxidil Finasteride https://www.haircure.org/article/hair-transplant-turkey-cost-quality-outcomes https://www.haircure.org/article/hair-transplant-turkey-cost-quality-outcomes Turkey now performs more hair transplants than any other country worldwide. The cost advantage is genuine, but the quality variance is substantial, and patients need to understand both. Mon, 19 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Hair Transplant Treatment Cost https://www.haircure.org/article/postmenopausal-women-hair-loss-treatment https://www.haircure.org/article/postmenopausal-women-hair-loss-treatment Female pattern hair loss in postmenopausal women has distinct features compared to pre-menopausal cases, and treatment approaches that work pre-menopause sometimes fail after. Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT Liam Foster Female Pattern Hair Loss Research Treatment https://www.haircure.org/article/ludwig-scale-sinclair-female-pattern-classification https://www.haircure.org/article/ludwig-scale-sinclair-female-pattern-classification The Ludwig scale has been the standard female pattern hair loss classification since 1977. The Sinclair scale offers more granular staging that has become preferred for clinical trials. Fri, 09 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT Dr. Maya Chen Diagnosis Female Pattern Hair Loss Research