The Impact of Psychological Stress on Hair Follicle Stem Cells and Skin Biology

March 2018 in “ Digital Access to Scholarship at Harvard (DASH) (Harvard University) ”

Daniel Stein

hair follicle stem cells chronic psychological stress cortisol telogen phase anagen phase Sox9 bulge stem cells melanocyte hair germs

TLDR Chronic stress delays hair growth and affects hair stem cells negatively.

The study investigated the effects of chronic psychological stress on hair follicle stem cells (HFSCs) using a chronic variable stress protocol and continuous cortisol water administration in rodents. It was found that stress signals significantly delayed HFSC activation by prolonging the telogen phase and that short-term cortisol treatment during the early anagen phase further delayed HFSC activation. Additionally, cortisol treatment decreased Sox9 stem cell expression, reduced the colony formation ability of bulge stem cells, and lowered melanocyte cell numbers in smaller hair germs. This research highlighted the impact of chronic stress on HFSCs and their surrounding niche, providing groundwork for understanding the relationship between stress and hair biology.

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Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

community Compressed part of research of theory of androgenic/anabolitic balance. AGA h-responders analytic. Theory of physio-metabolitic method of anti AGA treatment

in Research 865 upvotes 1 year ago

The treatment for androgenetic alopecia involves using finasteride and minoxidil with intense exercise and cold exposure to boost metabolism and reduce androgenic effects, potentially leading to hair regrowth. This approach may activate biological pathways for improved hair and overall health.

community How is dht not beneficial to you?

in Finasteride/Dutasteride 109 upvotes 2 weeks ago

DHT is important for sexual function and mood, but finasteride and dutasteride can reduce DHT, causing side effects like reduced libido and erectile dysfunction. These treatments are effective for hair loss, but their impact on DHT leads to debate.

community Wtf have we been doing for the last 30 years

in Treatment 548 upvotes 1 year ago

Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and dutasteride work but have side effects. A permanent cure is still not available due to the complexity of hair loss and limited investment.

community "Hair Follicle Stem Cells are quiescent 99% of the time and permanently reside in the hair follicle"

in Research/Science 1388 upvotes 6 months ago

Hair follicles are mostly dormant but can be reactivated with treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and microneedling. A new drug, PP405, shows promise for hair regrowth but may not be available until 2027-2028.

community A stress hormone has been found to signal through skin cells to repress the activation of hair-follicle stem cells in mice

in Research/Science 31 upvotes 4 years ago

Stress can lead to hair loss by affecting hair-follicle stem cells, and this loss is harder to recover from if one has male pattern baldness (MPB). Treatments like finasteride and minoxidil are used to address hair loss, but stress-related hair loss differs from androgenic alopecia.

community Researchers working on ways to regenerate lost hair from stem cells identified a recipe for normal hair regeneration in the lab. “A method for cyclical regeneration of hair follicles from hair follicle stem cells and will help make hair follicle regeneration therapy a reality in the near future.”

in Research/Science 260 upvotes 5 years ago

Hair loss treatments like finasteride, minoxidil, and hair transplants have side effects and limitations. There is hope for future advancements in stem cell therapy and hair follicle regeneration, though skepticism about their effectiveness and timeline persists.

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research The Basic Science of Hair Biology

29 citations , September 2012 in “Dermatologic Clinics”

Hair disorders are caused by a complex mix of biology, genetics, hormones, and environmental factors, affecting hair growth and leading to conditions like alopecia.