Do you dream of luscious locks but are one of the 35 million U.S. men experiencing hair loss? Perhaps you're among the 21 million women in the U.S. experiencing hair loss.
Although a common condition all over the world, hair loss can still be a frustrating and embarrassing experience for both men and women.
From climatic factors to genetics, the reasons for hair loss are plenty. The good news is, however, recent developments mean you have more (and better) options to explore to fix the problem.
If you're interested in achieving a full head of hair through stem cell therapy for hair loss, keep reading to find out how it really works!
Stem Cell Therapy for Hair Loss - How it Works
Stem cell therapy for hair loss begins with stem cells - those that are collected from a person at the time of birth.
These cells are undifferentiated and are capable of giving rise to other cells.
Research has shown that various conditions and diseases can be cured by using stem cells. Recently, researchers at the University of California and the University of Pennsylvania in the United States have discovered that stem cells can help in reversing baldness in both men and women!
The Stem Cell Therapy for Hair Loss Studies
The University of Pennsylvania
A study at the University of Pennsylvania found that the action of stem cells can, in fact, restore hair growth.
While the research itself is quite complicated, the mechanism is just as intriguing.
Here's how it works: your head contains thousands of follicles. Each follicle (produced during embryonic development) produces a single hair.
Originally, it was thought that once these follicles are lost (as they are in the case of balding) there is no way to restore them other than by manually implanting them - a method which many people find far too invasive.
Next, researchers at the university found a gene called Wnt. Wnt does two things:
Researchers then took lab mice and removed bits of skin on their heads to create a wound.
The creation of this would essentially 'woke up' the Wnt gene and activated it. Once activated, the Wnt gene signaled the body's stem cells to also 'wake up.' Then, they began to function.
The stem cells moved to the center of the wound to begin healing it and producing hair follicles with new hair growth.
RIKEN
Other exciting research in the fight to cure baldness comes from Japan's largest research organization, RIKEN.
Researchers at RIKEN have already impressively demonstrated that they can regenerate body parts including teeth, certain glands, and hair follicles in mice. The process is known as the primordium method.
How does the primordium method work? In the same way as the University of Pennsylvania is putting a stop to hair loss - with stem cells!
RIKEN teamed up with two Japanese companies to develop a cure for baldness based on regenerative medicine. The companies are targeting for commercialization in the year 2020.
The new hair restorative method is called follicular regenerative medicine. Similar to the study at the University of Pennsylvania, it works by removing a small patch of skin and hair follicles from the patient's scalp.
The stem cells active in the follicles are then isolated and extracted. Next, they are cultivated to increase their number by many orders of magnitude.
The cells are subsequently processed and turned into follicles using the primordium method. Lastly, they are injected or autografted into the patient's scalp.
Stem Cell Therapy for Hair Loss Success
While many people suffering from hair loss feel apprehensive about seeking medical treatment for hair growth, stem cell therapy for hair loss can ease some of those worries.
Stem cell therapy for hair loss starts from your own body fat. First, stem cells from body fat, known as Autologous Adipose Adult Stem cells - or AAA stem cells - are harvested from the body fat.
Then, the cells are microscopically injected into the baldness-affected areas.
According to researchers, visible results should be apparent within just 2 to 4 weeks of receiving stem cell therapy for hair loss!
What's the best part of this hair loss treatment? Not only does it work, but it's actually a lifetime cure!
When the treatment is completed, your humiliation and need for hiding and/or apprehension of suffering from baldness can be over and done with as well.
From Study to Pharmacy
It may sound crazy that a wound in the skin is responsible for hair growth—we'll give you that. But although surprising, it's also an exciting concept!
The sequence of events for stem cell therapy for hair loss—the wound activating the Wnt gene, which then activates wound healing and hair growth—could provide treatment for the millions of people who suffer from hair loss.
The downfall, however, is that you may have to wait a few years for stem cell therapy for hair loss treatment, as there is still a great deal of testing left to be done.
It's likely worth the wait, though, as the results show exceptional promise. Thus far, the treatment has also shown little evidence of major side effects.
Benefits of Stem Cell Therapy for Hair Loss
Unlike most other treatment methods currently available, stem cell therapy for hair loss has numerous benefits.
Likely, this treatment, if made commercially available, will become a breakthrough in this field. Here's why this breakthrough treatment is truly beneficial:
Stem cell treatment is a sure solution to hair loss.
It's one of the most relatively safe ways to re-grow your hair.
This treatment method is minimally invasive in nature.
Unlike other treatments available now, stem cell therapy will require only a few sittings.
The method behind stem cell treatment for hair loss will lead to only minimal discomfort.
Stem cell treatment can ensure positive results within a month.
What more could you want?
While effective hair transplants have been around for years, they don't promise continued hair growth like stem cell therapy for hair loss does.
What do you think about this new treatment method for hair loss? Is it something you would be willing to give a shot? Tell us what you think in the comments!
