The science of hair restoration is always evolving. One of the most promising areas of research over the past few years is hair transplant cloning and multiplication. This technology is still in its early stages. However, the possibility of growing new hair by generating new hair follicles is very real.
With hair cloning, you can achieve a full head of hair even with minimal donor hair. In this article, let’s look at hair cloning vs. multiplication and what hair loss treatments are currently available for hair restoration.
What is Hair Cloning?
Hair transplant cloning uses artificial reproduction of the germ cells of healthy hair follicles. Each germ cell aggregates with others to form the hair shaft. Hair transplant cloning involves the multiplication of healthy dermal papilla cells. The doctors then reintroduce these cloned cells into the scalp to restore growing hair in balding areas.
The process begins with harvesting follicles containing healthy hair. Next, researchers isolate and multiply dermal papillae cells in a growth media. The growth medium can generate a large quantity of dermal papillae cells from a single follicle. The final step involves re-implanting the multiplied follicle cells into the bald scalp, where they can stimulate new hair growth. While it is not commercialized, all the clinical data are promising.
The Benefits of Hair Cloning
Hair transplant is the only permanent solution for hair restoration. Cosmedica Clinic in Istanbul, Turkey, offers restorative transplants at an affordable rate.
Hair transplant involves the collection of healthy donor hair follicles. It is preferable to do it from the back of your head. The surgeon then transplants the healthy donor follicles into the thinning areas of the scalp. However, what happens when a patient does not have enough donor follicles? They might not achieve their desired look. Research can improve hair transplants immensely. Hair cloning can provide an unlimited supply of hair for transplants. Instead of transferring hair follicles from one place to another, hair follicles can multiply outside of the body.
Moreover, each of the multiplied hairs can be transplanted anywhere you want. However, the technology is still evolving. There needs to be more research and trials for it to launch commercially.
Hair Cloning vs. Hair Multiplication
People often use hair cloning and multiplication interchangeably. In hair transplant cloning, scientists create the cloned hair follicle in vitro using a growth medium. Hair cloning uses laboratory techniques to solve the problem of hair loss. In hair multiplication, a hair follicle is cut into multiple pieces and transplanted into balding areas.
A person’s germinative hair follicle stem cells are multiplied outside the body. The doctors then re-implant them into the scalp as new permanent hair.
However, there is little difference between hair cloning and hair multiplication. In both cases, more patients can become candidates for restoration regardless of hair density. It results in an increased amount of hair growth. The linguistic difference refers to the use of stem cells in cloning.
Hair cloning still faces many limitations. Indeed, researchers have reported only a few successes in medical cloning, and none of these have been used for hair restoration.
Challenges with Hair Cloning and Multiplication
Researchers have faced several challenges in hair cloning technology. Most of the challenges involve the fragility of the hair follicles. Let’s take a look at the main challenges of hair transplant cloning:
Technical Difficulties
The proper environment for cells to grow is hard to replicate. In the wrong growth medium, hair follicles can lose their shape and structure. For hair multiplication, only a small number of germinative cells can survive re-implantation.
Consistency and Control
The results of hair follicle cloning are not consistent. Hair density, direction, and growth are subject to variation, leading to unnatural results. It is also difficult to achieve new hair growth that matches natural hair.
Immune Response
The body’s immune system might reject the cloned hair follicles. Developing immune rejection methods is essential for successful hair cloning.
Long-term Efficacy and Safety
The long-term efficacy and safety of hair transplant cloning are not fully understood. Mitigating side effects with hair cloning before commercialisation is crucial.
What’s Next?
Hair cloning and multiplication technology may not be available for quite some time. However, researchers continue working on solving the challenges posed by hair transplant cloning. The technology is still more than a few years away from our grip. If you are looking for a permanent solution now, there are both surgical and non-surgical options to treat hair loss.
Surgical Options
Hair transplant cloning might still be years away, still hair transplants can offer long-lasting solutions. A successful hair transplant involves the extraction and transplantation of hair follicles. Follicles are taken from another area of the head and implanted into balding areas. Surgical options can provide the most comprehensive hair restoration outcomes.
FUE Hair Transplant
FUE (Follicular Unit Extraction) hair transplant is a surgical procedure for hair restoration. In FUE transplant, extraction of individual hair follicles is the first step. The follicles are then implanted into the recipient area. This technique offers natural-looking results with minimal scarring.
FUT Hair Transplant
The FUT (Follicular Unit Transplantation) hair transplant method removes a thin strip of tissue from the donor area. A surgeon dissects the strip into individual follicular units. The hair follicles are then transplanted into the recipient area. FUT is an established technique to restore hair density; however, it may leave a linear scar.
DHI Sapphire Method
Cosmedica Clinic’s founder, Dr. Levent Acar, invented the DHI Sapphire method. It is a refined hair transplant technique that ensures minimal damage to hair roots.
Dr. Acar uses a special DHI implanter pen to achieve more precise incisions. The method has a 98% success rate. You can take a look at Cosmedica’s before-and-after gallery to see the transformative results.
Non-Surgical Options
Whilst we’re waiting to know more on the feasability of hair transplant cloning, non-surgical treatments exist. Most of them are convenient and easily accessible. Not to mention, they are usually more affordable. They are typically easier to incorporate into daily routines. These treatments can improve blood circulation and hair follicle growth.
Let’s look at some non-surgical options currently available in the market:
Low-Level Laser Therapy
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) uses a laser to stimulate hair growth. The lasers emit specific wavelengths of light to stimulate cellular activity. LLLT is a convenient option, as it can be performed at home using handheld devices.
Scalp Micropigmentation
Scalp micropigmentation (SMP) is a non-surgical cosmetic procedure. The process deposits pigments into the scalp to simulate the appearance of hair follicles, creating the illusion of a closely shaved head. SMP is a great option for buzz-cut hairstyles and camouflaging balding areas on the scalp. The technique offers immediate results and requires minimal maintenance.
Finasteride
Finasteride is an FDA-approved oral medication commonly prescribed to treat male pattern baldness. It inhibits the production of dihydrotestosterone (DHT), a hormone that contributes to hair loss. Finasteride can slow down hair loss and promote hair regrowth.
Hair Care Products
Topical products—such as minoxidil, specially formulated shampoos, hair growth serums, and more are easily accessible. They target the hair follicles to stimulate growth and enhance overall hair health.
Conclusion
Hair transplant cloning might be a key to the future of hair restoration, as it offers a new outlook for unlimited hair supply and all forms of hair loss. However, hair transplant cloning technologies are still years away from perfection. While researchers continue to refine them, surgical options like FUE and the DHI Sapphire method can provide effective solutions for you. You can book a consultation with Cosmedica today to learn more about your hair condition and the best available treatment for you!