Most medical experts are still skeptical. While some research has supported a correlation between Botox and its ability to reverse hair loss, the outcomes are not conclusive in verifying the injection as a cure.
Why Botox Cure For Hair Loss ?
A doctor in Beverly Hills was trying to treat his mother for migraines using Botox. She was a cancer patient who had lost much of her hair due to chemotherapy. As a result of the Botox injections, he noticed that her hair started to grow back.
From this experience, he performed additional tests on volunteers to see if Botox could be a possible cure for hair loss. According to his reports, Botox, (along with a regimen of vitamin supplements) was able to offer positive results for many of these individuals.
However part of the skepticism generated in response to these anecdotal claims is due to the lack of photographic evidence and publications in the form of peer reviewed articles.
Research On Botox Cure For Hair Loss
A team in Canada organized a formal research study to learn more about the effects of Botox on hair loss. Fifty subjects were observed with different levels of baldness (Norwood scale II-IV). They were given 300 units of Botox over 24 weeks.
To see if Botox made a difference in the hair loss, researchers measured growth progress on an area of the treated scalp measuring 2cm. The loss of hair was monitored quantitatively by collecting hair from each of the subject’s pillows. The objective, of course, was to see if the number of hairs decreased over time.
Was Botox found to be a cure for hair loss? Actually, the study did show a positive correlation. Results found that the number of head hairs increased by 18%. Hair loss decreased by 39%. And the response rate to using Botox was 75%.
The researchers believe that Botox works in a manner similar to Rogaine, by enhancing the supply of blood to the hair follicles. Since Botox relaxes muscles, this would decrease the constriction around the blood vessels. The increased oxygenation helps prevent the breakdown of testosterone to DHT. DHT causes follicles to shrink in individuals whose follicles are sensitive to this metabolite.
Botox cannot be considered to be a cure for hair loss, despite the results from this research. Keep in mind that this study only found a correlation. This not the same as a causal relationship.
There are still many variables that need to be investigated further before considering Botox to be an official hair loss cure.
