Many Feel That Thinner Is Better…But Not When It Comes To Hair!
Dr. Bonnie Marting DNP ARNP
Recently, L’Oréal researcher Dr. Bruno Bernard presented findings at the European Hair Research society in Barcelona that explained the role of hypoxia (low oxygen environment) in the tissues surrounding healthy hair growth. It’s a bit complex, since we usually think of higher oxygen promoting growth, but here’s how it works-
Several published studies in the past have demonstrated new growth factor creation when the follicular (think hair follicles) tissues are introduced to a hypoxic state. Dr. Bernard carried it one step further as his research discovered that in people who were going bald, the levels of oxygen around these stem cells had actually changed, meaning they worked less efficiently and so prevented the creation of new hair.
Now he and his L’Oréal team found molecules that can mimic the effects of hypoxia, which, as he states, “could be used to ‘push the empty hair follicles to make new hair, since the bottom reservoir of stem cells, called CD34+ cells, will be in an environment that is low in oxygen”.
L’Oréal has recently patented a this new molecule, currently named stemoxydine®, a bio-mimic of hypoxia. A lotion rich in Stemoxydine® is scheduled to be released this autumn and is already creating hopes of thickening the hair of the ever-increasing masses sporting less-than-abundant coifs.
And what a market is waiting for this new, sure-to-take-off product! Think about the enormous amount of thinning-haired baby-boomers attending 30+ class reunions only to see that most of the men look alike (think bald). Then you have another whole market in younger folk frantically attempting to avoid their parents fate. No doubt about it, this product has a willing customer base of millions…..If it works.
In any event L’Oréal has given the world of thinning hair a glimpse of thickening hope. Sorry, I couldn’t resist.
P.S.
Just a little food for thought- Legend has it that Michael Jackson was a huge fan of the hyperbaric chamber, an environment super-charged with oxygen. It’s well established that air rich with oxygen has many healing advantages, and can aid tissue growth. However, legend also has it that at the time of his death, Michael had no hair on his body. Anywhere! While I am sure speculation has occurred, could it be possible that he was hairless due to his hyperbaric habit?
Hope sells. See you at the L’Oréal counter!
