Science may have finally overcome one of the most vexing medical problems facing humankind – how to regrow hair.
Researchers at the University of California Irvine (CUI) have discovered that aging cells that no longer divide may be key to promoting hair growth in humans. As a result, new molecular therapies for hair loss in men and women may be possible.
The study was published in the journal Nature . Its lead author, UCI Professor Maksim Plikus, said senescent – non-dividing cells – play a key role in the discovery.
“We found that senescent pigment cells produce large quantities of a specific signaling molecule called osteopontin, which causes normally dormant and diminutive hair follicles to activate their stem cells for robust growth of long and thick hairs,” said Plikus. “Senescent cells are typically viewed as detrimental to regeneration and are thought to drive the aging process as they accumulate in tissues throughout the body, but our research clearly shows that cellular senescence has a positive side to it.”
High Cost of Maintenance
A survey by Advanced Dermatology found that Americans spend an average of $722 a year on their appearance.
The figure includes skin care, gym memberships, and other categories. However, hair products lead all categories. Women out spend men $877 per year to $592.
The Advanced Dermatology report looked at money spent on appearance overall. However, when you look at the money spent on baldness alone – the figure explodes.
An ABC News report in 2021 found that bald men spend around $1 billion a year on shampoos, hair pieces, lotions, pills, and hair transplants.
Hair Restoration a Growing Market
Treatment of hair loss is a growing market, according to research and consulting firm Grand View Research.
The global market for hair and scalp treatments is expected to increase at a compound annual growth rate of 6.6 percent to 2028. The current market size is $80.81 billion, says Grand View.
Although much of the market is focused on men, the research firm notes that about 30 million women in the United States suffer some form of hereditary hair loss.
Investment Opportunity
It may be years before the UCI research results in a marketable product. However, hair care companies abound.
You may profit from the hair care industry by investing in established beauty and wellness companies. Some examples include:
Nu Skin Enterprises, In. (NUS). This Provo, UT company distributes a wide range of hair care products world wide.
Sally Beauty Holdings, Inc. (SBH) Based in Texas, this company distributes beauty products through its retail stores and online.
Coty, Inc. (COTY). Distributing products globally, this New York company has announced stock buyback plans for 2024 and 2025 totalling $400,000,000.
ETFs that hold stock in hair restoration companies include:
iShares Core S&P Total U. S. Stock Market ETF
Vanguard Total Stock Market ETF
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