Scientists in Japan are close to developing a cure for “baldness” after growing fully mature hair follicles in lab

Scientists in Japan are close to developing a cure for “baldness” after growing fully mature hair follicles in lab.

YOKOHAMA, Japan — A cure for #baldness could be on the horizon after scientists generate hair follicles in a lab. A team from Yokohama National University grew fully mature follicles with long shafts.

They also improved hair follicle color after adding a drug that boosted melanin, a natural pigment. The technique involves creating skin organoids — tiny, simple versions of an organ in a Petri dish.

“Organoids were a promising tool to elucidate the mechanisms in hair follicle morphogenesis in vitro” says Tatsuto Kageyama, an assistant professor with the faculty of engineering at Yokohama National University, in a media release.

Hair loss affects up to two in five men. Going bald can harm mental health for both men and women. Scientists have long sought a cure for baldness, with many people turning to hair loss treatments and supplements for help.