Hair Cloning – Introduction
What is Hair Cloning?
Hair cloning is an innovative concept in the field of hair restoration that has sparked curiosity and hope among those dealing with hair loss. At its core, hair cloning involves taking a small sample of hair follicle cells from the patient, cultivating or multiplying these cells in a laboratory, and then implanting them back into the scalp to grow new hair.
The theoretical appeal of hair cloning lies in its potential to overcome one of the biggest challenges of traditional hair transplants: the limited supply of donor hair. With cloning, a few healthy follicles could potentially generate an unlimited number of new hairs, making it a game-changer for individuals with advanced hair loss or insufficient donor areas.
In contrast, traditional hair transplant techniques, such as Follicular Unit Transplantation (FUT) or Follicular Unit Extraction (FUE), redistribute existing hair follicles from the back or sides of the scalp to balding areas. While extremely effective in the vast majority of cases, people with highly advanced hair loss are not suitable candidates.
This is because to achieve the desired results the number of hair follicles that needs to be extracted exceeds the safe limit. Taking out too many hair follicles, also known as over-harvesting, can have a devastating impact on the back and sides of your hair, leaving it thin and patchy or with a long linear scar, making these procedures not viable for those with extensive hair loss.
Hair cloning offers a glimpse into a future where these limitations may no longer exist, but it’s important to note that the process is still under development and not yet available for clinical use.
Left: A patient with extensive over-harvesting scars following several hair transplant procedures. Right: The remarkable results after Micro Scalp Pigmentation (MSP), effectively camouflaging the scars and restoring a more natural appearance.
The Science and current progress of hair cloning
Hair cloning is often portrayed as the future of hair restoration, but the reality is far less optimistic at present. The theory involves extracting a small sample of hair follicle cells, attempting to multiply them in a lab, and reintroducing them into the scalp to stimulate new hair growth. While this concept sounds revolutionary, the scientific and logistical challenges have proven daunting.
Replicating the complex structure and functionality of human hair follicles remains a significant barrier. Even with advances in cellular biology, researchers have struggled to ensure that lab-grown cells develop into viable, functional follicles capable of producing natural-looking hair.
Studies have shown mixed results, with many efforts stalling at the experimental stage. For instance, trials conducted by hair restoration researchers have demonstrated limited success in animal models but have yet to translate into consistent outcomes in humans (Castro et al., 2022). The cloning process also raises concerns about long-term viability and the potential for immune system rejection.
The timeline for making hair cloning commercially available remains highly uncertain. A 2022 review published in Stem Cells Translational Medicine emphasised that while advancements in follicle cell culture and hair follicle organoids have shown promise, the translation to human applications faces significant hurdles, including cell viability, immune rejection, and scalability for mass treatment (Castro et al., 2022).
Similarly, research from RIKEN highlights that while their bioengineered hair follicle germs successfully regenerate hair in mice, adapting this technology for humans requires overcoming complex biological challenges, including consistent integration with human skin and maintaining long-term functionality (Takeo et al., 2021). These obstacles suggest that widespread, affordable treatments remain decades away. The CEO of Vinci Hair Clinic, Salvar Bjornsson, remarked during episode 3 of the Vinci Hair Clinic podcast that it’s a running joke in the field of hair restoration that hair cloning has been 5 years away for the past 20 years.
For now, hair cloning remains a promising but distant possibility. Those seeking hair restoration solutions would benefit from focusing on proven treatments, such as FUE hair transplants or Micro Scalp Pigmentation, rather than waiting for a technology that is still largely theoretical.
Hair Cloning: Myths vs Realities – Alternate Solutions
Despite the widespread hype surrounding hair cloning, there are numerous misconceptions about its current availability, affordability, and effectiveness.
Many people believe hair cloning is just around the corner, but in reality, it remains in the experimental stages with no commercial treatments available. One of the primary challenges in hair cloning is the ability to reliably produce and transplant viable hair follicles.
Although preclinical studies have shown promise—particularly those conducted by institutions like RIKEN, which demonstrated successful hair follicle regeneration in mice—scientific advancements have not yet translated to human clinical trials at scale.
Furthermore, the technical hurdles of growing hair follicles in a lab and ensuring their successful integration with human skin are significant (Castro et al., 2022; RIKEN, 2023). These issues, combined with logistical challenges such as scalability and high costs, mean that hair cloning is unlikely to be available in the near future.
While hair cloning remains a distant possibility, there are proven, more accessible alternatives available today. One of the most popular options is Hair Transplants, a surgical procedure where hair follicles are moved from a donor area to areas of thinning or baldness. This method is well-established, highly effective for most patients, and offers permanent results.
Another viable solution is Micro Scalp Pigmentation (MSP), a non-invasive technique that creates the illusion of a fuller head of hair by applying pigment to the scalp. MSP can be particularly helpful for those with severe hair loss or scarring, offering a way to camouflage areas of thinning or over-harvested hair.
Finally, PRP (Platelet-Rich Plasma) therapy is another advanced treatment option that stimulates natural hair growth by injecting concentrated growth factors from your own blood into the scalp. This technique is non-surgical and can be highly effective in promoting hair regrowth, especially in early stages of hair thinning.
At Vinci Hair Clinic, we stay ahead of the curve by offering these cutting-edge solutions, providing our patients with access to the latest advancements in hair restoration. Whether you’re considering a hair transplant, MSP, or PRP, we ensure personalised treatment plans tailored to your needs, helping you achieve natural-looking results.
Conclusion
Promising advancements, such as those from RIKEN and studies in stem cell biology, offer hope but highlight that significant hurdles remain before hair cloning can become a viable treatment option. In the meantime, existing solutions like hair transplants, Micro Scalp Pigmentation (MSP), and PRP therapy provide proven, effective alternatives for those looking to restore their hair.
For now, the reality is that while hair cloning might be a game-changer in the future, the best options available today remain non-surgical or minimally invasive treatments that offer lasting results such as FUE Hair Transplants and MSP.
If your’e struggling with hair loss and are seeking professional help, we offer free consultations, simply submit an inquiry through here.
References
2. RIKEN. (2023). Bioengineered hair follicle germs for hair regeneration. RIKEN Research. Retrieved from https://www.riken.jp/
3. Takeo et al. (2021) Expansion and characterization of epithelial stem cells with potential for cyclical hair regeneration. Sci Rep. doi: 10.1038/s41598-020-80624-3
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