The subjects using Bimatoprost experienced a 78% increase in vellus hairs!
In this study, subjects who were given topical Bimatoprost solution (0.3%) saw a 12% increase in terminal hair count within 16 weeks of applying the solutions to their scalps daily. This is quite astonishing when compared to the placebo group who saw a 3% decrease in terminal hair count over the same 16 week period.
Terminal hairs are fully developed hairs — which is what makes this result seem quite astonishing. Now, take a look at this:
During the same period, vellus hairs were counted…
The subjects using Bimatoprost experienced a 78% increase in vellus hairs!
Vellus has are not fully developed hairs — they are small and colorless.
Why is this remarkable?
It’s remarkable if these vellus hairs are entirely new hairs that have been generated in the scalp tissue because it means Bimatoprost is initiating hair follicle neogenesis. In other words the medication seems to have increased the hair density of the test subjects — this is essentially the holy grail of hair loss treatments. Therefore I’m highly sceptical that my interpretation of the study is entirely accurate. It’s difficult to say where else all those new vellus hairs have come from though. Perhaps if you know you could post a comment.
What does Bimatoprost do and how does it work?
Bimatoprost is chemically similar to a prostaglandin, but it doesn’t bind with prostaglandin receptors. The exact mechanism by which it causes new hair growth is as yet unknown.
