Researchers have identified a new type of cell that plays a critical role in hair growth, potentially opening the door to future treatments for baldness and other forms of hair loss.
As reported by Japanese news outlet Nikkei, the breakthrough saw Japanese scientists successfully recreate fully functioning hair follicles in mice by adding a newly discovered “third cell” to two previously known essential cell types.
Until now, scientists believed two main types of cells were needed to form the structures that grow hair. Previous experiments showed that combining those cells could trigger hair growth after being transplanted into the skin, but the follicles were not fully complete without additional support from nearby tissue.
In the latest research, scientists identified what they describe as “hair follicle regeneration-supporting cells” from adult mouse follicles using a specialized technique. By adding this third key cell, they were able to fully recreate hair-producing structures in laboratory conditions.
If the approach proves safe and effective in humans, it could go beyond rare medical conditions and potentially target common pattern baldness and age-related thinning. The team plans to begin clinical studies involving human patients between late 2026 and 2027.
The development also arrives at a time when hair loss has become an increasingly visible political and cultural issue. In South Korea, President Lee Jae-myung previously described hair loss treatment as “a matter of survival” for young men, underscoring how seriously the issue is viewed in some countries.
As global demand for effective hair restoration grows, breakthroughs like this could push further hair loss treatments closer to reality.
Man jailed after feeding cocktail to baby hawk for YouTube video