Hair loss is a common concern for both men and women, with 85 percent of men and 40 percent of women experiencing hair loss by their 40s and 50s, according to the American Hair Loss Association.
As consumers look for new ways to prevent and reverse hair loss, the LLS Beauty team anticipates a growing interest in solutions that utilize transhumanism, or science and technology to enhance our bodies. For example, consumers will be more willing to rejuvenate follicles with ingredients coming from the pharma sector or implant new hair coming from labs and 3D printers.
Recent research supporting this upcoming trend includes:
- Scientists at Yokohama National University have developed an experimental method for generating new hair follicles from stem cells in far higher quantities than ever before.
- Columbia University scientists are creating 'hair farms' using a grid of 3D-printed plastic molds mimicking the exact shape of hair follicles. There are still challenges in terms of hair color and texture, and safety and aesthetics.
- The University of Manchester is studying how the immunosuppressant medication cyclosporine can cause unwanted hair growth as a side effect. This could be viewed as a new gateway for stimulating and rejuvenating existing hair follicles.