Healio compiles most read dermatology news for Hair Loss Awareness Month

As we close out National Hair Loss Awareness Month, marked each year in August, Healio Dermatology has compiled the most read alopecia stories of 2023.

According to the Cleveland Clinic, baldness — or androgenic alopecia — is the most common type of hair loss, with about 80 million individuals suffering from this condition every year.

While many consider hair loss inevitable, numerous studies have been dedicated to combating this condition and have found ways to slow or even stop the process.

From articles about topical treatments to lifestyle preventative measures, here are Healio’s top hair loss stories from 2023:

Novel serum improves hair growth in androgenetic alopecia with no side effects

A study found that Revivv, a novel topical serum made from a proprietary blend of selected plant extracts and bioactives, leads to meaningful improvements in hair growth with no adverse events in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Eighty percent of study participants reported an increase in hair growth, hair volume, scalp coverage and the amount of hair regrowth over the span of 8 weeks. Read more.

Topical melatonin improves scalp hair growth, density in androgenetic alopecia

In March, Healio reported that patients with androgenetic alopecia demonstrated improvements in hair follicle growth and density after treatment with topical melatonin, according to a study. The retrospective study confirmed that melatonin does indeed improve hair growth, scalp hair density and hair shaft thickness. Read more.

Consumption of sugary drinks may be associated with male pattern hair loss

Ai Zhao, PhD, assistant professor at the Vanke School of Public Health at Tsinghua University in Beijing, and colleagues conducted a study that found the consumption of sugary drinks may be linked to male pattern hair loss. The study showed that those with male pattern hair loss consume twice the number of sugary beverages than those without male pattern hair loss. Even after adjusting for many cofounders, with the exception of post-traumatic stress, the results consistently showed this correlation. Read more.

Q&A: Guidelines, benefits of using derma roller for hair loss treatment

In June of this year, Healio interviewed Ben Behnam, MD, FAAD, cofounder of Happy Head, about the benefits and guidelines for using derma rollers in the treatment of hair loss so that dermatologists can both take advantage of this tool and educate patients on safe derma rolling practices. Behnam referenced a study that found 82% of patients that used a derma roller with minoxidil saw a 50% improvement in hair growth compared with only 4.5% of patients that did not use a derma roller with minoxidil. Read more.

Q&A: Effects of alopecia go beyond cosmetic complications

Many people often consider alopecia to be exclusively a cosmetic disorder. Unlike many other chronic conditions, the disease itself does not increase mortality, and it is often not accompanied by physical pain. However, that does not mean patients can’t experience depression, anxiety and other forms of psychosocial trauma from their condition. Healio spoke with Divya Sharma, MD, FAAD, dermatologist and hair specialist based in the San Francisco Bay Area, on the unseen effects of alopecia that warrant clinical attention. Read more.

Reference:

• Hair loss. https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/21753-hair-loss. Reviewed Aug. 26, 2021. Accessed Aug. 30, 2023.