How Are Peptides Used For Hair Growth?

While ongoing research continues to explore the full potential and mechanisms of peptides in promoting hair growth, it’s crucial to recognize that hair health and growth are influenced by a complex interplay of various factors. Peptides, while promising, are just one piece of the puzzle. Nutrition, supplementation, age, underlying medical conditions, and even stress levels can all significantly impact the health and vitality of your hair. In this comprehensive article, we will delve deeper into each of these factors, providing you with a holistic understanding of how to support optimal hair growth and maintain a healthy scalp.

References

• American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
  American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair loss: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/fall-out
• Guo, E. L., & Katta, R. (2017). Diet and hair loss: effects of nutrient deficiency and supplement use. Dermatology practical & conceptual, 7(1), 1–10. https://doi.org/10.5826/dpc.0701a01
• Kunin, A. (2005). Hair loss. In A. Kunin, The DERMAdoctor Skinstruction Manual (pp. 123-131). Simon & Schuster.
• McMichael, A.J., & Hordinsky, M.K. (Eds.). (2018). Hair and Scalp Disorders: Medical, Surgical, and Cosmetic Treatments, Second Edition (2nd ed.). CRC Press. https://doi.org/10.1201/9781351169844
• Sperling, L. C. (2008). Alopecias. In J. L. Bolognia et al. (Eds.), Dermatology (2nd ed., pp. 987-1004). Mosby Elsevier.

The Science Behind Hair Growth

Hair follicles are tiny, yet remarkably intricate structures embedded within your skin. These dynamic mini-organs not only house the root and strand of each hair but also play a pivotal role in various physiological processes.

Each follicle extends like a tunnel from the epidermis, the outermost layer of your skin, down into the deeper dermis. Remarkably, we are born with all the hair follicles we will ever have – an astounding five million across our bodies, with over a million residing on our scalps alone! While many babies enter the world with minimal hair, these follicles become increasingly active as we grow, leading to the development of a full head of hair.

The primary function of a hair follicle is undoubtedly to produce hair. However, their significance extends beyond mere aesthetics. They actively participate in:

• Wound Healing: When the skin is injured, specialized cells within the hair follicle, including stem cells, migrate to the wound site, contributing to the intricate process of tissue repair.
• Skin Regeneration: Hair follicles play a crucial role in regenerating damaged skin tissue following an injury, helping to restore the skin’s integrity and function.
• Sensory Perception & Nourishment: Each hair follicle is intricately connected to a network of blood vessels that deliver essential nutrients and oxygen, and nerves that enable us to sense touch, pressure, and other sensations through our hair.

Understanding the multifaceted nature of hair follicles provides a deeper appreciation for their vital role in maintaining the health and well-being of our skin and hair.

References

• Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21054/
• Cotsarelis G. (2006). Epithelial stem cells: a folliculocentric view. The Journal of investigative dermatology, 126(7), 1459–1468. https://doi.org/10.1038/sj.jid.5700376
• Garza, L. A., Yang, C. C., Zhao, T., Blatt, H. B., Lee, M., He, H., Stanton, D. C., Carrasco, L., Spiegel, J. H., Tobias, J. W., & Cotsarelis, G. (2011). Bald scalp in men with androgenetic alopecia retains hair follicle stem cells but lacks CD200-rich and CD34-positive hair follicle progenitor cells. The Journal of clinical investigation, 121(2), 613–622. https://doi.org/10.1172/JCI44478
• Hsu, Y. C., & Fuchs, E. (2012). A family business: stem cell progeny join the niche to regulate homeostasis. Nature reviews. Molecular cell biology, 13(2), 103–114. https://doi.org/10.1038/nrm3272

Hair growth is a dynamic process that occurs in cycles within each hair follicle. These cycles consist of three distinct phases:

• Anagen (Growth Phase): This is the active growth phase, lasting anywhere from two to seven years. During this phase, hair growth originates at the root, or dermal papilla, within the hair follicle. The dermal papilla is richly supplied with blood vessels, delivering essential nutrients that fuel hair growth. On average, hair grows approximately half an inch (1.25 cm) per month during this phase.
• Catagen (Transitional Phase): This is a brief, two-week transitional phase where the hair follicle begins to shrink, and hair growth gradually slows down.
• Telogen (Resting Phase): This is a resting phase, typically lasting around three months. During this time, the old hair is shed, and the follicle prepares to initiate a new growth cycle.

Hair follicles are distributed widely across your body, found virtually everywhere you have hair. While most follicles reside in the epidermis and dermis (the upper two layers of skin), the follicles responsible for producing thicker, terminal hairs – like those on your scalp, eyebrows, and eyelashes – may extend deeper into the subcutaneous tissue (the third layer of skin).

Various factors and medical conditions can disrupt the normal hair growth cycle and lead to hair loss or other hair-related issues. These include:

• Alopecia Areata: An autoimmune condition that causes patchy hair loss.
• Androgenetic Alopecia: A hereditary condition, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness, that results in gradual hair thinning and loss.
• Folliculitis: Inflammation of hair follicles, often caused by bacterial or fungal infections.
• Hidradenitis Suppurativa: A chronic inflammatory skin condition affecting areas with hair follicles and sweat glands, causing painful bumps and abscesses.
• Stress: While not a medical condition itself, stress can trigger temporary hair shedding, known as telogen effluvium.
• Telogen Effluvium: A condition characterized by excessive hair shedding, often triggered by stress, hormonal changes, or certain medications.

Understanding the hair growth cycle and the various factors that can impact it is crucial for anyone concerned about hair health or experiencing hair loss. If you have any concerns about your hair, it’s recommended that you consult a dermatologist or other qualified healthcare professional. They can help diagnose any underlying conditions and provide appropriate treatment options.

References

• Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21054/
• American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair loss: Diagnosis and treatment. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/treatment/diagnosis-treat
• American Academy of Dermatology Association. (n.d.). Hair loss: Overview. Retrieved from https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/hair-loss/causes/fall-out
• KLIGMAN A. M. (1959). The human hair cycle. The Journal of investigative dermatology, 33, 307–316. https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.1959.156
• Paus, R., & Cotsarelis, G. (1999). The biology of hair follicles. The New England journal of medicine, 341(7), 491–497. https://doi.org/10.1056/NEJM199908123410706

Peptides for Hair Growth

As we discussed, peptides are small chains of amino acids that can play a role in supporting hair growth. They may work through several mechanisms:

• Hair Follicle Stimulation: Some peptides, such as those that act as DHT blockers, can interact with hair follicles and potentially promote their growth and activity.
• Improved Blood Circulation: Peptides like copper peptides may enhance blood flow to the scalp, ensuring that hair follicles receive adequate nutrients and oxygen for optimal growth.

• Hair Follicle Nourishment: Certain peptides can provide essential building blocks for hair growth and contribute to overall follicle health.
• Anti-inflammatory Effects: Some peptides possess anti-inflammatory properties, which may help reduce scalp inflammation that can hinder hair growth.

Emerging research suggests that peptide supplementation may offer promising benefits for hair health. Studies have indicated a potential for increased hair volume, improved scalp coverage, and thicker hair strands following peptide use. While some studies observed these positive effects persisting even after supplementation ceased, further research is needed to confirm the long-term benefits. Additionally, peptide supplementation may contribute to improved hair shine and skin health, including enhanced moisture retention and smoothness, but again, more research is needed to fully understand the impacts of peptides on hair health and growth.

Specific peptides like APN5 have garnered attention for their potential role in promoting hair growth and mitigating hair loss. Preclinical studies suggest that APN5 may stimulate hair follicle growth and extend the hair’s growth phase. These findings indicate that APN5 could be a promising therapeutic candidate for addressing alopecia, a prevalent condition causing hair loss, however more research is needed for evidence to be conclusive.

While the preliminary findings are encouraging, it’s important to emphasize that more extensive research, including large-scale clinical trials, is necessary to fully establish the efficacy and safety of peptide supplementation for hair growth and its potential in treating alopecia.

References

• Alberts B, Johnson A, Lewis J, et al. Molecular Biology of the Cell. 4th edition. New York: Garland Science; 2002. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK21054/
• Almohanna, H. M., Ahmed, A. A., Tsatalis, J. P., & Tosti, A. (2019). The Role of Vitamins and Minerals in Hair Loss: A Review. Dermatology and therapy, 9(1), 51–70. https://doi.org/10.1007/s13555-018-0278-6
• Ohn J, Been KW, Kim JY, et al. Discovery of a transdermally deliverable pentapeptide for activating AdipoR1 to promote hair growth. EMBO Mol Med. 2021;13(10):e13790. doi:10.15252/emmm.202013790. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8495455/
• Rogers, N. E., & Avram, M. R. (2008). Medical treatments for male and female pattern hair loss. Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology, 59(4), 547–568. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jaad.2008.07.001

Types of Peptides for Hair Growth

Several peptides show promise in stimulating hair growth, and selecting the right one can be key to achieving optimal results.

• Copper Peptides: These peptides potentially improve scalp circulation and nourish hair follicles by supporting the health of blood vessels. They’ve also been shown to potentially encourage the growth of hair follicle cells.
• Keratin Peptides: As keratin is the primary protein in hair, keratin peptides potentially provide structural support, leading to stronger and thicker hair. Topical application has been found to improve overall hair strength and reduce breakage.
• Acetyl Tetrapeptide-3: By reducing scalp inflammation, this peptide can potentially create a more favorable environment for new hair follicle growth.
• Biotinoyl Tripeptide-1: While the exact mechanism is still under investigation, this peptide, when applied topically or taken orally, may help increase blood flow to the scalp, thereby nourishing hair follicles and promoting healthier hair growth.
• GHK-Cu: This copper peptide is known for its tissue regeneration and collagen synthesis properties. It may indirectly benefit hair growth by potentially improving the overall health of the scalp.
• Hexapeptide-11: While research is ongoing, this peptide shows potential in stimulating collagen production and may also help convert fine vellus hairs into thicker, mature terminal hairs.

It’s important to remember that the effectiveness of peptides for hair growth can vary depending on individual factors such as age, medical history, and hormone levels. It is also worthy of noting that this is an emerging area of study, where large, robust and long-term safety and efficacy data is yet to be collected. Consulting with a dermatologist knowledgeable in hair care is highly recommended to determine the most suitable peptide treatment option for your specific needs and to ensure optimal results.

References

• Fernandes, M. M., Lima, C. F., Loureiro, A., Gomes, A. C., & Cavaco-Paulo, A. (2012). Keratin-based peptide: biological evaluation and strengthening properties on relaxed hair. International journal of cosmetic science, 34(4), 338–346. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1468-2494.2012.00727.x
• Lueangarun, S., & Panchaprateep, R. (2020). An Herbal Extract Combination (Biochanin A, Acetyl tetrapeptide-3, and Ginseng Extracts) versus 3% Minoxidil Solution for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-week, Prospective, Randomized, Triple-blind, Controlled Trial. The Journal of clinical and aesthetic dermatology, 13(10), 32–37.
• Pickart L. (2008). The human tri-peptide GHK and tissue remodeling. Journal of biomaterials science. Polymer edition, 19(8), 969–988. https://doi.org/10.1163/156856208784909435
• Pickart, L., Vasquez-Soltero, J. M., & Margolina, A. (2014). GHK and DNA: resetting the human genome to health. BioMed research international, 2014, 151479. https://doi.org/10.1155/2014/151479

How to Use Peptides for Hair Growth

Topical peptides, designed to promote hair growth, are applied directly to the scalp and hair. These peptides are often incorporated into various hair care products, such as conditioners, hair masks, serums, and shampoos, offering a convenient way to potentially enhance hair health.

It’s crucial to follow the manufacturer’s dosage instructions when using topical peptide products. Overuse can potentially lead to side effects, including scalp irritation or allergic reactions. If you experience any adverse effects, discontinue use and consult your doctor.

Peptides are generally well-tolerated and unlikely to interact negatively with other ingredients in your hair care routine. In fact, some components may even enhance the effectiveness of the peptides.

However, it’s always advisable to seek guidance from a qualified dermatologist or hair loss specialist before starting any peptide-based treatment. They can properly diagnose the cause of your hair loss, assess whether peptide therapy is appropriate for your specific condition, and provide personalized recommendations for product selection and usage.

Risks and Precautions

Peptide supplements are generally considered safe for healthy individuals, as they closely resemble the peptides naturally found in the foods we eat. However, it’s important to be aware of potential side effects, risks, and precautions associated with their use.

Oral peptide supplements may not be fully absorbed into the bloodstream, as they can be broken down into individual amino acids during digestion. Topical peptide products, on the other hand, can sometimes cause skin sensitivity, itching, or rash, especially in those with sensitive skin or pre-existing skin conditions.

It is crucial to consult your doctor before using any peptide product if you have a pre-existing medical condition, are currently taking medications, are pregnant, or breastfeeding. Even if you are healthy and none of these conditions apply, it’s still a good idea to discuss peptide supplementation with your doctor to ensure it’s appropriate for your individual needs.

While many peptide supplements are derived from natural sources and share similarities with dietary peptides, it’s important to recognize that not all peptides are created equal. Some synthetic peptides or those derived from less common sources may carry a higher risk of side effects. Additionally, even natural peptides can trigger reactions in some individuals due to allergies, sensitivities, or interactions with other substances they may be taking. It’s essential to be mindful of your body’s response and discontinue use if any adverse effects occur.

Finally, it’s worth noting that research on the long-term effects and safety of some specific peptide supplements may be limited. This underscores the importance of consulting a healthcare professional who can provide personalized guidance and help you make informed decisions about peptide supplementation.

Last Words

Peptides play a vital role in maintaining the health of our skin and hair. We naturally obtain peptides from various food sources such as beans, meat, and fish. However, to potentially enhance these benefits or address specific concerns, peptide supplements are also available in different forms, including oral supplements, injections, and topical products. Among these, topical products are often favored due to their ease of use, affordability, and non-invasive nature.

Peptide supplementation can contribute to hair growth through several potential and proposed mechanisms:

• Stimulating the growth of hair follicles
• Increasing blood circulation to the scalp, ensuring adequate nutrient and oxygen delivery
• Nourishing hair follicles directly
• Exerting anti-inflammatory effects on the scalp, creating a healthier environment for hair growth

Specific types of peptides that have shown potential promise in stimulating hair growth include:

• Acetyl tetrapeptide-3
• Biotinoyl tripeptide-1
• Copper peptides
• GHK-Cu
• Hexapeptide-11
• Keratin peptides

It is crucial to consult with your doctor before incorporating any peptide product into your routine, particularly if you are pregnant, breastfeeding, taking medications, or managing a medical condition. Even if you are in good health, seeking guidance from your doctor or a dermatologist specializing in hair conditions is highly recommended. They can provide personalized advice on suitable peptides and their proper usage.

While most peptide supplements are readily available without a prescription, it is important to remember that the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) does not regulate over-the-counter supplements and products as rigorously as prescription medications. Therefore, it is essential to pursue peptide supplementation under the supervision of your primary care physician or a dermatologist specializing in hair loss and related issues. They can monitor your progress, adjust your regimen as needed, and ensure your safety throughout the process.

Lastly, it is important to acknowledge that while research supports the potential benefits of peptides for hair growth, individual responses can vary. Results are not guaranteed and depend on various factors, including the specific peptide used, its formulation, individual health conditions, and adherence to the recommended usage.

Remember, a balanced diet, healthy lifestyle, and appropriate hair care practices remain fundamental for maintaining healthy hair. Peptide supplements can be a valuable addition to your hair care regimen, but they should be used responsibly and under professional guidance.