Is it possible to accelerate hair growth?

The rate of hair growth is largely determined by genetic, hormonal, and metabolic factors.

However, certain molecules and environmental factors can partially modulate this cycle, extending the growth phase, that is the anagen phase, or by stimulating cellular activity within the follicle. These effects remain modest but supported by research. Several actives have been identified that can accelerate hair growth. Bioactive peptides, notably acetyl tetrapeptide-3 and myristoyl pentapeptide-4, have shown notable activity in vitro. When encapsulated in nanoliposomes, their transcutaneous penetration improves, enabling direct action on target cells. A recent study found that these nanocomplexes promote keratinocyte and dermal papilla cell proliferation, while increasing vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), type III collagen, and fibroblast growth factor (bFGF) production, known to support vascularization and follicle regeneration.

Less high-tech but equally studied, the caffeine has shown growth-promoting effects on hair follicles in culture. A recent study found that at 20 ppm, caffeine induced an average follicle length increase of 1.16 mm in five days, a result close to that of minoxidil (1.19 mm) and higher than that of the control group (0.84 mm). In addition, in daily topical application (0.5 %), caffeine achieved a significant increase in hair density after 24 weeks in 40 participants, with an average gain of 4.85 % versus a 1.5 % loss in the placebo group. These effects may reflect mechanisms such as increased IGF-1 expression, a promoter of hair growth in follicles, and reduced TGF-β2 expression, a regulator that opposes hair growth.

Certain plants, such as Malva verticillata, Carthamus tinctorius or Sophora flavescens, have also shown relevant effects on the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway, insulin-like growth factor 1 (IGF-1), and vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF), pathways directly involved in the anagen phase. These plant extracts promote keratinocyte proliferation and inhibit catagen factors such as transforming growth factor beta-1 (TGF-β1). Their efficacy remains to be confirmed due to small sample sizes and lack of comparative control groups.

For cases of alopecia or hair loss more pronounced, medical aesthetic approaches such as PRP (platelet-rich plasma) may be used. This technique involves injecting a platelet concentrate derived from the patient’s blood into the scalp. After drawing blood, it is centrifuged to isolate plasma containing a high density of platelets rich in growth factors. These bioactive molecules, such as VEGF and IGF-1, are then injected into hair follicles. The mechanism relies on their ability to reactivate bulge stem cells and dermal papilla cells, extending the anagen phase, enhancing local vascularization, and limiting apoptosis of follicular cells, creating an environment conducive to hair growth.

To some extent, it is possible to stimulate hair growth. No method can speed growth beyond genetic limits, but some can extend the growth phase, improve density, or delay shedding.

Note : The hair growth techniques mentioned above are not exhaustive. Moreover, diet plays an important role in hair growth. Studies have shown that a balanced diet, rich in vitamins A, D, and E; B vitamins such as biotin; minerals like zinc, iron, and selenium; omega-3 fatty acids from fatty fish; antioxidants from colorful fruits and vegetables; and proteins, supports healthy hair growth.