Hair
Scientific advances in hair regrowth and hair loss prevention. Research focuses on the biological causes of thinning and graying hair, exploring evidence-based treatments to maintain density and scalp health.
Essentials
Treatments Today
Can you reverse gray hair? Science says probably not permanently
While genetics is the main factor, reducing personal and environmental stress can temporarily reverse gray hair color in some cases, but a permanent fix is not yet available.
Finasteride and minoxidil slow balding and regrow hair in men
Large trials show that finasteride 1 mg a day and 5% minoxidil lotion slow male pattern baldness and regrow some hair. A minoxidil pill matched the lotion in a 2024 trial. Each drug has known side effects.
videoHow to slow visible aging in skin, nails, and hair
Harvard professor David Sinclair and co-host Matthew LaPlante discuss methods to slow or reverse cosmetic aging, focusing on skin, hair,…
A hair YouTuber says microneedling pens beat derma rollers
A hair loss YouTuber says motorized microneedling pens beat derma rollers on pain, scarring, and hair pulling. Trials found that rollers and pens both add regrowth to minoxidil, with needle depth as the key setting.
Regrowth Research
PP405 hair regrowth shows promise
In a 78-person trial, 31% of men with advanced hair loss who applied PP405 daily for 4 weeks gained over 20% hair density by week 8, versus 0% on placebo.
A DNA sugar called 2-deoxy-D-ribose regrew hair in balding mice
In a 2024 mouse study, a gel containing 2-deoxy-D-ribose, a sugar found in DNA, restored hair length and thickness as well as minoxidil after 20 days. A first trial in people began in Cairo in 2026.
A DNA sugar gel regrew fur in balding mice as well as minoxidil
In a 2024 mouse study, a gel made with 2-deoxy-D-ribose, a sugar found in DNA, matched a 2% minoxidil spray on hair length and thickness after 20 days. Combining the two added nothing.
A sugar found in the body may help hair regrow without drugs
A study in mice suggests that the simple sugar 2-deoxy-D-ribose, which the body already makes as part of DNA, can…
An arthritis drug is the first proven pill for severe hair loss
Alopecia areata is an autoimmune disease in which the body’s defense system attacks hair roots, causing sudden bald patches on…