Hair Follicle-Inspired Therapies for Wound Healing and Scar Remodeling

    July 2025 in “ Journal of Plastic Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery ”
    Monica Chew, Summik Limbu, Paul Kemp, Claire A. Higgins
    TLDR Hair follicles can improve wound healing and reduce scarring.
    This review explores the potential of hair follicle-inspired therapies in improving wound healing and scar remodeling. Human skin typically forms scar tissue after severe injuries, which lacks the functionality of healthy skin. Research indicates that hairy skin heals faster and with less scarring than non-hairy skin, suggesting a beneficial role of hair follicles. Transplanting hair follicles into chronic wounds can initiate wound closure, and similar transplants into existing scar tissue can promote scar remodeling. The review discusses how hair follicles and their derived cells or biomaterials could be utilized to enhance wound healing and reduce scarring.
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