Scientists may have unlocked the secret to thick, luxurious hair
Scientists may have unlocked the secret to thick, luxurious hair. Gels containing a sugar which our bodies already make helped mice regrow hair after it had been shaved off, a study found.
The researchers, from the University of California, San Diego, hope that the findings could lead to new treatments for hair loss in humans.
The study, which was published in the journal Nature Communications, found that the sugar, called N-acetylglucosamine (GlcNAc), is essential for hair growth.
When mice were given gels containing GlcNAc, their hair grew back thicker and longer than in mice that were given gels without the sugar.
The researchers believe that GlcNAc may work by activating a protein called STAT3, which is known to play a role in hair growth.
The findings could lead to new treatments for hair loss in humans, such as topical gels or oral supplements.
However, more research is needed to confirm the findings and to determine whether GlcNAc is safe and effective for use in humans.
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