Future Hair Restoration Techniques

Genetic Engineering

Male pattern baldness or androgenetic alopecia is passed down through the genes, so it stands to reason that genetic engineering could be used to prevent the expression of the trait. However, studies indicate that the trait is actually "polygenic," meaning multiple genes are involved, likely coming from both parents. Outside factors, including age, hormones levels, and stress, also affect the trait's expression, adding to the challenge scientists face. Until the exact genes involved with male pattern baldness are identified, effective gene therapies to address the problem cannot be developed.

Hair Cloning

The lack of donor hair - the stable hair located on the sides of the head that can be transferred to the front scalp and crown - is the chief obstacle to an aesthetically successful hair transplant procedure in some patients with advanced hair loss. Due to rejection, hair from outside donors, such as relatives, cannot be used. If, however, a patient's own hair could be cloned to create an unlimited supply, many new possibilities would open up. Scientists are working on the issue, but face significant challenges including the determination of exactly which cells to use, how to culture them outside the body, how to make them consistently induce hair to grow, how to be sure the hair grows the right direction and is the right color and texture, and how to ensure the cloned hair follicles don't create other medical issues (tumors, malignancies, etc.) in the body. While an exciting possibility, hair cloning is still a work in progress and the practical application many years off.