From Surgery to Pharmacology to Gene Therapy: The Evolution of Hair Restoration Techniques

The document reviewed the progression of hair restoration techniques over time, detailing the shift from surgical methods like scalp reduction and hair-bearing flaps to hair transplantation, which has become more refined with the use of follicular unit extraction (FUE) for natural-looking results. It also covered pharmacological treatments, specifically minoxidil and finasteride, which are FDA-approved and have been effective in treating androgenetic alopecia, with combination therapy proving more beneficial than individual use. The potential of gene therapy was also discussed, with a focus on reactivating or creating hair follicles by targeting genes such as WNT and SHH, though safety remains a critical concern. The document highlighted the financial drive behind hair restoration research due to the demand for a baldness cure.