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Although the topic of green tea as a hair loss remedy is a popular subject, few discussions focus on the tea as a topical therapy. Because of this, many wonder if applying green tea to the scalp can help slow or reverse androgenetic alopecia or male pattern baldness. According to a study conducted at the Seoul University National Hospital, a key ingredient in green tea may have some validity as a topical hair loss treatment.

The study focuses on epigallocatechin-3-gallate (EGCG), a compound found in green tea, and its effect on dermal papilla cells and hair growth cycles. After removing and treating a section of follicular units from research subjects, the scientific team found that the EGCG stimulates hair growth by forcing hair follicles to remain in the expansion, or Anagen phase, and by increasing the active stage of dermal papilla cells (which are robust and lively during the follicular growth phase). However, despite the fact that these results seem promising, there are several issues to consider before concluding that topical green tea can help battle balding.

A research team working at the University of Sweden identified a new gene that may prove important in the fight against hair loss. Scientists found that the gene, Lhx2, is crucial in regulating hair growth during a hair follicle‘s expansion, or Anagen, phase.

Hair follicles undergo three natural phases, or cycles – the Anagen, or growth phase (where follicles are active and hair growth occurs), the Catagen, or transition stage (where the growth cycle stops), and the Telogen, or resting phase (where follicles are no longer active and the static hairs shed). After the resting stage is complete (usually a period of 3 months) a new growth phase begins and the follicular cycle continues.

Researchers have discovered that Lhx2 is present during the Anagen (growth) phase, follicles cannot produce new hair in the absence of Lhx2, and the gene can actually activate the growth cycle. These findings make Lhx2 and its effect on follicular cycles and genetic hair growth an important tool in future balding research.

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Blake Bloxham -aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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Technorati Tags: hair loss, Lhx2, hair growth, hair follicle, follicular cycles, genetic hair growth, balding

On June 25th through the 27th, 2010, The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgeons (ISHRS) is hosting a conference in Bangkok, Thailand. The conference, which focuses on new advances in Asian hair transplantation, features two hair transplant surgeons recommended by the Hair Transplant Network - Dr. Damkerng Pathomvanich, and Coalition physician Dr. Jerry Wong.

Dr. Pathomvanich is presenting an introductory speech and giving presentations on hairline placement in Asian hair restoration patients, eyebrow transplantation in Asian patients, and stem cell and growth factor hair loss treatments. He’ll also be sitting on several question and answer panels and assisting in several follicular unit transplantation (FUT) cases.

Dr. Wong is giving presentations on the difference between pre-made follicular unit incision sites and stick-and-place incisions, mega sessions for Asian patients, facial hair transplantation, and temple hair transplantation. He too will be sitting on several panels and assisting in follicular unit transplantation cases.

Congratulations to both Dr. Pathomvanich and Dr. Wong!

Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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Technorati Tags: Hair Restoration, Asian hair transplantation, hair transplant surgeons, hairline placement, Asian hair restoration, eyebrow transplantation, stem cell, growth factor, hair loss, follicular unit transplantation, FUT, follicular unit incision sites, mega sessions, facial hair transplantation, temple hair transplantation

According to an article published in Nature Magazine, Dermatologists, Geneticists, and Neurobiologists from institutions such as Columbia University, Stanford University, and Rockefeller University may have identified a new hair loss gene.

While studying hereditary hypotrichosis simplex – a rare condition that causes hair follicle miniaturization and aggressive, abnormal hair loss, scientists found a common mutation in the adenomatosis polyposis down-regulated 1 (APCDD1) gene in three different families. Although this hereditary condition is not identical to male pattern baldness or genetic female baldness, the research team believes the APCDD1 gene plays a significant role in human hair growth and development.

These findings may prove important in future research and non-surgical hair loss treatments.

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Blake Bloxham – aka Future_HT_Doc

Editorial Assistant and Forum Co-Moderator for the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum

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Technorati Tags: hair loss gene, hair follicle miniaturization, hair loss, male pattern baldness, female baldness, hair growth, non-surgical hair loss treatments

While no cure for hair loss yet exists, millions of balding men and women worldwide hope that hair multiplication (HM) will end baldness once and for all. By cloning derma papilla cells and injecting them into hairless scalp tissue, hair multiplication/cloning may eventually provide balding men and women with an unlimited supply of their own natural hair.

Intercytex and Aderans Research Institute are two major contenders in developing hair cloning/multiplication amongst other treatments. However recently, Intercytex announced that they’re closing the doors after several long hard years of working to develop this hair loss treatment.

To learn more about Intercytex and who may be taking over their research, visit “Intercytex discontinues its hair multiplication development operations”. You can also discuss this topic on our hair restoration forum.

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
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Technorati Tags: hair loss, balding, derma papilla, hair multiplication, Intercytex, Aderans Research Institute, hair cloning, hair loss treatment, Bill Seemiller, Falceros

Our popular hair loss forum community is dedicated to providing the most recent and up to date news on hair loss, hair transplants, and helping balding men and women find the world’s leading hair restoration physicians.

Below, we’ve compiled some of the latest hot topic questions and answers we received from veteran hair transplant patients and expert hair restoration physicians.

How Long Can Transplanted Hair Stay Out of the Body Before Implanted? Learn why Coalition member Dr. Glenn Charles believes it’s better to minimize the time transplanted hair stays out of the body.

Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) and Transplanted Hair Survival: Learn whether or not platelet rich plasma (PRP) can increase the survival rates of transplanted hair.

Multiple Hair Transplants and the Available Donor Supply: Learn why Coalition member Dr. Timothy Carman believes it’s critical to make the best long term use out of the available donor hair supply.

Female Hair Loss After Giving Birth: Learn why females sometimes experience excessive hair loss immediately following pregnancy and how to treat it.

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
Follow our community on Twitter
Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

Technorati Tags: hair loss, hair transplants, balding, hair restoration, Dr. Glenn Charles, transplanted hair, platelet rich plasma, PRP, Dr. Timothy Carman, donor hair, Bill Seemiller, Falceros

While no cure for hair loss yet exists, millions of balding men and women worldwide hope that hair multiplication (HM) will end baldness once and for all. By cloning derma papilla cells and injecting them into hairless scalp tissue, hair multiplication/cloning may eventually provide balding men and women with an unlimited supply of their own natural hair.

Intercytex and Aderans Research Institute are two major contenders in developing hair cloning amongst other treatments. However recently, Intercytex announced that they’re closing the doors after several long hard years of working to develop this hair loss treatment.

Patrick Hennessey, publisher of the Hair Transplant Network visited Intercytex’s hair multiplication operation in Manchester, England when he visited the Farjo Clinic back in May of 2007. While they appeared to have good management and promising preliminary results, their subsequent Phase II testing on humans failed to produce cosmetically significant hair regrowth.

Given the inconsistencies in hair growth observed in clinical studies, it would appear that discovering the potential of hair multiplication is still in its infancy stages. It’s suggested that the key to success may lie in growing stem cells in vitro to a hair follicle stage and then transplanting the hair follicles using today’s state of the art surgical hair restoration techniques.

To learn more about Intercytex and who may be taking over their research, visit “Intercytex discontinues its hair multiplication development operations”. You can also discuss this topic on our hair restoration forum.

The notion that injuring the scalp can potentially increase the effectiveness of proven topical hair loss treatments has caught the attention of our hair restoration forum community.  The Nanogen Scalproller claims it can help treat thinning hair and improve the effects of any topical treatment for baldness by slightly wounding the skin with its small titanium needles.  Allegedly, the wounds allow for quick and efficient penetration and absorption of topical hair loss treatments into the skin.

To discuss the Nanogen Scalproller and its ability in aiding the effectiveness of proven treatments such as Rogaine foam, visit this discussion thread.

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Managing Publisher of the Hair Transplant Network, the Hair Loss Learning Center, the Hair Loss Q&A Blog, and the Hair Restoration Forum
Follow our community on Twitter
Watch hair transplant videos on YouTube

Technorati Tags: hair loss treatments, thinning hair, baldness, Nanogen Scalproller, Bill Seemiller, Falceros

Millions of hair loss sufferers worldwide hold high hopes that hair multiplication (HM) will be the baldness cure of the near future.  Hair cloning may eventually provide balding men and women with an unlimited supply of their own natural hair to end baldness once and for all.  Unfortunately, Intercytex is closing its doors after a long uphill battle to develop this future hair loss treatment.

Intercytex is a UK based company and was a major contender in developing hair multiplication/cloning. They’ve also been developing other treatments including those for wound healing, wrinkles, and blindness. In addition to slashing overheads and reducing staff, Intercytex sold the assets of its subsidiary Axordia to Pfizer in an attempt to support working capital. Unfortunately, the amount was inadequate to stay in business and no other funding was obtainable. Their stock which at one time traded for over $100 per share has slumped down to $4 per share and is now virtually worthless since the company is being dissolved.

Patrick Hennessey, publisher of the Hair Transplant Network visited Intercytex’s hair multiplication operation in Manchester, England when he visited the Farjo Clinic back in May of 2007. While they appeared to have good management and promising preliminary results, their subsequent Phase II testing on humans failed to produce cosmetically significanthair regrowth. It’s suggested that the key to success may lie in growing stem cells in vitro to a hair follicle stage and then transplanting the hair follicles using today’s state of the art surgical hair restoration techniques.

Every now and again, new alleged treatments for baldness surface and are worth discussing. Recently, the scalproller was mentioned and discussed on our hair restoration forum.

The scalproller is a microneedle roller designed to traumatize the scalp on the theory that it can stimulate hair regrowth. It’s often combined with other hair loss treatments such as Rogaine (minoxidil) and/or the experimental Platelet Rich Plasma (PRP) procedure in order to enhance the effect or facilitate absorption of the treatment.

But is there any scientific data to support the theory that injury to the scalp can stop hair loss or enhance the benefits of other solutions? View this hair loss discussion thread to read more and offer your own input on the Scalproller and how it may or may not effectively treat baldness.

Bill Seemiller – aka Falceros
Associate Publisher/Editor

Technorati Tags: treatments for baldness, scalproller, hair regrowth, Rogaine, minoxidil, hair loss, treat baldness