The human scalp has different types of pigment cells in hair follicles with varying abilities to produce pigment.
86 citations
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August 2000 in “Pigment cell research” Melanocyte activity in hair follicles is linked to the hair growth cycle, being active in growth phases and inactive in rest phases.
April 2026 in “bioRxiv (Cold Spring Harbor Laboratory)” Hair follicles protect melanocytes from sun damage, helping them replenish skin.
41 citations
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April 2019 in “PLOS genetics” CD34+ and CD34- melanocyte stem cells have different regenerative abilities.
April 2023 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” A specific group of early-stage melanocytes is reduced in vitiligo-affected skin, which may explain treatment resistance.