Hair loss—whether subtle or overwhelming—is a super common affliction that’s often hard to treat. While there’s plenty of options on the market claiming to boost hair growth, it can still be rather difficult to find one that works for everyone, which is why we can’t help but keep our eyes peeled for the next big hair loss innovation.
The latest find? A drug used to treat brittle bones. A study published in the journal Public Library of Science Biology recently found that this drug, which is intended to treat osteoporosis, can block a naturally occurring protein that kills off hair growth and therefore prevent hair from shedding prematurely.
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The treatment, which is known as WAY-316606, could be a major breakthrough for those suffering from hair loss, especially because results from the study found that the drug was able to boost hair growth in just two days.
“The fact this new agent, which had never even been considered in a hair loss context, promotes human hair growth is exciting because of its translational potential: it could one day make a real difference to people who suffer from hair loss,” said lead researcher, Dr. Nathan Hawkshaw from Manchester University to The Sun. “We are looking at using it as a topical treatment, a gel or shampoo that could reach the follicle.”
Although, it’s important to note that the study focused on hair follicles donated by men and not women, so it’s unknown if it would have the same effect on females. However, the bone drug hasn’t been associated with any side effects, which is a major plus considering the serious and possibly life-altering effects of other hair loss treatments like minoxidil.
Researchers are hoping to begin clinical trials with this drug on men with thinning patches in the near future, so we might see this solution hit the market in the next few years. We’ll be sure to update with more information as it’s released, but until then, here are a few other options for treating thinning hair.