The Future Of Hair Loss Cures and Treatments
We have all heard someone say that a hair
loss cure is only 10 years away, but how valid are these
claims? The hair loss industry continues to become larger
and larger each year, but has there been any progress made
and if so what progress? In this article, we will discuss
the possibility of hair loss being cured in the near
future.
Hair CloningHair cloning is something that has been in development for the past decade. But every time there is a step forward, it seems there are two steps back. Just how realistic is that anyone reading this article will see hair cloning in their lifetime? Unfortunately, nobody knows for sure.
We do know that technology and modern medicine can duplicate hair cells, but stopping the process has proven to be a challenge. In fact, there is a more serious and sinister condition that follows the same pattern as hair cloning. If you’re still scratching your head trying to figure it out, it’s cancer. Once modern medicine can figure out a cure for cancer, hair cloning will be followed shortly after.How Will Hair Cloning Cure Hair Loss?Contrary to popular belief, hair cloning will not cure hair loss without surgical intervention. Many are under the impression that they will simply place their head in a device and boom, all of their hair will magically re-appear. Sadly, this is not going to be the case. The hair will have to be surgically excised, cloned and transplanted. It will follow many of the same steps as modern hair restoration except the donor supply will be infinite. This means that individuals can transplant as many follicular units as they want.There Will Be New ChallengesOne thing is for certain, even when hair cloning becomes available there will be new challenges for surgeons to overcome. One challenge will be the cloning of the hair follicle itself however, at this time it is unclear what those challenges will be. Another challenge will be creating micro-incision sites to fit follicular unit grafts. Currently, most elite surgeons can transplant anywhere from 45-60 follicular units per square centimeter (cm2), but native density can be anywhere from 80-100 follicular units per cm2.ConclusionWhile the idea of a cure is exciting at this time it is wishful thinking. Currently, the only way to regrow hair on a bald scalp is through modern hair transplant surgery. There are two medications that have been approved by the FDA to slow, stop and even reverse androgenic alopecia (genetic hair loss). The medications are Rogaine (minoxidil) and Propecia (finasteride). The majority of individuals can achieve a the "illusion" of a full head of hair with a combination of medical therapy and hair restoration.
