Understanding the Science Behind Hair Loss and Regrowth
Hair loss, or alopecia, affects millions of people worldwide—men and women alike. At AesMed, we believe that effective treatment begins with understanding the fundamental causes of alopecia and the complex biological process known as the hair cycle.
Let’s explore the science behind why hair loss occurs and how it can be managed or reversed
Main Causes of Alopecia
1. Time (Aging)
Hair loss commonly begins in the 20s and becomes more noticeable in the 30s and beyond.
While rare cases of teenage alopecia do exist, aging remains a major factor. Interestingly, even individuals with a genetic predisposition may maintain healthy hair in their youth.
2. Androgens (Hormonal Influence)
One of the most critical factors is testosterone, an androgen hormone present in both men and women.
In the 1950s, Dr. James Hamilton defined the link between androgens and alopecia, laying the foundation for what we now call:
• MPAGA: Male Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia
•FPAGA: Female Pattern Androgenetic Alopecia
When testosterone is converted to dihydrotestosterone by 5αR in cells, it becomes a direct hormone that causes hair loss.
This hormonal cause explains why people who undergo castration before puberty rarely experience hair loss later in life.
3. Genetics
Not everyone experiences hair loss in the same way, even among family members.
Genetic expression of alopecia is influenced by time, hormones, and various other environmental factors. Even identical twins with alopecia-prone parents may have different hair loss outcomes.
4. Other Factors
Some types of alopecia, such as Alopecia Areata (AA), are caused by autoimmune disorders.
In women, hormone fluctuations due to childbirth (postpartum telogen effluvium) or menopause often trigger temporary or long-term hair loss.
Emotional and physical stress are also well-known contributors.
The Hair Cycle: How Hair Grows and Falls
Hair growth follows a natural cycle composed of four distinct phases:
1. Anagen Phase (Growth)
• Lasts 5–6 years
• Active production of new hair
• Continuous stem cell differentiation and release of growth-stimulating cytokines like bFGF, KGF, FGF9, IGF-1, VEGF
• Hair length is determined by the duration of this phase
2. Catagen Phase (Regression)
• Lasts 2–3 weeks
• Cellular apoptosis triggered by DHT-related cytokines like TGF-β, DKK-1, BMP
• Hair stops growing, and the dermal papilla detaches from the follicle bulb
• Hair shaft begins to shrink and weaken
3. Telogen Phase (Rest)
• Lasts ~3 months
• Hair follicle activity pauses
• Existing hair remains in place but is no longer growing
• Eventually, the old hair is shed to make way for new hair
4. Return to Anagen
• Stem cell activation resumes
• Cytokines such as Noggin and SOD promote differentiation and suppress apoptosis
• Wnt/β-Catenin signaling reactivates protein synthesis and hair follicle regeneration
• New hair begins to grow from the base of the follicle
How AGF39™ Works in Harmony with the Hair Cycle
AesMed’s AGF39™ therapy aligns with the natural hair cycle by:
• Suppressing apoptosis through anti-DHT cytokines like Noggin, FGF9 and SOD
• Promoting the Anagen phase by stimulating hair follicle stem cells
• Normalizing scalp function with growth factors, antioxidants and systematic nutrients (e.g., AHK-cu, ATP, amino acids, vitamins, minerals, coenzyme, glutathione)
This cytokine-based mesotherapy offers a targeted and biological approach to treating hair loss—especially for androgenetic alopecia—without the hormonal side effects of systemic DHT inhibitors
Conclusion
Hair loss is not caused by a single factor. Rather, it is the result of complex interactions between hormones, genetics, aging, and stress—each influencing the intricate phases of the hair cycle.
At AesMed, we continue to innovate and provide scientifically backed solutions like AGF39™, which work with your body to restore healthy hair growth.
Whether you’re just beginning to notice hair thinning or have been struggling with alopecia for years, understanding these fundamentals can help guide you toward the right treatment—one that promotes long-term results and real regeneration.
Visit www.aesmed.co.kr to learn more about our cytokine therapy solutions.
