Promotion of Hair Growth in Ex Vivo Human Scalp Hair Follicles by the Novel Ingredient Blend NUL-5: Enhancing Elastin Expression and Wnt Signaling Activation

The study evaluated the effects of NUL-5, a novel blend containing 0.2% tropoelastin and 1 ng/mL HGF, on human hair follicles (HFs) ex vivo. Using scalp samples from three healthy donors, the research found that NUL-5 significantly increased elastin expression in key areas of the HFs and enhanced hair growth by prolonging the anagen phase, increasing hair shaft production, and promoting hair matrix keratinocyte proliferation. Additionally, NUL-5 enhanced alkaline phosphatase activity, reduced TGF-β2 expression, and decreased DKK1 secretion, suggesting activation of the Wnt signaling pathway. These findings indicate that NUL-5 may support hair growth by enhancing dermal papilla inductivity and providing structural support through the extracellular matrix.