What are the current areas of hair restoration research and hair transplant research?
Many institutions around the world are researching the basic science behind the genetic and biochemical causes of hair loss. In other words, they are trying to find the genes and chemical messengers that cause hair loss. Eventually, scientific knowledge will help us formulate better treatments. Unfortunately, these efforts have not allowed us to develop a cure at this point in time.
Currently, hair transplant research involves fine-tuning today’s techniques. Studies involving transplant methods, graft survival, density outcomes, and avoidance of complications are currently underway around the world.
Why is RESTORE so committed to research in this area?
We are committed to providing the best medical and surgical solutions available in hair restoration. Dr. Harris is actively at the forefront of research in this area and has authored several medical publications. Recent and current contributions include:
- Dr. Harris has recently developed and patented the Harris SAFE System and SAFE Hex. The SAFE System is a surgical tool to perform FUE, the most frequently requested procedure, a minimally invasive surgical hair replacement option.
- Dr. Harris is also chair of the ISHRS FUE Research Committee, tasked with initiating and conducting multicenter prospective clinical trials on FUE.
What are the possible future treatments for hair loss, And can I count on a baldness treatment?
There is currently no cure for baldness, but solutions are being worked out. Medicines to block the effect of the biochemical causes of hair loss are always possible as our understanding of the process expands. Gene therapy for hair loss may be a future option, but there are many technical reasons why this treatment may be a distant reality. Identifying the gene or genes that cause androgenetic alopecia is only one hurdle.
Some promises are cell therapy or hair augmentation. This is the use of certain cells obtained from your follicles and transplanted into your scalp. The basic idea is that wherever these cells are implanted, a new follicle will grow. There is no theoretical limit to the number of hairs you may end up with on your head. This technology may be 10-15 years away.
a study published in the journal Nature Communications. In March 2016, for the first time, a set of genes believed to be associated with many hair traits such as eyebrow and beard thickness, hair color and shape, graying of hair and hair loss were identified. Dr. Read Harris’ blog post on this study.
Other promising new research is hair cloning, which is rapidly moving towards a genetic baldness treatment. It involves the removal of approximately 50 – 100 hair follicles followed by microdissection and removal of certain cells and then propagation in a laboratory. Millions of newly created cells are then implanted into balding areas of the scalp to form new, permanent hair. Theoretically, an unlimited amount of hair can be produced and transplanted from the original 50-100 roots. Perhaps as early as 2027 this technology is expected to become a reality. Learn more about hair cloning and follicle banking.
We invite you to ask us any questions you may have.
