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Bernstein Medical - Information about Hair Cloning and Hair Transplants

Hair Cloning UpdatesGlossaryHair Cloning Methods

Hair Cloning Methods

While considerable work remains on turning hair cloning methods into a viable treatment for hair loss, there are four experimental techniques described in a 2008 paper in Hair Transplant Forum International -- the primary medical journal in the field of hair transplantation -- that shed some light on how cloning could become a viable treatment in hair restoration.

Hair Cloning Methods - ConceptConcept
  • Hair cloning is based on the ability of the dermal papilla (DP) cells, found at the bottom of hair follicles, to stimulate new hairs to form.

  • DP cells (fibroblasts) can be grown and multiplied in culture so that a small number can produce enough hair follicles to cover an entire bald scalp.

Four Main Experimental Techniques*
  1. Implant Dermal Papillae Cells Alone

  2. Implant Cloned Dermal Papillae Cells Next to Miniaturized Follicles

  3. Implant Dermal Papillae Cells with Keratinocytes ("Proto-Hairs")

  4. Implant Cells Using a Matrix



1. Implant Dermal Papillae Cells Alone

  • Implant DP cells into the dermis
  • Cause the overlying skin cells (keratinocytes) to be transformed into hair follicles
  • Referred to as "Follicular neo-genesis" since new hair is formed on previously bald scalp
Hair Cloning Methods - Implanting Dermal Papillae Cells Alone

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2. Implant Cloned Dermal Papillae Cells Next to Miniaturized Follicles

  • DP cells induce the keratinocytes of the miniaturized follicles to grow into terminal hairs
  • Advantage: existing miniaturized follicles already have the proper structure and orientation to produce a natural look
Hair Cloning Methods - Implanting Cloned Dermal Papillae Cells Next to Miniaturized Follicles

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3. Implant Dermal Papillae Cells with Keratinocytes ("Proto-Hairs")

  • Keratinocytes and DP cells are cultured together until partial hair formation takes place
  • These culture-grown hairs ("proto-hairs") are implanted in the skin
  • Advantage: better hair direction because of the orientation of the proto-hair
Hair Cloning Methods - Implanting Dermal Papillae with Keratinocytes

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4. Implant Cells Using a Matrix

  • DP cells alone or in combination with keratinocytes are placed in a matrix of collagen or synthetic materials
  • Matrix acts like a scaffold to help cells organize to form a follicle and direct its growth
Hair Cloning Methods - Cell Implantation Using a Matrix

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* Teumer J. Strategies for follicular cell implantation. Hair Transplant Forum International 2008.


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