Is the Cure For Baldness Finally Here?

For instance, when the researchers blocked lactate production in mice, they found it prevented the activation of their hair stem cell follicles, meaning that hair would not regrow. But when they increased lactate production, this triggered follicle activation, sparking the hair growth cycle, the researchers report.

So they took these findings and incorporated them two new drugs: The first, called RCGD423, leads to increased production of lactate, which drives hair regrowth. The second, UK5099, blocks pyruvate from entering the mitochondria, forcing the production of lactate.

Both of these drugs are covered by provisional patents filed by the UCLA scientists, but further studies are necessary to test their safety and effectiveness in people. Currently, they’re considered experimental, and have not yet been tested in people or approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for human use.

Mix Up Your Everyday Haircut With This Instant Grooming Fix: 

In the meantime, if you’re worried about shedding, try these 5 methods for stopping hair loss—and possibly even growing some back. (For more health news delivered right to your inbox, sign up for our Daily Dose newsletter.)