The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair | Huberman Lab Podcast
Andrew Huberman・2 minutes read
Andrew Huberman hosts a podcast exploring the science behind hair loss and ways to slow or reverse it, delving into topics like stem cells, hormones, and treatments like Minoxidil and PRP injections. The podcast aims to provide free science-related information and highlights sponsors like Helix Sleep and ROKA, offering insights on maintaining hair growth and debunking common myths about hair loss inheritance.
Insights
- Hair growth is a complex process involving stem cells, melanocytes, sebaceous glands, and arrector pili muscles, with each hair strand having its own stem cell niche determining growth duration.
- Hormones like estrogen and testosterone regulate hair growth phases, influencing hair loss and regrowth by acting as accelerators or brakes on the three phases of hair growth.
- Different approaches like scalp massage or avoiding hats can help maintain hair but won't robustly enhance hair growth, with blood flow being a crucial accelerator for hair growth.
- Minoxidil, known as ROGAINE, can extend the anagen phase to slow hair loss by increasing blood flow to the scalp, but dosage management is crucial to avoid side effects.
- Combination treatments involving mechanical (like microneedling) and chemical stimuli (like finasteride) are more effective for hair regrowth, emphasizing the need for individualized approaches under medical supervision.
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Recent questions
How does blood flow affect hair growth?
Blood flow accelerates hair growth by delivering nutrients and oxygen to support hair follicles. Increasing blood flow through treatments like Minoxidil or micro-needling can stimulate stem cells and melanocytes, promoting hair growth and potentially slowing hair loss. Proper blood circulation ensures that the hair stem cell niche receives essential nutrients, aiding in maintaining healthy hair growth cycles.
What are the effects of DHT on hair growth?
Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) negatively impacts hair growth by shortening the growth phase and miniaturizing hair follicles. High levels of DHT inhibit hair growth by reducing levels of growth-promoting factors like IGF-1 and cyclic AMP, leading to pattern hair loss in many individuals. Inhibiting 5-alpha reductase, the enzyme responsible for converting testosterone to DHT, can counteract DHT's negative effects on hair follicles and promote hair growth.
How can caffeine promote hair growth?
Caffeine acts as a phosphodiesterase (PDE) inhibitor, indirectly stimulating insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1) and promoting hair growth. Topical application of caffeine can be as effective as Minoxidil in promoting hair growth without certain side effects. By inhibiting PDE and increasing IGF-1 levels, caffeine can support hair follicles and contribute to maintaining healthy hair growth cycles.
What is the role of stem cells in hair growth?
Stem cells play a crucial role in hair growth by residing in the hair bulb and supporting the production of new hair cells. These stem cells are present from birth and are responsible for the continuous regeneration of hair follicles. Stimulating stem cells through treatments like micro-needling can reactivate semi-quiescent stem cells, enhancing the effectiveness of hormone-based hair regrowth treatments and promoting overall hair growth.
How do hormones influence hair growth phases?
Hormones like estrogen and testosterone regulate the three phases of hair growth - anagen (growth), catagen (receding), and telogen (rest). Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) can impact hair growth phases by shortening the anagen phase and promoting the catagen and telogen phases, leading to hair loss. Understanding the role of hormones in hair growth cycles is essential for addressing issues like pattern hair loss and maintaining healthy hair growth.
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Summary
00:00
"Huberman Lab Podcast: Science of Hair Growth"
- Andrew Huberman hosts the Huberman Lab podcast, focusing on science and tools for daily life.
- Huberman is a neurobiology and ophthalmology professor at Stanford School of Medicine.
- The podcast delves into the science behind hair loss and ways to slow or reverse it.
- Hair growth is linked to cellular biology and stem cells, intriguing from a scientific perspective.
- Each hair strand has its own stem cell niche, determining its growth duration.
- Hair on the head can grow for 4-8 years, while eyebrows have shorter growth periods.
- Factors influencing hair growth include hormones, stress, and chemicals like minoxidil.
- Common myths about hair loss inheritance and patterns are debunked.
- The podcast aims to provide free science-related information to the public.
- Sponsors like Helix Sleep, HVMN ketone-IQ, and ROKA are acknowledged for supporting the podcast.
12:08
Biological and Mechanical Factors in Hair Growth
- Biological mechanisms explain treatment effectiveness and side effects
- Mechanical and chemical approaches to hair loss reversal
- Hormones like estrogen and testosterone regulate hair growth
- Stem cells are crucial for hair growth and are present from birth
- Hair is formed by stem cells in the hair bulb
- Keratin proteins make up the hair shaft
- Melanin gives hair its color and is produced by melanocytes
- Sebum from sebaceous glands waterproofs and protects the skin
- Arrector pili muscle causes hair to stand up and trap air for warmth
- Capillaries deliver nutrients and oxygen to support hair growth
24:30
Enhancing Hair Growth Through Blood Flow
- To promote hair growth, avoid wearing hats, massage your scalp, and increase blood flow.
- Peppermint oil or menthol oils can be used to massage the scalp to stimulate blood flow.
- Light therapies are designed to increase blood flow to the scalp to support stem cells and melanocytes that create hair.
- Manipulations or treatments that enhance blood flow can slow hair loss or extend hair growth duration.
- Different approaches like scalp massage or avoiding hats can help maintain hair but won't robustly enhance hair growth.
- Hair growth is a complex process involving stem cells, melanocytes, sebaceous glands, and arrector pili muscles.
- Hair growth occurs in three phases: anagen (growth), catagen (receding), and telogen (rest).
- The anagen phase duration varies, with scalp hair having a growth phase of 2 to 8 years.
- Hormones like dihydrotestosterone can impact hair growth phases, shortening the anagen phase and promoting catagen and telogen phases.
- Hormones act as accelerators or brakes on the three phases of hair growth, influencing hair loss and regrowth.
37:14
"Enhancing Hair Growth with Minoxidil Treatment"
- Hair growth occurs in three phases: anagen, catagen, and telogen.
- Blood flow is a crucial accelerator for hair growth, delivering nutrients and oxygen.
- Minoxidil, known as ROGAINE, was originally a drug for hypertension, extending the anagen phase to slow hair loss.
- Minoxidil increases blood flow to the scalp and other body areas, but its effectiveness varies based on hair loss severity.
- Minoxidil dosages must be carefully managed to avoid side effects like swelling, headaches, and dizziness.
- Minoxidil can elevate prolactin levels, leading to side effects like reduced libido and gynecomastia.
- Oral Minoxidil dosages range from 0.25 to 5 milligrams daily, while topical solutions are typically 5% concentration used once daily.
- Proper application of topical Minoxidil involves leaving it on the scalp for 3-5 minutes to penetrate hair follicles.
- Finding the correct Minoxidil dosage often involves starting with the lowest dose and adjusting based on side effects.
- Increasing blood flow to the scalp through treatments like Minoxidil or low-dose tadalafil can help slow hair loss by supporting the hair stem cell niche.
49:42
PRP Injections and Micro-Needling for Hair Growth
- PRP injections are used in various tissues for different purposes in clinics in the US, Canada, and Europe.
- PRP injections are used in ovaries to increase healthy follicles and eggs for conception.
- PRP injections are used in joints to support joint health.
- PRP injections are used in various tissues, but PRP is not stem cells.
- PRP involves drawing blood, spinning it to separate components, and reinjecting platelets enriched with nutrients back into the body.
- PRP injections are also used in the scalp for hair growth with moderate success.
- Micro-needling involves using needles of varying lengths to stimulate stem cells in the hair follicles.
- Micro-needling can reactivate semi-quiescent stem cells and enhance the effectiveness of hormone-based hair regrowth treatments.
- Micro-needling and PRP both involve needle injections into the skin to stimulate hair growth.
- Combining micro-needling with Minoxidil treatment is more effective in recovering "dead zones" on the scalp than using either treatment alone.
01:01:48
"Botox: From Wrinkles to Hair Loss"
- Botox is the brand name for botulinum neurotoxin, a bacterial toxin that cuts the protein responsible for synaptic vesicle release.
- Nerve cells communicate through electricity, triggering the release of chemicals into the synapse, allowing neurons to be chemically active or suppress electrical activity.
- Botulinum neurotoxin prevents neurons from releasing chemicals that activate other neurons, potentially causing paralysis if injected into muscles.
- Botox injections are commonly used to treat wrinkles caused by hypercontracted nerves in the skin.
- Botox can be applied to the scalp to relieve tension and potentially offset hair loss by increasing blood flow to the stem cell follicle area.
- Botox treatments must be done by skilled professionals to avoid cosmetic nightmares and require repeated injections as the effects wear off over time.
- Botox's efficacy in offsetting hair loss is not definitively proven, but it is considered a safe alternative to treatments like Minoxidil.
- Botox injections can also be used to treat cutis verticis gyrata, a condition causing scalp lumps and associated with pattern hair loss.
- Chemical factors like IGF-1 and cyclic AMP regulate hair growth phases, while factors like PDE and TGF-beta-2 act as brakes on hair growth.
- Androgen-related alopecia, influenced by testosterone and dihydrotestosterone levels, inhibits hair growth by reducing IGF-1 and cyclic AMP, leading to pattern hair loss in about 50% of people by age 50.
01:14:39
"Facial Androgen Receptors Influence Beard Growth"
- High density of androgen receptors on the face leads to thicker beard growth as DHT levels increase with age.
- Scalp, face, and back have different patterns of androgen receptors affecting hair growth.
- Androgen receptors on the back stimulate hair growth, leading to a hairy back.
- Thick beard indicates a high density of androgen receptors on the face.
- Androgen receptors on the scalp predispose regions to androgen-dependent alopecia.
- Caffeine acts as a PDE inhibitor, indirectly stimulating IGF-1 and promoting hair growth.
- Topical caffeine application can be as effective as Minoxidil for hair growth without certain side effects.
- Topical caffeine ointments should be applied about three times a week.
- Prescription drugs like growth hormone and sermorelin can increase IGF-1 levels and promote hair growth.
- Maintaining proper iron levels is crucial for cell growth pathways and hair stimulation.
01:26:21
"Optimizing Iron Levels and Hair Health"
- Iron levels are crucial for health, with women needing between 25 and 100 units and men between 30 and 150 units.
- Iron tests are inexpensive and can be added to routine blood panels, especially if hormone testing is being done.
- Low iron levels may require supplementation, while high levels can be harmful.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) affects hair growth negatively by shortening the growth phase and miniaturizing follicles.
- Saw palmetto can weakly inhibit 5-alpha reductase, reducing DHT levels and potentially aiding in hair maintenance.
- Saw palmetto is generally safe with minimal side effects when taken at around 300 milligrams per day.
- Herbal compounds like green tea extract, Reishi Mushroom, and curcumin are believed to promote hair growth but lack conclusive clinical evidence.
- Ketoconazole, an antifungal, can reduce DHT levels and has shown effectiveness in maintaining existing hair.
- Ketoconazole shampoo usage 2-4 times a week for 3-5 minutes can help maintain hair, although its ability to stimulate new hair growth is uncertain.
- It's crucial to use a ketoconazole shampoo with at least a 2% concentration to ensure effectiveness, with potential mild side effects like scalp irritation.
01:38:01
"Enhancing Hair Growth with Biotin and Finasteride"
- Biotin-enriched shampoos are praised by some individuals for their benefits.
- Ketoconazole, a common ingredient in shampoos, can be drying and lead to brittle hair if not used properly.
- Newer ketoconazole shampoos with 2% concentration are available to counter dryness and brittleness.
- Inhibiting 5-alpha reductase and reducing DHT can promote hair growth by counteracting DHT's negative effects on hair follicles.
- Finasteride and dutasteride are key in reducing DHT levels, with finasteride showing a 20% increase in hair count and thickening existing hair.
- Finasteride can reduce hair loss in 90% of users and increase hair thickness by 20-30%.
- Finasteride's effectiveness varies due to individual differences in isoenzyme production, leading to varying side effects and responses.
- Oral and topical forms of finasteride are available, with topical application aiming to reduce systemic side effects.
- Dosage recommendations for finasteride range from 0.5mg to 1mg orally and one ml of 0.25% topical solution weekly.
- Slowly increasing finasteride dosage is advised to monitor side effects and hair growth effectively.
01:50:44
"Balancing DHT for Hair Growth Success"
- DHT levels fluctuate throughout the week, making regular monitoring challenging due to cost and labor intensity.
- Different dosing regimens of finasteride aim to optimize hair maintenance and growth while minimizing side effects.
- Post-finasteride syndrome, a new phenomenon, involves severe side effects like reduced libido and depression in males who stop taking finasteride.
- Young males taking high doses of finasteride for hair growth seem more prone to post-finasteride syndrome than older males.
- Dihydrotestosterone (DHT) plays crucial roles in embryonic development, male puberty, and brain maturation.
- Dutasteride, a potent inhibitor of DHT, works faster than finasteride in inducing hair regrowth but is associated with side effects like reduced sex drive and increased estrogen levels.
- Combination treatments involving mechanical (like microneedling) and chemical stimuli (like finasteride) are more effective for hair regrowth.
- Microneedling combined with finasteride shows significant hair regrowth potential, especially for individuals with balding issues.
- Careful consideration of the balance between DHT inhibition and hair growth stimulation is crucial to avoid excessive side effects.
- Individual responses to hair growth treatments vary, emphasizing the need to start with minimal effective dosages under medical supervision to monitor side effects and effectiveness.
02:02:52
"Support, Supplements, and Science: Huberman Lab Podcast"
- Support the podcast by subscribing on Spotify and Apple, leaving up to a five-star review on both platforms, and engaging with the content by commenting on YouTube. Additionally, check out the sponsors mentioned in each episode for further support.
- Supplements are discussed on the Huberman Lab podcast, with many people benefiting from them for sleep, hormone support, focus, and more. To explore the supplements discussed, visit livemomentous.com/huberman. Follow Huberman Lab on social media platforms like Instagram, Twitter, Facebook, and LinkedIn for science-related content, distinct from the podcast. Subscribe to the Huberman Lab podcast Neural Network newsletter for monthly summaries of episodes and tool kits on optimizing sleep, neuroplasticity, dopamine, cold exposure, heat exposure, exercise, and more, all available at zero cost on hubermanlab.com.
