66 citations
,
February 1985 in “Archives of dermatological research” Hair dyes penetrate the scalp very minimally, less than 1%.
60 citations
,
October 2020 in “Journal of Controlled Release” Curcumin nanocrystals in simple gels effectively penetrate hair follicles, but humectants can reduce this efficacy.
11 citations
,
April 2011 in “Biomolecules & Therapeutics” Anionic liposome formulations of finasteride may effectively treat hair loss with fewer side effects.
11 citations
,
January 2006 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Some oils can penetrate hair and reduce the stickiness between fibers, but mineral oil cannot.
7 citations
,
October 2024 in “Drug Delivery and Translational Research” A 4% nanoparticle concentration and 4 Hz massage improve drug delivery into hair follicles.
1 citations
,
July 2022 in “International journal of trichology” Type 3 hair oil strengthens hair more than coconut oil.
16 citations
,
March 2009 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology” SEPA™ enhances the effectiveness of minoxidil in stimulating hair growth, working faster and better than Rogaine® TS, with no significant side effects.
15 citations
,
November 2017 in “Drug Delivery and Translational Research” Certain extracts from Curcuma aeruginosa Roxb. and germacrone can boost the skin's absorption of minoxidil, a hair growth promoter, making it more effective.
11 citations
,
October 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences” A new drug delivery system using oil body-bound oleosin-rhFGF-10 improves wound healing and hair growth in mice.
10 citations
,
December 2001 in “PubMed” The conclusion is that substances can penetrate hair fibers through multiple pathways, including both the cell membrane complex and the non-keratinous parts.
3 citations
,
September 2005 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Different oils penetrate hair differently; monounsaturated oils like olive oil penetrate better than polyunsaturated oils.
1 citations
,
July 2005 in “Drugs and the pharmaceutical sciences” Targeting drugs to hair follicles can treat skin conditions, but reaching deep follicle areas is hard and needs more research.
April 2026 in “BMC Biotechnology” A new peptide, DualPep-ALO, may help hair growth by reducing inflammation and boosting growth factors.
7 citations
,
September 2020 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Different sizes of keratin peptides can strengthen hair, with smaller ones possibly increasing volume and larger ones repairing damage.
June 2024 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” Plant oils like coconut, camellia, and safflower can penetrate hair, making it stronger and softer.
316 citations
,
June 2004 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology” Microspheres about 1.5 micrometers in size can best penetrate hair follicles, potentially reaching important stem cells.
96 citations
,
April 2017 in “Oncotarget” Smaller nanoemulsions can penetrate skin and hair follicles better, which may be useful for delivering drugs and vaccines through the skin.
54 citations
,
October 2002 in “Journal of controlled release” Medium lipophilic substances penetrate skin best, and adding ethanol can increase delivery to hair follicles.
1 citations
,
July 2005 in “CRC Press eBooks” Topical drugs can target hair follicles to treat skin conditions more effectively.
April 2024 in “Cosmetics” Different oils affect hair flexibility and strength, with their impact varying on whether hair is virgin or bleached.
November 2025 in “Advanced Healthcare Materials” Charge-conversion chemistry improves hair-rebonding by enhancing penetration and strength.
Hyaluronic acid in shampoo penetrated hair well, reduced frizz, and improved hair strength and moisture.
19 citations
,
April 2013 in “Drug Development and Industrial Pharmacy” Hair follicles are important for the absorption of certain drugs into the skin.
17 citations
,
January 2012 in “European Journal of Pharmaceutics and Biopharmaceutics” Isoconazole nitrate stays effective in skin and hair follicles for up to two weeks after use.
94 citations
,
May 2011 in “BJCP. British journal of clinical pharmacology/British journal of clinical pharmacology” Hair follicles greatly increase caffeine absorption through the skin shortly after it's applied.
24 citations
,
February 2007 in “Laser Physics Letters” Caffeine shampoo penetrates hair follicles deeply and stays for up to 48 hours.
26 citations
,
December 2009 in “Laser Physics” Caffeine from shampoo penetrates hair follicles quickly and stays for at least 24 hours.
21 citations
,
January 2010 in “Skin pharmacology and physiology” Special creams can significantly reduce pollen allergens getting into hair follicles.
11 citations
,
January 2000 in “Journal of cosmetic science” Hydrolyzed wheat proteins penetrate all hair types effectively.
6 citations
,
December 2018 in “International Journal of Cosmetic Science” CARB is a strong barrier in human hair that prevents dye penetration.