The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair | Huberman Lab Podcast

Published April 2023 on YouTube

The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair | Huberman Lab Podcast

1. Hair

Andrew discusses the fascinating biology behind hair growth and hair loss, including the role of stem cells in hair follicles. He dispels common myths about hair loss and explains the science behind slowing, halting, or even reversing hair loss.+

2. Sponsors: Helix Sleep, HVMN, ROKA

Andrew Huberman talks about the importance of sleep and introduces his sponsors, Helix Sleep and HVMN Ketone IQ. He also discusses Roca eyeglasses and their design for the biology of the visual system.+

3. Psychological States & Hair

Hair Biology and Psychology:Andrew explores the fascinating biology and psychology surrounding hair. He talks to experts about stem cells, pigmentation, and hair loss, as well as the intense anxiety and depression that can come with changes in hair growth and color.+

Hair Loss Mechanisms:Andrew discusses the psychological impact of hair loss and how it affects people's lives. He explains the biological mechanisms behind hair growth and the factors that contribute to hair loss, including hormones and mechanical changes to the scalp. The chapter highlights the different approaches to slowing and reversing hair loss, both chemical and mechanical.+

4. Hair Anatomy & Stem Cells

Hair Stem Cells:Andrew explains the biology of hair and how stem cells play a crucial role in hair growth. He distinguishes between exogenous and endogenous stem cells and how the latter are present in all of us from the beginning of life.+

Hair Growth:Andrew explains the structure of hair and how it grows from the root. He also talks about the importance of stem cells and keratin in hair growth.+

Hair Biology:Andrew explains the role of melanin in hair color and the importance of sebum in waterproofing and as an antibacterial agent.+

Hair Anatomy:Andrew explains the important roles of sebum and the erector pilly muscle in protecting our skin from infection and regulating body temperature. He also discusses how these components are relevant for understanding hair loss and replacement.+

Hair Growth Insights:Andrew explains the science behind hair growth and why increasing blood flow to the stem cell and melanocyte populations that support hair growth can slow hair loss and extend the duration of hair growth. While manipulations like massaging the scalp or increasing blood flow won't robustly enhance hair growth on their own, they can be done in conjunction with other treatments that have been shown to increase the rate and duration of hair growth.+

5. 3 Phases of Hair Growth

Hair Growth Phases:Andrew explains the three phases of hair growth, with a focus on the antigen phase, where stem cells give rise to hair proteins. He also clarifies that hair grows from deep within the root and stacks up, debunking the common misconception that it grows from the surface of the skin.+

Hair Growth Phases:Andrew explains that different hairs on the body have different growth phases, and the duration of the antigen phase is what determines the length of the hair. While there may be slight differences in the rate of growth, it's not significant enough to make a noticeable difference.+

Hair Growth Phases:Andrew explains the three phases of hair growth: antigen, catogen, and telogen. He also discusses how hormones like dihydrotestosterone can affect hair growth by shortening the antigen phase and extending the catogen and telogen phases.+

6. Sponsor: AG1 (Athletic Greens)

Andrew shares why he has been taking Athletic Greens for gut health since 2012 and how it covers all of his foundational nutritional needs. He also mentions the importance of probiotics for microbiotic health and how Athletic Greens contains optimal and vital probiotics. Listeners can try Athletic Greens and get five free travel packs and a year's supply of vitamin D, three K two by visiting Athleticgreens.com Huberman.+

7. Minoxidil & Blood Flow

Hair Growth Accelerators:Andrew explains how blood flow is critical for hair growth and how Minoxidil, a drug developed to treat hypertension, can help slow hair loss by increasing blood flow to the hair follicles. He also discusses how Minoxidil extends the antigen phase, which is important for hair growth.+

Minoxidil Side Effects:Andrew explains how minoxidil can affect blood pressure and increase prolactin levels, which can lead to side effects such as swelling, headaches, and reductions in libido and overall well-being.+

Minoxidil Dosage:Andrew Huberman explains the importance of proper minoxidil dosage for hair loss treatment. Dosage ranges for oral and topical minoxidil are discussed, as well as potential side effects. Starting with the lowest possible dose and increasing as needed is recommended.+

8. Hair Growth Solutions

Increasing Blood Flow:Andrew discusses the importance of blood flow for hair growth and maintenance, and explores different treatments that can help increase blood flow to the scalp, including minoxidil and low dose tadalafil. While these treatments may not completely reverse hair loss, they can slow it down and help maintain the hair that one already has.+

Hair Loss Solutions:Andrew explains how low doses of tadalafil can be used to slow rates of hair loss by increasing blood flow to the hair stem cells niche. He also discusses the use of PRP injections for hair loss and other purposes in different clinics.+

Stem Cells vs PRP:Andrew explains the difference between stem cells and PRP, clarifying that PRP is not stem cells. He also discusses the safety concerns related to stem cell treatments and the potential risks of overproduction of cells from stem cells.+

Hair Regrowth Methods:Andrew discusses the use of microneedling to stimulate hair regrowth by reactivating stem cells in the scalp. He explains that low levels of inflammation caused by microneedling can actually induce healing and activate stem cell populations, leading to hair growth.+

9. Microneedling for Hair Growth

Microneedling for Hair Growth:Andrew discusses the benefits of microneedling for hair growth and how it can be used in combination with other treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and caffeine. He highlights a recent review that explores the effectiveness of microneedling in both men and women of various ages, and suggests that needle lengths of about 1 seem to be more effective than shorter lengths. However, he cautions that the procedure can cause bleeding of the scalp and may not be suitable for everyone.+

Microneedling and Minoxidil:Andrew explains that microneedling and minoxidil are more effective when used together than when used separately. The combination of these treatments can even recover dead zones, which are regions of the scalp that have no stem cell population. However, minoxidil treatment is something that must be continued for life to maintain hair growth.+

10. Sponsor: LMNT

Andrew shares the importance of maintaining proper electrolyte levels in the body for optimal cognitive and physical performance. He recommends Element, an electrolyte drink that is sugar-free and contains a science-backed ratio of sodium, potassium, and magnesium. Listeners can claim a free sample pack with purchase by visiting drinkelement.com/huberman.+

11. Botox Treatments

Botox for Hair:Andrew explains how Botox injections on the scalp can help relieve tension and increase blood flow to the stem cell follicle area, which can stimulate hair growth. He also warns about the importance of getting the treatment done by a skilled professional.+

Botox for Hair Loss:Andrew explains that Botox injections can be a safe alternative to treat hair loss, especially for those with cutus verticus gyrata. Although it is an invasive procedure, it can lead to less bumps on the scalp and improve hair growth in those regions. However, Botox injections have to be done repeatedly and the efficacy of Botox for offsetting hair loss is not clear.+

12. Hair Growth Science

Hair Growth Chemicals:Andrew explains the chemical variables that control the duration of the hair growth phase and the key players that regulate hair growth. He also discusses the brakes on hair growth and the chemicals that shorten the antigen phase. Additionally, he talks about the use of Botox to reduce hair loss caused by squinting of the scalp.+

Hair Loss & Hormones:Andrew explains the science behind hair loss, specifically androgen related alopecia, and how hormones like testosterone and dihydrotestosterone can affect hair growth. He also discusses the differences in hormone levels between men and women and how they change with age.+

Hair Loss and Androgen Receptors:Andrew explains why hair loss occurs in certain regions of the body and how the density of androgen receptors affects it. He also discusses the relationship between androgen receptors and beard growth, and how inhibiting DHT can help prevent hair loss.+

13. Caffeine for Hair

Caffeine for Hair:Andrew explains how caffeine can be used topically to stimulate hair growth or halt hair loss by suppressing Pde and increasing IGF One. Topical caffeine application can be as effective as minoxidil without the negative side effects. However, drinking more caffeine won't help offset hair loss.+

Caffeine and Hair Growth:Andrew discusses the potential benefits of using caffeine ointments to prevent hair loss. While caffeine does not promote new hair growth, it can stimulate hair cell growth and reduce cell death in the stem cell niche. Caffeine is also considered to have fewer side effects compared to other treatments like minoxidil.+

14. Healthy Hair Growth

Boosting Hair Growth:Andrew explains how to increase hair growth and maintain the hair you have by increasing IGF One through prescription drugs such as growth hormone and things that stimulate the release of growth hormone. He also mentions the risks associated with these drugs.+

Insulin and Hair Loss:Andrew explains how insulin resistance and excess body fat can lead to hair loss and suggests ways to avoid it, including regular exercise, maintaining a healthy nutritional program, and taking supplements such as Myoinositol, Berberine, or Metformin.+

15. Iron & Hair Growth

Andrew explains that iron and ferretin play a key role in hair growth pathways and that having sufficient iron is important for maintaining proper hair growth. He advises getting blood levels of iron measured and suggests that too much or too little iron can be toxic.+

16. 5-Alpha Reductase & Saw Palmetto; Curcumin

Hair Loss Prevention:Andrew explains how dihydrotestosterone shortens the hair growth phase and miniaturizes the follicle, leading to hair loss. He also discusses how sol palmetto extract can inhibit five alpha reductase and prevent hair loss with very few side effects.+

Herbal Hair Growth:Andrew discusses the use of Salt Palmetto for hair loss prevention and growth, as well as the potential effectiveness of herbal compounds for increasing hair growth. While the specific effects of these compounds are difficult to determine due to their combination with other ingredients, their low cost and availability make them worth considering.+

Hair Growth Myths:Andrew discusses the lack of clinical studies to support herbal compounds that claim to increase hair growth. He shares his personal experience with curcumin and explains the biochemical pathway of inhibiting phylphilephere reductase that makes Sal Palmetto a consideration for maintaining hair growth.+

17. Hair Growth Insights

Ketoconazole for Hair Growth:Andrew explains how Ketoconazole, an antifungal compound used to treat dandruff, can be effective in increasing hair number and diameter. It can also mildly reduce DHT, which leads to maintaining hair that would otherwise be lost. However, it is unclear whether it can stimulate new hair growth.+

Hair Loss Treatments:Andrew discusses the effectiveness of Ketoconazole shampoo in treating hair loss and the importance of using a 2% concentration. He also mentions the potential benefits of biotin-enriched shampoos and provides links to recommended products.+

18. Topical & Oral Finasteride

Finasteride for Hair Growth:Andrew explains how finasteride can increase hair count by up to 20% and reduce hair loss in 90% of people. However, the drug's efficacy varies depending on the individual's isoform of five alpha reductase, and improper dosing can lead to significant side effects.+

Topical vs Oral Finasteride:Andrew discusses the differences between topical and oral finasteride, the dosages required for hair growth, and the potential side effects. Topical finasteride was designed to inhibit DHT in the hair follicle and promote hair growth, but it can still make it into the systemic circulation. The dosages required for hair growth vary greatly, ranging from 0.1mg to 5mg per day.+

Finasteride Dosage:Andrew explains the logarithmic distribution of DHT reduction as a function of finasteride dosage. He suggests taking the lowest effective dose of finasteride to offset hair loss and stimulate hair growth while avoiding side effects. Andrew also warns against increasing the dosage too quickly and suggests exercising caution when using topical solutions.+

Topical vs Oral Finasteride:Andrew explains that 1 topical finasteride applied to the scalp leads to the same concentration in the blood as 2.5 milligrams of oral finasteride. However, the side effects of finasteride increase as the concentration in the bloodstream increases. Therefore, it varies from person to person whether they should take the oral form at low dose or the topical form and apply it less often.+

Finasteride Dosage:Andrew Huberman recommends starting with a low dose of 0.5 milligrams to 1 finasteride tablet per day for a long period of time, up to 25 weeks, before considering increasing the dosage. He warns against increasing the dosage too quickly and encourages people to be patient in waiting for results. He also advises reducing the dosage if experiencing side effects, but warns about the potential for finasteride syndrome.+

Finasteride Dosing:Andrew explains that topical finasteride is associated with fewer side effects than oral finasteride. He recommends starting with 0.5-1mg of oral finasteride per day or a weekly application of topical finasteride to optimize hair growth while minimizing side effects.+

19. Post- Finasteride Syndrome

Finasteride Syndrome:Andrew discusses the phenomenon of Finasteride Syndrome, a condition that affects young males who take Finasteride for hair loss and experience severe side effects upon stopping the medication. He delves into the medical community's response to this new phenomenon and the possible reasons behind it.+

Finasteride Syndrome:Andrew explains the potential side effects of Finasteride, a drug used to treat hair loss, and how it affects brain development. He discusses the role of dihydrotestosterone in male development and how it may impact brain maturation well into one's 20s and 30s. Andrew also emphasizes the importance of being aware of the serious side effects of such treatments.+

20. Dutasteride

Andrew explains the differences between Dutasteride and Finasteride, two drugs that help with hair growth. While Dutasteride works faster, it also has more side effects due to its potency in inhibiting DHT. Finasteride, on the other hand, is a milder option that requires more patience but has fewer side effects.+

21. Hair Regrowth Treatments

Andrew discusses the various hair regrowth treatments available, including mechanical and chemical approaches. He emphasizes the importance of combining treatments and working with a medical professional to find the right combination for each individual.+

22. Supporting the Huberman Lab

Andrew shares ways to support the Huberman Lab podcast, including subscribing on YouTube, leaving reviews on Spotify and Apple, and checking out the sponsors. He also discusses the benefits of supplements for enhancing sleep, hormone support, and focus, and provides a link to see the supplements discussed on the podcast.+

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