Keratin Microsphere Gel Could Be Promising Hair Loss Treatment
Keratin is a naturally occurring protein that helps keep your hair, skin and nails healthy and strong. Your body produces keratin naturally, but there are a whole host of keratin shampoos and conditioners available that claim to strengthen hair and improve its appearance.
Now, new research from Japan has revealed that keratin microsphere gel could be an effective new treatment for hair loss. In a study conducted on mice, this novel gel has demonstrated promising results, like those of established treatments like Minoxidil.
Here we’ll explore the study’s findings, what keratin microsphere gel is, and the current hair loss treatments available.
Keratin produces similar effect to Minoxidil in study
The recent study carried out in Japan was conducted on seven-week-old male mice. After removing a section of hair on their back with depilatory cream, researchers applied various substances, including Minoxidil, keratin, and keratin microsphere gel, to the skin.
They monitored the mice over a 20-day period, taking photos to provide a clear view of the hair regrowth process. They discovered that keratin microsphere gel performed better than other solutions, with hair regrowth accelerated.
When analysing the results, they discovered that keratin microsphere gel significantly upregulated genes crucial for hair follicle development and skin regulation. The treatment also activated genes related to stem cells, which helped promote the growth of new hair and the development of hair follicles. At the same time, it reduced inflammation by lowering the levels of certain inflammation-causing substances in the body.
The researchers then extended their study to human hair follicle cells. The microspheres went through the outer layer of the skin to the deeper layers, activating important cells that help grow hair follicles.
What is keratin microsphere gel?
Unlike hair products that are ‘infused’ with keratin, microspheres have the ability to deliver therapeutics directly into the skin via the hair follicle.Keratin microspheres swell into gels upon contact with water. Their ability to work well with the body’s natural processes, alongside the promising results shown in the study, make them a potentially viable hair loss treatment.
What are the current hair loss treatment options available?
Minoxidil, a topical treatment, has been a go-to solution for many suffering with hair loss. It is applied directly to the scalp and is mostly used as a temporary solution. It is one of the few treatments to be FDA approved.
As well as Minoxidil, other options include finasteride, a pill targeting hormonal causes of hair loss, to more invasive procedures like hair transplant surgery. The introduction of keratin microsphere gel into the market could potentially revolutionise the treatment of hair loss, offering a new, non-invasive option driven by the natural power of keratin.
To determine which hair loss treatment is right for you, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist specialising in hair loss.
