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Polished pates and thinning thatches may one day be a thing of the past, thanks to Japanese scientists who have developed a way to grow hair follicles at a record rate.
The study used two kinds of cells placed in silicone containers to cultivate “hair follicle germs” — the sources of the tiny organs that grow and sustain hair.
Led by professor Junji Fukuda at the Yokohama National University, the team managed to cultivate 5,000 within just a few days, enough to replenish hair.
The method is a massive step up from existing laborious techniques that can create just 50 or so “germs” at once.
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While human tests might not be on the cards for another five years, ultimately researchers believe the technique could be used to generate luscious new locks.
The technology could also help cancer patients and others with medical conditions that cause hair loss, said Fukuda, whose research was published in the journal Biomaterials.
“Beauty clinics currently often use hair from the occipital region [back of the head] and plant them to frontal areas with hair loss. A problem with this is that it doesn’t increase the total volume of hair,” Fukuda said.
Existing medication can slow hair loss, but it does not necessarily reverse the problem, he added.
New treatment using the technique may be available in 10 years, the professor said.
ALSO READ: SG WOMAN SHARES HER STRUGGLE WITH HAIR LOSS & GETS HUGE SUPPORT ONLINE
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While the study offers hope for the hairless, Fukuda debunked some rather optimistic reports suggesting McDonald’s fries could help cure baldness.
The silicone used in his study, dimethylpolysiloxane, is reportedly used by the fast food giant in its oil fryers, but consuming the substance alone offers no fringe benefits.
Fukuda said he was baffled by the readers’ misinterpretation of his research.
“I have seen online comments asking, ‘how many fries would I have to eat to grow my hair?'” he told AFP.
“I’d feel bad if people think eating something would do that!”
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Excess sebum build-up around the hair follicles may clog the follicles. As a result, this could be a cause of thinning hair. Formulated with green marine algae and a sugar-derived prebiotic, this shampoo helps to limit excess sebum production and to purify the scalp, yet it does not strip away the natural moisture of it.
If you’ve got coloured hair – whether it’s a whole head of bleached hair or a simple balayage makeover – you’ll need to take care of your mane with a shampoo made especially for coloured-treated hair.
Coloured hairs tend to be more brittle and will cause the scalp to feel dry and sometimes even itchy. Opt for a shampoo like this one from Aveda that not only protects your hair colour (so it lasts longer) but also helps to tackle all the other issues that bleach might potentially cause.
This clarifying shampoo adds softness and shine to restore hair and scalp health while cleansing away dirt, oil and product buildup. Packed with chelating agents, the shampoo helps remove hard water deposits and impurities while apple cider vinegar helps exfoliate and remove flakes, residue, and buildup.
Made for rough, dry hair, this shampoo is made with spirulina protein that’s known to support hair health along with a rich blend of 7 smoothing oils that work to nourish and add shine to your tresses, while delivering all-day hydration and maintaining a healthy shine.
A natural and organic hair care brand, Natural Source’s Damage Care Shampoo is made from natural ingredients such as honey, sunflower seed extract, royal jelly extract, propolis extract and gold pearls that promises to nourish your damaged hair as well as reduce hair and scalp nutrient and moisture loss.
Specially formulated to control an oily scalp and reduce hair from falling out, local trichology salon Two Herbs has created their own shampoo that has 13 effective ingredients such as sage leaf extract, chamomile extract and nettle extract to name a few, that has been clinically tested to relieve hair loss symptoms and promote healthy hair root growth.
Rinse away excess oils, product build-up and impurities with this shampoo by Goldwell. Adding on to the list of benefits, the shampoo also helps to preserve moisture and soothe the scalp at the same time, so you can look forward to better hair days ahead.
Give your hair that much-needed boost of hydration with this hydrating shampoo from Moroccanoil. This highly raved shampoo is well-loved by many for good reason, and we can clearly see why it’s a perennial favourite for many.
Formulated with antioxidant-rich argan oil, vitamins, and moisture-attracting red algae, this shampoo gently cleanses your hair while restoring smoothness and shine.
Struggling with an oily scalp? Choosing the right shampoo for your daily hair care routine is more crucial for you than for most. To effectively cleanse your hair without drying it out, consider Briogeo’s Superfoods Mango + Cherry Balancing Shampoo. What’s great about this sulfate-free shampoo is that it’s formulated with unique papaya enzymes to help balance oil production on hair and scalp. What’s more, the shampoo also helps to maintain healthy-looking hair thanks to its potent formula of vitamins and minerals too.
As stress takes a toll on our crowning glory, we find ourselves searching for a solution to fix our hair fall woes. And one particular brand has launched its first-ever anti-hair fall series that’s clinically proven to reduce hair fall by 96% – enter Moist Diane’s Extra Hair Fall Control range.
Here, the collection comprises a 3-step routine of shampoo, treatment and lightweight scalp essence, which essentially helps to strengthen the hair against falling and breakage, and not to mention reduce scalp sensitivity and improve overall scalp health for stronger, healthier hair.
More interestingly, it’s also formulated with Wasabi Flavone, which is said to help balance the scalp’s microbiome, reduce irritation and nourish the hair from within, for fortified and luscious tresses.
Those with sensitive or irritable scalp will love this, which uses a blend of moisturising and soothing botanicals like tea tree essential oil, beta-glucan, aloe and quinoa protein to hydrate, relieve scalp discomfort (yes, that includes dandruff) and even boost circulation. On top of being pH-balanced so it doesn’t zap away moisture, it also contains no parabens, sulphates, phthalates, synthetic fragrances or colour.
Extremely hydrating, this has amino acid-based cleansing ingredients and natural-origin moisturisers such as olive fruit oil, shea butter, honey and aloe, to help repair dry, brittle hair that’s been damaged by chemical processes and UV exposure.
Thanks to a formula that’s rich in Honey Jelly, this shampoo gently cleanses while restoring a healthy shine to hair. Plus, it is also silicone-free so you can rest assured that it won’t weigh your hair down.
Living in high-density Asian cities, it is unsurprising that both skin and air will be affected by air pollution. Add in stress to the mix, clogged hair follicles and oily scalp will follow suit. To prevent this, Klorane‘s anti-pollution detox shampoo cleanses away build-up from air pollution. What we also like is its minty cooling effect to help with blood circulation as well.
Created to prevent tangling and clumping during washing, the shampoo’s strong foams prevent hair breakage while providing your locks with lots of volume. Ingredients such as Jojoba and Argan oil helps to strengthen any dry or split ends and adequately hydrates your scalp.
A holy grail of Japanese women, this shampoo has been raved by thousands of satisfied users for its extreme hydrating properties. Thanks to its patented ‘Inkarami’ technology, the reactive keratin interlocks to promote the repair of damaged hair and soothes the scalp with its anti-inflammatory properties. A perfect multi-tasking shampoo for the busy woman.
Micellar water works wonders for whisking away makeup and grime from the skin. It works the same way for hair by effectively cleansing off any dirt, oil and residual hair products without leaving the scalp stripped so they are great for those who struggle with a dry scalp and flakes.
Pantene’s iteration of Micellar Water also contains Pro-Vitamin B5, the brand’s iconic hydrating ingredient, and antioxidants. It’s silicone-free, paraben-free and dye-free also pH balanced, so the natural state of your hair and scalp won’t be disrupted.
This nasties-free shampoo for fine hair gently cleanses while promising long-lasting volume with a weightless finish. It is formulated with Himalayan salt, which is rich in over 80 minerals, to add texture to and protect hair against damage.
Infused with rosehip oil and hyaluronic acid, this nourishing shampoo lathers into a rich and creamy foam. It cleanses your scalp and tresses while nurturing scalp to give hair new strength and supple density. It also prevents kinks in the hair, counter dullness and damage, leaving hair stronger and healthier.
This oil shampoo uses the power of eight nutrient-rich botanical oils – including argan, baobab and marula and mango seed – and not silicone to deliver intense shine and smoothness. Designed for those with flat, fine tresses, it removes product buildup, sebum and impurities to give you extra volume at the roots, while maintaining the natural moisture balance of hair and scalp.
ALSO READ: TOP 10 SHAMPOOS FOR ASIAN HAIR TO SOLVE ALL HAIR & SCALP ISSUES