The purpose of this study is to assess how an oral herbal supplement influences hair density, shine, growth, and microbiome.
Hair thinning and hair loss are highly prevalent conditions affecting both men and women. Various factors can contribute to hair thinning and loss, including nutrition, medications, family history, and more. Overall, hair thinning and loss have a significant impact on quality of life and patients with these concerns have limited options. For example, minoxidil, finasteride, hair transplantations, and platelet rich plasma are effective options but each are paired with their own limitations. Thus, those with hair thinning or loss are increasingly turning to natural therapies shown to improve hair density and self-perceived hair thinning. Nutrition is closely related to hair health, as evidenced by hair thinning and loss that occur with malnutrition or restrictive diets. Additionally, the hair follicle microbiome has been shown to modulate inflammation that exacerbates inflammatory scalp diseases, and ultimately hair thinning and hair loss. Thus, an oral supplement that addresses nutrient deficiencies and targets the hair follicle microbiome could support hair health. In this study, we examine the effects of an herbal oral supplement on hair density, shine, and growth.
Study Type
INTERVENTIONAL
Allocation
RANDOMIZED
Purpose
TREATMENT
Masking
TRIPLE
Enrollment
60
Oral supplement containing an oral blend taken once daily
Oral placebo supplement taken once daily
Integrative Skin and Research
Sacramento, California, United States
Hair density
Change in hair density as measured by Trichogram based photographic analysis
Time frame: 24 weeks
Hair density
Change in hair density as measured by Trichogram based photographic analysis
Time frame: 4 weeks
Hair diameter
Change in hair diameter and hair diameter
Time frame: 24 weeks
Hair diameter
Change in hair diameter and hair diameter
Time frame: 4 weeks
Shannon diversity of hair microbiome
Shift in Shannon diversity measure of the hair microbiome
Time frame: 24 weeks
Hair health measured by global photographs as subjective factors graded by the investigator
Change in hair growth, density, and shine measured by global photographs as subjective factors graded by the investigator
Time frame: 4 weeks
Hair health measured by global photographs as subjective factors graded by the investigator
Change in hair growth, density, and shine measured by global photographs as subjective factors graded by the investigator
Time frame: 24 weeks
Self-perception of hair
10-question survey based self grading of hair growth, density, and shine measured with subjective questionnaire. Answers range from Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree.
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Time frame: 4 weeks
Self-perception of hair
10-question survey based self grading of hair growth, density, and shine measured with subjective questionnaire. Answers range from Strongly Agree, Agree, Neutral, Disagree, or Strongly Disagree.
Time frame: 24 weeks