Scientists in the US have found a way to induce skin to produce hair follicles. Investigations into the dynamics of skin healing showed that wounded skin takes on the properties of stem cells and begins producing hair follicles capable of giving rise to new hairs. Researchers from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Medicine studied mice whose skin had been damaged; the skin was seen to produce stem cells which matured into hair follicles.
The researchers are anticipating the production of an abrading gel which will lightly injure the skin and a topical cream which will promote the follicle producing genes. The technology could bring new hope for the bald and for those who have lost hair due to disease. Current hair restoring techniques are long and often painful procedures.