Quick answer
In a 2020 randomized trial with 38 patients with androgenetic alopecia, a topical extract of adipose-derived stem cells was associated with a 28.1% increase in hair count at 16 weeks, versus 7.1% with control. A 2024 meta-analysis found greater hair density and thickness with conditioned medium.
The idea
Stem cells release growth factors and other signals, known together as the secretome. In the lab, these signals help keep hair follicles in their growth phase.
What the studies found
- 38 patients (2020): hair count rose 28.1% with the stem cell extract versus 7.1% with control.
- Meta-analysis of 10 studies (2024): greater density and thickness, which held in the randomized trials alone.
What it means for you
Promising, with short follow-up and mixed results. See hair restoration.
Studies cited
Tak YJ, et al. Stem Cells Translational Medicine
A randomized, double-blind, vehicle-controlled clinical study of hair regeneration using adipose-derived stem cell constituent extract in androgenetic alopecia
Reported result: At 16 weeks, hair count increased 28.1% in the group using the adipose-derived stem cell extract versus 7.1% with control. Hair diameter increased 14.2% vs 6.3%.
Chien WY, et al. Journal of Plastic, Reconstructive & Aesthetic Surgery
Stem cell-derived conditioned medium for alopecia: A systematic review and meta-analysis
Reported result: Stem cell conditioned medium was associated with greater hair density (mean difference 14.93; 95% CI 10.20–19.67) and thickness (mean difference 18.67 μm). In the 3 randomized trials alone, density still improved (mean difference 9.23).