Brief Summary
This YouTube video features Dave Asprey interviewing Dr. Karolina Grace Oliviera, a stem cell biologist, about the science of reversing hair thinning and loss. They discuss the role of senescent cells, the impact of hormones like estrogen and DHT, and the potential of peptides, specifically the OS1 peptide developed by Dr. Oliviera's company, One Skin, to promote hair growth. The video highlights clinical trial results showing significant improvements in hair density and thickness with the use of OS1, and explores various factors influencing hair health, including genetics, lifestyle, nutrition, and scalp microbiome.
- Aging is reversible for the scalp, similar to the rest of the body.
- Senescent cells play a significant role in hair thinning and loss.
- OS1 peptide can reverse senescent cells and promote hair growth.
- Clinical trials showed an average of 40% increase in hair density and thickness with OS1.
- Factors like DHT sensitivity, lifestyle, diet, stress, and scalp microbiome influence hair health.
Is Aging Optional for Your Scalp?
Aging is largely reversible for the scalp, much like the rest of the body. While some hair and scalp conditions are genetically driven, many are preventable and even reversible. Just as we treat our facial skin to prevent wrinkles, we should also care for our scalp to prevent hair thinning and loss. It's possible to reverse some of these conditions in many cases.
Scalp Skin vs Facial Skin
The scalp has a similar structure to facial skin, with hair follicles embedded in the epidermal layer. Damage and senescent (zombie) cells accumulate in the scalp, just like in facial skin, and contribute to hair loss by secreting inflammatory signals and disrupting the hair cycle. Treatments that work on facial skin could also work on the scalp, but a different delivery system is needed to avoid greasiness and ensure absorption. Hair follicles have specific needs, such as protein for keratin production, but aging factors affect both skin and hair.
Senescent Cells and Hair Loss
Senescent cells contribute to hair loss in several conditions. Male pattern baldness, primarily driven by genetics and DHT, is exacerbated by senescent cells. Age-related hair thinning, common in people over 50, is mainly driven by senescence. Stress-associated hair loss is also linked to senescent cells. Experiments have shown that stress hormones can induce senescence, which can be reversed with peptides.
Hormones and Hair Loss
Hormone imbalances also play a role in hair loss. Postpartum and menopause in women, marked by a drop in estrogen, can lead to increased conversion of testosterone to DHT, causing hair shedding. Estrogen keeps hair in the anagen (growth) phase, while a drop in estrogen shifts hair to the telogen (shedding) phase. Progesterone also helps prevent testosterone conversion to DHT.
Estrogen and Hair Growth
Estrogen supports the anagen phase, keeping hair in the growth phase longer, which helps with hair density, thickness, and overall health. The hair follicle cycle includes the anagen (growth) phase lasting 2-7 years, the catagen (transition) phase, and the telogen (fallout) phase lasting a few months. Ideally, 80-85% of hair should be in the anagen phase and 5-15% in the telogen phase.
Estrogen for Men's Hair
The potential for low-dose topical estrogen for men to improve hair is explored, but it's noted that men may not have the same estrogen receptors as women. Current treatments for men focus on preventing testosterone conversion to DHT using drugs like finasteride and dutasteride. Topical skincare with low-dose estradiol has shown promise without systemic absorption, potentially as a hair thickness hack.
Hair Products for Men vs Women
Men and women could potentially use the same products for thicker hair, but women in their reproductive phase should avoid finasteride and dutasteride due to fertility implications. These drugs also have side effects, such as erectile dysfunction in men. Peptides and senescent cell treatments are promising alternatives.
OS1 Peptide and Hair Health
The OS1 peptide increases DNA repair capacity, decreases inflammatory signals, and shuts off senescent cells while preventing new ones from forming. It has shown promise in reversing stress-induced hair loss by reversing senescence induced by stress hormones. The peptide has been formulated into a topical solution and tested in clinical studies.
Clinical Study Results of OS1 Peptide
Clinical studies over six months showed that 86% of participants experienced an average increase of 40% in hair density. Hair thickness increased by an average of 42% in over 80% of participants, and over 70% saw a 40% increase in hair in the anagen phase. These results indicate that even those in the early stages of hair thinning can see improvements.
Genetics and Lifestyle Factors
Sensitivity to DHT, largely genetically driven, is a major factor in hair loss. Lifestyle, diet, stress, and the microbiome also influence hair thickness and health. For men, genetics is the major factor.
Future of Hair Loss Treatment
Future hair loss treatments will likely involve multiple interventions, including preventing testosterone conversion to DHT with safer molecules, increasing blood circulation with safer ingredients, targeting senescent cells, using low-level light therapy, and potentially gene therapy for those genetically predisposed to DHT sensitivity. Reproducing hair follicles in the lab for implantation is also a possibility.
One Skin Hair Product
Clinical studies for the One Skin hair product measured results at 3 and 6 months, with significant improvements seen at 3 months and further improvements at 6 months. The recommended usage is twice a day, but at least once a day with a derma roller. The product does not leave hair greasy and can be styled as usual.
Hair Thickness and Density
The One Skin hair product resulted in an average increase of 40% in hair density in 86% of participants. Men in the study showed an average increase of 35% in hair density and 37% in hair thickness.
Combining Therapies
The One Skin hair product can be combined with other treatments like topical minoxidil and red light therapy. The mechanism of action is different, and there are no known cross-reactions with other ingredients.
Testosterone and Hair Loss
High testosterone levels can lead to hair loss, and while One Skin can partially prevent this, it does not directly prevent the conversion of testosterone to DHT. Minoxidil can be used simultaneously.
Nutritional Suggestions for Hair Health
Important nutrients for hair health include protein (keratin), vitamin D, biotin, iron, and omega-3 fatty acids. A healthy diet is crucial. The scalp microbiome, composed of bacteria and fungi, also plays a role. Good bacteria support hair growth, while bad bacteria are associated with hair loss. One Skin's product contains a prebiotic to balance the scalp microbiome, promote hydration, and nurture the scalp.
Scalp Microbiome
The scalp microbiome is composed of diverse bacteria and fungi. Good bacteria support hair growth, while bad bacteria are associated with hair loss. Studies showed that One Skin's product shifted the scalp microbiome towards bacteria associated with hair growth and reduced fungi associated with dandruff. The product contains a prebiotic to balance the scalp microbiome, promote hydration, and nurture the scalp.
DHT Blockers
Natural DHT blockers include saw palmetto, reishi mushroom, pumpkin seed extract, zinc, and nettle root. A dermatologist can diagnose the cause of hair loss through scalp analysis and lab tests to identify nutrient deficiencies or DHT sensitivity.
Testing One Skin
One Skin tests its products on people in their 30s to 60s, with varying stages of hair thinning. Improvements were seen across the spectrum of hair thinning stages, although results were less strong in late stages.
One Skin Usage
Using One Skin three times a day may lead to faster hair growth, but this has not been tested. Spilling the product on other areas of the body is unlikely to cause hair growth, as it targets senescent cells associated with aging.
Minoxidil vs One Skin
A parallel study is being conducted with minoxidil, but consumer perception shows similar improvements with One Skin hair. The speaker has been using One Skin hair for six months and has seen baby hairs growing.
Combining Therapies for Hair Growth
Combining therapies for hair growth is encouraged, as it is a challenging journey that can impact self-esteem. One Skin's clinical data is based on people solely using the OS1 hair product, but combining it with other safe interventions is acceptable.
One Skin Product Details
One Skin products are high-end and effective. A six-month supply is available with a 20% discount, and using code "Dave" provides additional savings. The goal is to eliminate baldness in the next 15 to 25 years.
Future Predictions
Predictions for when less than 1% of people will be bald range from 2035 to 2045, with widespread affordable solutions by 2050. This assumes no major systemic disruptions.
Study Demographics
The One Skin trial included 30 participants, with 23 females and 7 males. Men have more treatment options, while women are more conservative with drug options. The target audience includes women going through menopause or hormonal changes.
Overlooked Factors for Women
Overlooked factors for women's hair loss include thyroid function and copper levels. Low thyroid levels can cause thin hair, and low copper levels, especially post-pregnancy, can lead to hair thinning.
One Skin on Eyebrows and Eyelashes
One Skin has not been tested on eyebrows, but it is being tested for beard growth. It could potentially make eyebrows fuller. The product is safe for eyelashes, but care should be taken to avoid getting it in the eyes.
Copper Levels and Hair
Low copper levels can cause gray and thinning hair. Post-pregnancy, women often experience hair loss due to the loss of copper stored in the placenta. Maintaining adequate copper levels is important for hair thickness.
Nutritional Status and One Skin
One Skin products work better with a balanced nutritional state. Hair follicles need nutrients to grow new hair, so adequate nutrition is essential. Animal protein consumption is important for amino acid availability. Vegans should take extra care of their hair and take mineral supplements.
Maximizing One Skin Effectiveness
To maximize the effectiveness of One Skin hair products, avoid oxidative stress from too much sun, remove product buildup with cleansing shampoos, maintain good nutrition, and consider red light therapy. Avoid sleeping with wet hair.
Sunshine and Scalp Health
Too much sun is bad for the scalp, causing damage and inflammation. Use a hat or sunscreen on exposed areas. One Skin's product contains antioxidants like flavonoids and ficetine to protect the scalp from free radicals.
Hair Dye and Scalp Health
Harsh chemicals in hair dyes can compromise scalp health. Avoid applying dye directly to the scalp.
Coffee and Hair Health
Coffee may be good for hair due to its properties in stimulating blood flow. One Skin's product contains ginseng for this purpose. Caffeine reduces DHT in the scalp, helps with mitochondrial activity, and stops the miniaturization of follicles. Coffee also contains polyphenols and chlorogenic acid, which protect follicle stem cells.
Caffeine and One Skin
One Skin does not use caffeine in its hair product, but it is used in the eye cream. Caffeine reduces DHT in the scalp, helps with mitochondrial activity, and stops the miniaturization of follicles.
One Skin Hair Product Launch
The One Skin hair product has launched, and it is expected to sell out due to its impressive clinical results. The product is not cheap, but it works much better than cheaper alternatives. The formula took over two years to develop, with extensive studies and a six-month clinical trial.
