The Science of Nourishing Hair Roots: Which Key Ingredients Can Restore the Hair Follicle Ecosystem? [An Introduction to Hair Science by Hong Ju-hyeong]

[Financial News]  When hair loss begins, many people first reach for supplements. It is difficult to expect dramatic results from supplements alone, but clear synergistic effects may be achieved by making a specialist’s medical treatment the foundation and appropriately combining it with nutrients that support the hair and scalp environment.

Saw Palmetto is considered a complementary option for male-pattern (androgenetic) hair loss and hair loss associated with the secretion of the DHT hormone. It is known to be involved in a pathway that inhibits the activity of 5-alpha-reductase, which causes hair follicle miniaturization.
Clinical studies involving patients with androgenetic or telogen hair loss who used oral or topical formulations (100–320 mg) found positive indicators, including increased hair count and density and stabilization of hair loss progression. However, it is effective when used alongside standard drug treatments such as finasteride or dutasteride as a complementary therapy.
For female-pattern hair loss, which causes hair to thin all over and overall density to decline, a combination of omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids and antioxidants may be useful. In a six-month clinical study of 120 women with female-pattern hair loss, the group taking a combination of essential fatty acids and antioxidants showed increased hair density and a significant decrease in the proportion of telogen hairs.
Antioxidants such as niacinamide and vitamins C and E, which reduce oxidative stress in hair follicle dermal papilla cells and inhibit premature regression, also help create an environment that protects hair follicles.

Minerals and vitamins play a particularly important role in alopecia areata and deficiency-related hair loss. Ferritin, the protein that stores iron in the body, is essential for hair growth and maintenance. Patients with telogen hair loss often have low serum ferritin levels. For women with a confirmed deficiency, taking 50–100 mg or more of elemental iron per day with vitamin C for at least three months can significantly aid recovery.
Zinc is also involved in cell division and immune responses. When patients with alopecia areata were given 50 mg of zinc gluconate for 12 weeks, about 66% showed a hair-regrowth response. Vitamin D, whose correlation with hair loss is being established in recent studies, also helps normalize the hair follicle growth cycle.
About 80–90% of hair is made up of keratin protein. Accordingly, a protein supply centered on essential amino acids and biotin, which helps with keratin synthesis, serves as basic building material for hair. Replenishing deficient nutrients and combining ingredients suited to the cause of hair loss is a shortcut to improving the chances of successful treatment.

/Hong Ju-hyeong, director of Mohil Clinic
[email protected] Kim Hyeon-seon Reporter