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Key Growth Factors Involved in Hair Growth and Hair Loss

Key Growth Factors Involved in Hair Growth and Hair Loss

The Science of Growth Factors in Hair Growth: Evidence-Based Insights

Hair growth is a complex biological process influenced by genetics, hormones, and external environmental factors. One of the most critical elements in hair follicle health and regeneration is growth factors (GFs)—signalling proteins that regulate cellular processes, including proliferation, differentiation, and survival.

Growth factors play a pivotal role in hair follicle cycling, promoting anagen (growth phase) extension, reducing telogen (resting phase) duration, and stimulating dermal papilla cells to support hair regeneration. Understanding the different growth factors and their mechanisms allows for targeted treatment strategies, which can significantly enhance hair restoration outcomes.

Key Growth Factors Involved in Hair Growth and Hair Loss

Growth Factor

Role in Hair Growth

Implications in Hair Loss

Epidermal Growth Factor (EGF)

Stimulates keratinocyte proliferation, enhances follicular stem cell activation

Excessive EGF may lead to premature follicle exit from the anagen phase, contributing to hair thinning

Fibroblast Growth Factor-7 (FGF-7/KGF)

Promotes keratinocyte proliferation and hair shaft elongation

Deficiency leads to slower hair growth and weaker hair strands

Fibroblast Growth Factor-2 (FGF-2)

Stimulates dermal papilla proliferation, improves follicle vascularisation

Insufficient FGF-2 reduces follicle size, leading to miniaturisation

Insulin-like Growth Factor-1 (IGF-1)

Extends the anagen phase and promotes matrix cell proliferation

Low IGF-1 levels are associated with androgenetic alopecia

Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor (VEGF)

Enhances blood supply to follicles, supporting nutrient delivery

Poor VEGF levels impair blood flow, leading to follicular shrinkage

Platelet-Derived Growth Factor (PDGF)

Regulates dermal papilla function and extracellular matrix production

PDGF deficiency weakens the follicular environment

Transforming Growth Factor Beta (TGF-β1, TGF-β2)

Modulates follicular cycling, balancing growth and apoptosis

Overexpression accelerates catagen phase, causing hair loss

Hepatocyte Growth Factor (HGF)

Promotes follicular stem cell differentiation

HGF deficiency may delay follicle regeneration

Hair Growth Cycle and Volume Shifts

Hair growth follows a cyclical process that controls both hair regrowth and shedding. The table below explains how follicular volume changes across different phases of the cycle:

Hair Growth Phase

Duration

Volume Changes

Effects on Hair Growth & Shedding

Anagen (Growth Phase)

2-6 years

High follicular volume, active matrix cell proliferation

Hair actively grows, longest-lasting phase, determines overall hair length

Catagen (Transition Phase)

2-3 weeks

Reduction in follicular volume, apoptotic signals increase

Hair growth stops, follicle shrinks, detaching from dermal papilla

Telogen (Resting Phase)

2-4 months

Minimal follicular activity, lowest volume

Hair is retained but not growing, prepares for shedding

Exogen (Shedding Phase)

Days to weeks

Old hair is shed, new follicle begins early anagen

Controlled shedding occurs, new hair replaces lost strands

Understanding these volume shifts helps in designing growth factor therapies, microneedling protocols, and supplement interventions to extend the anagen phase and minimise excessive shedding.



How We Influence Growth Factors for Optimal Hair Growth

Various treatment modalities can modulate growth factor activity, enhancing follicular health and promoting hair regrowth. The most evidence-based approaches include:


1. Medications

  • Topical Minoxidil: Increases VEGF expression, improving follicular vascularisation.

  • Oral and Topical Finasteride/Dutasteride: Reduces DHT-induced TGF-β overexpression, preventing follicular miniaturisation.

  • Topical Melatonin: Acts as an antioxidant and promotes anagen phase prolongation by enhancing IGF-1.

  • Topical Latanoprost: Stimulates dermal papilla cells and prolongs the anagen phase.

  • Topical Arginine: Enhances nitric oxide production, improving blood flow and VEGF activity.

  • Topical Saw Palmetto: Inhibits DHT production and regulates TGF-β expression to prevent follicular miniaturisation.


2. Exosomes and Growth Factor Serums

  • Exosomes: Extracellular vesicles rich in bioactive growth factors that enhance IGF-1, VEGF, and FGF-7 expression, leading to significant hair regrowth.

  • Growth Factor Serums (e.g., AnteAGE MD® Hair Solution): Delivers bioengineered GFs to stimulate dermal papilla cell proliferation and hair follicle cycling.



3. Supplementation (TrichoRx24)

  • TrichoRx24 Hair Supplement: A targeted formulation containing Saw Palmetto (DHT inhibition), Green Tea (VEGF activation), Astaxanthin (antioxidant protection), and L-tyrosine (keratin synthesis), optimising growth factor function for enhanced hair regeneration.



4. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

  • Laser Helmets and Devices: Stimulate ATP production and IGF-1 expression, increasing cellular energy and accelerating hair regrowth.



5. Microneedling (Derma Rollers)

  • Induces controlled micro-injuries, triggering PDGF, VEGF, and FGF release, promoting new follicular growth and enhanced absorption of topical serums.



Growth Factors and Treatments That Influence Them

Growth Factor

Treatments that Positively Influence

EGF

Topical Latanoprost, Exosomes, Growth Factor Serums

FGF-7

Exosomes, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Microneedling

FGF-2

Topical Arginine, Exosomes, Microneedling

IGF-1

Topical Melatonin, Low-Level Laser Therapy, Exosomes

VEGF

Topical Minoxidil, Topical Arginine, TrichoRx24, Exosomes

PDGF

Microneedling, Growth Factor Serums, Exosomes

TGF-β (Regulation)

Topical Finasteride/Dutasteride, Topical Saw Palmetto

HGF

Exosomes, Growth Factor Serums

Personalised Hair Loss Treatment with GrowBack TrichoDNA Test

Hair loss treatments are most effective when tailored to an individual’s genetic and biological profile. Our GrowBack TrichoDNA Hair Loss Test analyses key genetic markers related to growth factor expression, androgen sensitivity, and nutrient metabolism, allowing us to formulate a treatment plan that maximises hair restoration potential.

By integrating growth factor therapy, personalised medications, supplementation, and advanced devices, we achieve the best possible hair regrowth outcomes—leading to thicker, stronger, and healthier hair while boosting hair confidence.

Book a Consultation Today

Ready to take control of your hair growth journey? Book a personalised consultation today and discover the best evidence-based solutions for your hair loss.

References

  1. Gupta AK, Carviel J. A Critical Appraisal of Platelet-Rich Plasma for Androgenetic Alopecia. Dermatol Surg. 2017;43(6):755-760.

  2. Ramos PM, Miot HA. Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical and Pathophysiological Review. An Bras Dermatol. 2015;90(4):529-543.

  3. Yazdabadi A, Sinclair R. Hair Growth Factors and Their Role in Alopecia: A Review. Clin Exp Dermatol. 2011;36(3):335-340.

  4. Suchonwanit P, Thammarucha S, Leerunyakul K. Minoxidil and Its Use in Hair Disorders: A Review. Drug Des Devel Ther. 2019;13:2777-2786.

  5. Zhou L, Wang H, Jing J, et al. The Role of Exosomes and Their Applications in Hair Loss. Stem Cell Res Ther. 2021;12(1):14.

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