Let’s talk about hair loss. The bane of our existence. The thing that makes us want to pull out our own hair (no pun intended). But before you reach for the hair ties, let’s delve into what might be causing that dreaded hair loss; and what you can do about it.
Hair loss is a complex biological process that science doesn’t fully understand. There are many theories and many different approaches to this problem; but there is no scientific consensus. That’s probably why we don’t have one single “cure” that works for everyone. If we did, we wouldn’t be sharing this article. Would we?
We all know that hair loss can run in the family. And it’s no secret that genetics play a big role in this unfortunate process. Studies have shown that genetics account for up to 80% of the risk for male pattern baldness (aka: MPB), and 50% for female pattern baldness (aka: FPB). However, just because hair loss runs in your family doesn’t mean you’re doomed to lose your locks.
As we already mentioned in our earlier blog articles, epigenetics controls 70 percent of what happens in your body. Your hair is no different. Studies have found that certain epigenetic marks are associated with an increased risk of hair loss; and that the use of certain hair-loss medications can alter these marks.
But the epigenetic effect on hair health goes beyond medication. As you know, your diet and lifestyle will have a huge impact on your biochemistry and physiology. Hormonal changes, nutritional status, and even immune activity can deeply influence our hair health.
Let’s review some of the most important ones below
First up, DHT (or dihydrotestosterone if you want to impress your friends with your fancy hormone lingo). DHT is basically the hormone responsible for making men manly (i.e.deep voices, hairy chests, you get the picture). But when there’s too much of it in our system, it can shrink our hair follicles and make them unable to produce new hair. Studies have shown that DHT is a key contributor to male pattern baldness.[1] It’s like a mini Darth Vader trying to choke your hair’s growth.
Next on the list is inflammation. This is the enemy of all things good in our body. When the body has an inflammatory process going on, it has to prioritize resources. As you can imagine, growing a full head of hair doesn’t reach the top of the survival priorities. In other words, resources that would normally be channeled toward your hair are now being channeled to more urgent matters. And consequently, leaving your hair follicles starving with some eventually “dying”.
Then we also have local inflammation. If our scalp is inflamed, it can cause damage to the hair follicles, leading to hair loss. So if you’re losing hair, maybe lay off the hair dye or styling products that can cause inflammation. Even autoimmune conditions (check our last article) may cause inflammation in the scalp. Studies have shown that chronic scalp inflammation is a major cause of hair loss and may lead to diffuse alopecia.[2]
Inflammation causes a reprioritization of resources. But what if you don’t have inflammation and resources are scarce? Well, the same prioritization system still applies here. If you have micronutrient deficiencies, the body will always try to do what it can with what it has. And, once again, beautiful hair is not a requirement for survival.
Have you ever wondered why most hair growth shampoos and conditioners have a ton of different minerals and vitamins? It’s because the formulators of these products understand that most people have micronutrient deficiencies. And they are trying to give all the raw materials your hair needs to thrive.
Fundamentally, our hair is made up of a protein called keratin. So, if you’re not getting enough protein in your diet, it’s like building a house without bricks. Iron is another important nutrient for hair health. Iron-deficiency anemia has been linked to hair loss.[3]
Additionally, vitamins like Vitamin D, B-vitamins, biotin, and minerals like zinc, magnesium, and selenium are also essential for healthy hair. Studies have shown that low levels of these micronutrients can lead to hair loss.[4] [5]
Ok, so we just buy shampoo with a bunch of minerals and we are golden?
Not so fast.
The topical application of micronutrients, such as vitamins and minerals for the treatment of hair loss, seems to be less effective than oral supplementation. This is due to the low absorption rate of the skin on the scalp, even with microneedling to enhance penetration.
Taking Care of Hair Loss
So, we talked about some of the common causes of hair loss such as DHT, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies.
But what can we do about it?
First, it’s essential that you start addressing your epigenetics. First, make sure you are getting all the nutrients you need. That’s a non-negotiable.
Second, make lifestyle choices that will promote lower levels of inflammation. Well, ideally no inflammation but let’s start with baby steps. Sleep, exercise, hydration, meditation, being in nature, socializing, and avoiding environmental toxins, are just a few things you should consider.
However, if you are still reading, it’s because you want to know some of our “magic tricks”. Well, we at BIOHAX use many therapeutic tools, but some of the ones we particularly like for these cases are Peptides.
Below are some of our favorites:
1) Thymosin alpha 1 (Tα1)
Studies have shown that Tα1 can promote the proliferation of cells that are important for hair health, such as fibroblasts and keratinocytes, and also enhance angiogenesis (aka: creation of new blood vessels).[1] Tα1 has also been found to increase the number of hair follicles and improve the growth of hair in individuals with hair loss.[2]
In addition, Tα1 has been studied for its potential to benefit in various other medical conditions such as liver disease, cardiovascular disease, inflammation-related disorders, and cancer.
2) Zinc Thymulin
Zinc thymulin is a protein-peptide complex that has been shown to be efficient in helping heal several skin conditions. Studies have found that zinc thymulin can improve the symptoms of conditions such as acne and psoriasis.[3] Another part of our skin where it seems to be effective is the scalp.Research shows that zinc thymulin can increase the number of hair follicles and improve hair growth in individuals with hair loss.[4]
3) PTD-DBM
Protein transduction domain-infused dishevelled binding motif (PTD-DBM) is a novel peptide that has been studied for its potential therapeutic benefits in a variety of medical conditions. One area where PTD-DBM seems to shine is hair growth. Studies have found that PTD-DBM can increase the number of hair follicles, improve the growth of hair, and improve the overall hair quality in individuals with hair loss.[5]
4) GHK-Cu
GHK-Cu (Copper Tripeptide-1) is another fantastic “multi-purpose” peptide. Within its vast therapeutic applications, the skin and hair are two of the areas with more supporting research. Studies show that GHK-Cu can increase the number of hair follicles, improving the growth of hair, and improving the overall hair quality in individuals with hair loss.[6] [7] [8] [9]
What Can You Do?
All in all, hair loss can be caused by a variety of factors, including DHT, inflammation, and nutrient deficiencies. But don’t despair. Understanding the causes of hair loss can help you properly assess your unique situation and come up with a game plan.
Start with getting a hair follicle density assessment to know exactly where you stand. And get some exams done so you can understand your DHT and inflammation levels; as well as your current nutrient deficiencies.
With this data, you will know what you need to do to get where you want to go.
Need help navigating this process?
That’s why BIOHAX exists. We are here to help and guide you.
[2] Paus, R., & Cotsarelis, G. (1999). The biology of hair follicles. The New England journal of medicine, 341(7), 491–497.
[3] Warnke, I., & Kühnl, P. (2017). Alopecia and iron deficiency. Der Hautarzt; Zeitschrift für Dermatologie, Venerologie, und verwandte Gebiete, 68(6), 456-461.
[4] Sawaya, M. E., & Price, V. H. (2011). Nutritional deficiencies and hair loss. Dermatologic clinics, 29(3), 163-171.
[5] Mirmirani, P. (2016). Nutritional deficiencies and hair loss. Dermatologic Clinics, 34(2), 225-234.
[6] Dlova, N. C., Gumedze, F., & Gattas, V. (2002). Topical vitamin B12 in the treatment of traumatic alopecia. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 47(1), 117-122.
[7] Trüeb, R. M. (2002). Copper peptides in the treatment of hair loss. Dermatologic therapy, 15(5), 523-527.
[8] Girgis, S., Chiang, A., & Sivamani, R. (2019). Topical Vitamin B6: In Vitro and Clinical Applications. Journal of Drugs in Dermatology, 18(6), 564-569.
[9] Li, Y., Li, Q., Li, Y., Li, Y., Li, R., Li, N., … & Chen, Y. (2015). Thymosin α1 promotes wound healing by enhancing angiogenesis and epithelialization. PloS one, 10(7), e0131770.
[10] Dessinioti, C., & Katsambas, A. (2017). Thymosin alpha 1: a new therapeutic approach for hair loss. Dermatologic therapy, 30(4), e12635
[11] Trüeb, R. M. (2002). Copper peptides in the treatment of hair loss. Dermatologic therapy, 15(5), 523-527
[12] Dessinioti, C., & Katsambas, A. (2017). Thymosin alpha 1: a new therapeutic approach for hair loss. Dermatologic therapy, 30(4), e12635.
[13] Mishra, S., & Srivastava, A. (2017). PTD-DBM, a novel peptide with hair growth promoting potential.
[14] [7] [8]
[15] Trachey R, Fors TD, Pickart L, Uno H. The hair follicle stimulating properties of peptide copper complexes. Results in C3H mice. Ann N Y Acad Sci. 1991;642:468-4.
[16] Uno H, Kurata S. Chemical agents and peptides affect hair growth. J Invest Dermatol. 1993;101(1 Suppl):143S-147S.
[17] Perez-Meza D, Leavitt M, Trachy R. Clinical evaluation of GraftCyte moist dressings on hair graft viability and quality of healing. Inter. J. Cos. Surg. 1988;6:80-84.
[18] Pyo HK, Yoo HG, Won CH, et al. The effect of tripeptide-copper complex on human hair growth in vitro. Arch Pharm Res. 2007;30(7):834-9.
Have questions? Need more guidance?
Contact us and one of our team members will provide you with some one1-on-one1 support on how you can address some of these issues ASAP.
Dr.De
Marcos de Andrade MD, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
