Can you regrow hair? The truth about follicle regeneration

Brush up on the biology behind balding here

Hair loss can be an emotional and deeply personal experience, whether it’s sudden shedding, gradual thinning, or a receding hairline that seems to inch back overnight. The question at the root of it all is always the same: Can you regrow hair? 

This is where the concept of hair follicle regeneration comes in. Unlike temporary hair fall caused by styling or weather changes, true hair regrowth involves reactivating—or in some cases, restoring—hair follicles that have gone dormant or stopped functioning altogether.

We’re unpacking the science behind follicle regeneration: how hair grows, why it stops, and what (if anything) can bring it back. From the biology of the hair growth cycle to the current research on reversing hair loss, we’ll explore what’s actually possible… and what’s just clever marketing.

Spoiler: there’s no miracle cure, but there’s a lot more hope (and science) than you might think.

 

How hair grows and why it sometimes doesn’t

Hair loss can feel sudden, but it rarely happens overnight. Behind every strand is a biological cycle; an intricate rhythm that determines how your hair grows, rests, sheds, and, ideally, begins again.

Each hair on your scalp goes through one of three key phases:

– Anagen (growth phase): This is the active growing period, lasting anywhere from two to seven years. The longer your hair stays in this phase, the longer it can grow.

– Catagen (transition phase): A short, two- to three-week phase where the hair follicle shrinks and growth slows down.

– Telogen (resting phase): The follicle lies dormant. After several weeks, the hair sheds and, if healthy, the cycle starts over again with a new strand.

On a healthy scalp, roughly 85–90% of hairs are in the anagen phase at any given time. But that balance can shift (sometimes drastically). 

Genetics is a major player, particularly in androgenetic alopecia (aka male or female pattern baldness), where follicles shrink over time until they stop producing visible hair. Hormonal changes—from pregnancy and menopause to thyroid disorders—can also interrupt growth. 

Other factors like chronic stress, nutrient deficiencies, certain medications, and autoimmune conditions (such as alopecia areata) can push follicles prematurely into the telogen phase, resulting in diffuse shedding or visible thinning.

Understanding the why behind your hair loss is key. In many cases, regrowth is possible, but only if the follicle itself remains intact and capable of producing hair. That’s why follicle regeneration is such a critical focus: it’s not just about growing hair, it’s about restoring the machinery that makes it.

 

The science of hair follicle regeneration

Hair follicles are small, but they’re biologically complex, and once they stop functioning, bringing them back online isn’t easy. That’s where regenerative science comes in, particularly the role of stem cells.

At the base of each hair follicle lives a population of stem cells. These cells are responsible for regenerating the follicle during each new growth cycle. In healthy hair, these stem cells activate at the end of the telogen phase to restart growth. But when follicles become damaged, miniaturised, or inactive—as in many types of hair loss—these stem cells can either stop working or disappear altogether.

Recent research has focused on how to reactivate or replace these follicle-resident stem cells. In mouse studies, scientists have successfully used stem cell therapy to regenerate dormant follicles, prompting new hair growth. There’s also promising work on using dermal papilla cells—the key regulators of hair follicle development—to stimulate regrowth in lab-grown human skin models.

Another exciting area is 3D bioprinting and organoid research, where scientists are attempting to recreate functional hair follicles in the lab using a patient’s own cells. In theory, this could lead to personalised hair restoration therapies in the future, especially for those who no longer respond to topical or oral treatments.

But there are still significant challenges. First, growing a functional hair follicle outside the body and successfully transplanting it back into human skin remains technically difficult. Many of the regenerative techniques showing promise in animals haven’t yet translated into safe, reliable human applications. Additionally, the cost and regulatory hurdles for stem cell therapies remain high.

In short: we’re not there yet, but we’re getting closer. While hair follicle regeneration isn’t commercially viable at scale today, the science is progressing fast, and the dream of reactivating lost follicles isn’t just science fiction anymore.

Still, for now, maintaining the health of your existing follicles remains the most effective path. Once a follicle is truly gone, regeneration becomes exponentially harder, which is why early intervention, scalp health, and nutritional support are so important.

 

What makes a follicle “dead”? Can it be revived?

Not all hair follicles are created equal, or equally salvageable. One of the most important questions in any hair regrowth journey is whether the follicles are still alive. A dormant follicle (one that’s temporarily inactive) has the potential to regenerate hair. A miniaturised follicle (common in pattern baldness) may still produce hair, but the strands get thinner over time. A scarred or destroyed follicle, however, is typically considered "dead"—and in most cases, it won’t regrow hair without some form of surgical intervention or future regenerative therapy.

So, how do you know which one you’re dealing with?

Dermatologists often use scalp exams, bloodwork, and sometimes biopsies to assess follicle health and activity. If follicles are still visible and producing vellus (tiny) hairs, that’s a good sign. If the scalp has become smooth, shiny, or scarred, it may indicate permanent loss.

That’s why timing matters. The earlier you intervene—whether through medication, PRP, or lifestyle changes—the better your chances of preserving follicle function. Once a follicle crosses the point of no return, it becomes much harder to reactivate.

It’s not just about chasing regrowth; it’s about protecting what you’ve got, supporting the follicles that are still viable, and making informed decisions based on what’s biologically possible.

 

Treatments and therapies

While research into follicle regeneration continues, there are several clinically backed treatments available today that can help slow hair loss and, in many cases, stimulate regrowth. Some target hormones, others improve circulation, and a few aim to regenerate hair follicles that are dormant.

1. Medications

Two FDA-approved drugs are commonly used to treat hair loss:

Minoxidil (Rogaine) is a topical treatment that works by prolonging the anagen (growth) phase of the hair cycle and increasing blood flow to the scalp. It’s approved for both men and women and is available over the counter.

Finasteride (Propecia) is an oral prescription medication for men that blocks the conversion of testosterone into DHT, a hormone that can shrink hair follicles. It’s typically used for androgenetic alopecia and may help preserve and regrow hair, especially at the crown.

Both require ongoing use to maintain results, and potential side effects—especially with finasteride—should be discussed with a healthcare provider.

2. Platelet-Rich Plasma (PRP) therapy

PRP therapy involves drawing a small amount of your blood, spinning it to concentrate the platelets, and injecting the resulting plasma into areas of hair thinning. Platelets contain growth factors that may help stimulate follicle activity and improve hair density. While results vary, PRP is generally considered safe and has become a popular non-surgical option, especially for early-stage hair loss.

3. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT)

This non-invasive treatment uses red light or near-infrared light to stimulate cellular activity in the scalp. LLLT is thought to improve circulation and reduce inflammation, creating a healthier environment for hair growth. It’s often delivered through laser combs, caps, or in-office devices and can be used alongside other treatments.

4. Hair transplants

For those with more advanced hair loss, hair transplant surgery may offer a long-term solution. Follicular unit transplantation (FUT) and follicular unit extraction (FUE) both involve relocating healthy follicles from one area of the scalp to thinning areas. Results can be very natural when performed by skilled surgeons, though recovery time and cost vary.

Each treatment option comes with its own pros, cons, and suitability based on the type and cause of hair loss. A personalised plan—often combining approaches—tends to yield the best outcomes.

 

Lifestyle and dietary considerations

Regrowing hair also means creating the best possible conditions for your scalp and follicles to thrive. That starts with everyday habits.

– Nutrition plays a foundational role in hair health. Hair is made primarily of keratin, a protein, so getting enough high-quality protein is key. But other nutrients matter too—iron, zinc, vitamin D, biotin, and omega-3 fatty acids all support the hair growth cycle and help reduce inflammation. A balanced, whole-foods diet is one of the most underrated strategies for promoting thicker, healthier strands from the inside out.

– Stress management is another crucial (and often overlooked) piece of the puzzle. Chronic stress can push hair into the telogen phase prematurely—a condition known as telogen effluvium. Practices like meditation, yoga, journaling, or simply taking regular breaks can help regulate cortisol levels and keep your hair growth cycle stable. Even improving your sleep hygiene can make a noticeable difference in how your body manages stress.

– Then there’s how you care for your hair day-to-day. Overwashing, excessive heat styling, and tight hairstyles can all contribute to breakage and long-term thinning. Opt for gentle, sulfate-free shampoos, avoid high heat, and be mindful of tension on your roots. Scalp massages, protective styles, and regular trims can also support healthier regrowth over time.

 

Realistic expectations and what’s ahead

Hair regrowth takes time, consistency, and the right combination of interventions. Even with the best treatments and healthiest lifestyle, results can vary significantly from person to person. Factors like the underlying cause of hair loss, how early treatment begins, and the condition of the hair follicles all affect outcomes. Some people may see regrowth in a matter of months, while others may experience only partial improvement.

The good news? The field of hair regeneration is moving fast. Researchers are exploring stem cell therapies, growth factor delivery systems, and even hair follicle cloning as potential game-changers. While these options aren’t yet widely available, they’re paving the way for more targeted and effective hair restoration methods in the future.

In the meantime, combining science-backed treatments with daily care and stress management gives you the best shot at supporting long-term regrowth. And if you’re in need of an aesthetic boost while your body catches up, The Lauren Ashtyn Collection specializes in salon-grade hair toppers that deliver instant volume, coverage, and confidence—no waiting around necessary.

 

Remember: hair growth isn’t a quick fix

Hair loss is never just about hair. It can affect how we feel, how we show up, and how we deal with everyday life. But there are more options today than ever before for understanding and addressing it, from medications and therapies to lifestyle and dietary changes.

The key? Patience, consistency, and personalised care. While there’s not a simple solution (yet), a thoughtful approach rooted in both science and self-care can make a meaningful difference over time.

If you’re navigating your own hair regrowth journey, consider consulting a medical professional to explore your options, and explore The Lauren Ashtyn Collection’s range of high-quality hairpieces and products to support your look and confidence along the way.