Is UCLA on the Verge of Curing Baldness? Meet the Molecule That's Waking Up Sleeping Hair Follicles

If you’ve been holding out hope for a real breakthrough in hair loss treatment, you’re going to want to hear this.

Researchers at UCLA may have just cracked one of the biggest mysteries in hair science—how to reawaken dormant hair follicles. That’s right. Scientists have discovered a way to wake up hair follicles that have been hibernating, in some cases for years. And no, this isn’t science fiction.

Meet PP405: The Molecule That Might Change Everything

At the heart of this discovery is a tiny molecule called PP405—a nod, perhaps, to Los Angeles’ notoriously sluggish 405 freeway. But unlike traffic, this molecule is moving things forward, fast.

Here’s the simple version of what’s happening:

In many cases of hair loss, the follicles aren’t dead—they’re just asleep. UCLA scientists found that PP405 can block a specific protein in hair follicle stem cells that keeps them dormant. By applying this molecule topically to the scalp (yes, just rubbing it in before bedtime), they’ve been able to jump-start those sleeping follicles and bring them back to life.

And here’s the exciting part…

The hair that’s growing back isn’t just fine, baby fuzz. It’s what scientists call terminal hair—the thicker, fully developed hair you had before thinning or balding started.

What Happened in the First Human Trials?

In 2023, the first human trials took place in Orange County, California. Participants applied PP405 as a topical treatment before bed, for one week. The results?

The team called them “statistically significant.” Translation: something’s happening, and it’s not just wishful thinking.

Dr. William Lowry, one of the lead researchers, says,

“At some point, most men and women suffer from thinning hair, or lose it after  

chemotherapy, infections, or other stressors. It affects them psychologically.”

As someone who’s genetically predisposed to hair loss himself, Lowry gets it.

But will PP405 work for everyone?

Lowry cautions, "No product works for 100% of people," but early signs are incredibly promising. And the molecule isn’t damaging to follicles like they once feared—it’s safe.

What Happens Next?

The UCLA team has already co-founded Pelage Pharmaceuticals, the company tasked with turning PP405 into a product you could eventually buy at your local pharmacy. But before that happens, the treatment will need to pass through rigorous FDA approval.

Lowry says,

"FDA approvals always take time—as they should. But it’ll be worth the wait."

What Does This Mean for You?

For anyone experiencing hair loss—whether from genetics, stress, or illness—this could be a game changer. While scalp micropigmentation (SMP) remains one of the most effective solutions for restoring the appearance of a full head of hair today, breakthroughs like PP405 could one day offer a complementary option for real hair regrowth.

At Scalp Solutions, we stay ahead of the curve on all things hair loss. Whether it’s cutting-edge science or tried-and-true SMP, we’ve got you covered.

Stay tuned. The future of hair restoration just got a whole lot more exciting.

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At Scalp Solutions, we offer industry-leading SMP services that restore your confidence and give you the appearance of a fuller, stronger hairline—without surgery, downtime, or false promises.

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