The Science of Healthy Hair, Hair Loss and How to Regrow Hair

A mechanical approach using small needles (0.5mm to 2.5mm length) to create micro-damage and inflammation in the scalp, reactivating quiescent stem cells and stimulating hair growth. It is particularly effective when combined with other treatments like minoxidil and finasteride.

A derivative of testosterone, made by the enzyme 5-alpha reductase, that binds to androgen receptors with five times the affinity of testosterone. It is a major cause of pattern hair loss by shortening the anagen phase and miniaturizing hair follicles.

A severe, debilitating syndrome occurring in some younger males after discontinuing finasteride, characterized by very reduced libido, erectile dysfunction, and depressive symptoms, suggesting DHT's involvement in brain maturation.

A hormone released from the pituitary gland that is antagonistic to dopamine; increased levels can be a side effect of minoxidil, leading to reduced libido and apathy.

Insulin-like Growth Factor 1, a growth factor produced by the liver that acts as a strong accelerator of hair growth by extending the anagen phase. Its activity is influenced by insulin sensitivity.

Hormones that strongly regulate hair growth.

An enzyme that converts testosterone into dihydrotestosterone (DHT) in both men and women. Inhibiting this enzyme is a key strategy for reducing hair loss.

A prescription drug that increases IGF-1 and is involved in the growth of all tissues, including hair. It carries risks of increasing the growth of small tumors.

A growth factor that counterintuitively stimulates a lack of growth or shortens growth in hair follicles.

A syndrome characterized by skin lumps or ridges on the scalp, often associated with pattern hair loss and androgen-related hormone issues. Botox injections can help flatten these folds and improve hair growth in affected regions.

A compound known in some people to be a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase and DHT, but can cause severe negative side effects in sensitive individuals.

A substance from tree bark known as 'the poor man's Metformin' that potently improves insulin sensitivity by dramatically reducing blood sugar levels.

Applied topically it acts as a PDE inhibitor, indirectly stimulating IGF-1, extending the anagen phase, and reducing apoptosis of stem cells, making it effective for offsetting hair loss with fewer side effects than minoxidil. Oral ingestion is largely ineffective for hair growth.

An over-the-counter supplement that improves insulin sensitivity and can aid sleep, taken at dosages of about 900mg before sleep.

A ketone supplement that increases blood ketones, used by Andrew Huberman for focused cognitive work and sometimes before workouts.

An extract of the Saw Palmetto Berry known to weakly inhibit 5-alpha reductase, thereby reducing DHT. It has few side effects and is generally used to maintain hair rather than for robust regrowth.

The institution where Andrew Huberman is a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology.

A company founded by two Stanford swimmers that makes eyeglasses and sunglasses designed with the biology of the visual system in mind, initially for sports performance but also for everyday wear.

A mattress and pillow company that uses a quiz to match individuals to mattresses tailored to their specific sleep needs.

A supplement company mentioned as a source for supplements discussed on the Huberman Lab podcast.

An electrolyte drink containing sodium, magnesium, and potassium without sugar, used for hydration and electrolyte balance, especially during and after physical activity or sauna use.

A vitamin, mineral, and probiotic drink that covers foundational nutritional needs, taken by Andrew Huberman for gut health and overall nutritional support.

A brand name for minoxidil, a drug used to slow and reverse hair loss by increasing blood flow.

A bacterial toxin that cuts proteins in neurons, preventing chemical release and muscle contraction. Injections into the scalp can relieve tension, potentially increasing blood flow to hair follicles and offsetting hair loss. Requires skilled application and repeated treatments.

An antifungal medication, often found in shampoos, initially developed for dandruff and psoriasis. It is effective in increasing hair number and diameter by disrupting fungal growth and mildly reducing DHT.

A prescription drug that effectively improves insulin sensitivity, similar to berberine, by dramatically reducing blood sugar levels.

A drug that inhibits all three isoforms of the 5-alpha reductase enzyme, potently reducing DHT and inducing hair regrowth 2-5 times faster than finasteride, but is associated with more side effects.

A peptide that stimulates the release of growth hormone and thereby increases IGF-1, promoting hair growth. It is a prescription drug with associated risks.

A drug initially developed to treat hypertension that also causes vasodilation, increasing blood flow to hair follicles and extending the anagen phase of hair growth. It is effective at slowing hair loss but less so at reversing it, and can have side effects like low blood pressure and increased prolactin.

A major drug for hair loss that effectively reduces DHT by inhibiting the type 2 isoform of 5-alpha reductase. It can increase hair count by 20% and thickness by 20-30%, reducing hair loss in 90% of users. Available in oral and topical forms, but carries significant side effect risks including post-finasteride syndrome.

A drug initially discovered for prostate health and used for erectile dysfunction at higher doses. Low-dose tadalafil (2.5-5mg) is being used by some doctors to increase blood flow to the scalp to maintain hair, similar to minoxidil, but with fewer cardiovascular side effects.

Host of the Huberman Lab podcast and a professor of neurobiology and ophthalmology at Stanford School of Medicine.

A treatment involving drawing a person's blood, concentrating the platelets, and reinjecting them into specific body regions (like the scalp) to encourage nutrient delivery and support tissue health. It is not a stem cell treatment and its efficacy for hair regrowth is considered moderate and transient.