How IGF-1 Can Help Slow Down Hair Loss

Posted by Nutronics Labs on April 05, 2024

Hair loss is a common concern for many, particularly men, as they age. While numerous products and treatments promise to combat this issue, they often fall short of the desired results. Understanding the underlying causes and exploring scientifically-backed solutions can get you closer to the thicker head of hair and fuller beard you want. At Nutronics Labs, we offer an effective hair loss solution – our IGF-1 spray and deer antler velvet products with IGF-1. Keep reading to learn why men experience hair loss and how IGF-1 helps slow down hair loss.

Why Men Go Bald: Understanding Hair Loss in Men

Male pattern baldness, also known as male androgenetic alopecia (MAA), is the most common type of hair loss in men. It's influenced by genetics, age, and hormonal changes and affects 30-50% of men by the age of 50. The primary hormone linked to male pattern baldness is DHT (dihydrotestosterone), a derivative of testosterone. DHT shrinks hair follicles, making it difficult for hair to survive.

While genetics and age play a pivotal role in male pattern baldness, lifestyle changes such as stress, poor nutrition, and underlying health issues, including endocrine disorders such as diabetes and growth hormone deficiency, can also exacerbate hair loss.

Dermal papilla cells (DP Cells) are specialized cells located at the base of the hair follicle in the dermal papilla. They are essentially the command center for hair follicle development and regeneration, promoting hair growth, initiating the hair cycle, and determining hair follicle size. DP cells from balding scalp follicles may secrete less IGF-1 and other necessary hormones to keep hair growing.

Many women also experience female-pattern hair loss and use similar hair loss treatments, but the treatments may be applied differently.

The Hair Growth Cycle

The human hair growth cycle consists of three distinct phases: anagen (growth phase), catagen (transition phase), and telogen (resting phase). Each phase has specific characteristics and durations, affecting how hair grows, sheds, and renews itself either on your head or your face. Disruptions and alterations to the hair cycle at any stage can contribute to bald spots and patchy beards that can improve with hair loss treatment.

Anagen Phase (Growth Phase)

Duration: The anagen phase can last between 2 to 7 years, and it's the period when hair is actively growing. The duration of this phase determines the maximum length of your hair.
Characteristics: During this phase, the cells in the root of the hair are dividing rapidly, adding to the hair shaft. Hair grows at an average rate of about half an inch per month. The length of the anagen phase is genetically determined and varies from person to person.
Influence: Factors that can extend or shorten the anagen phase include genetics, nutrition, health, and the use of specific treatments like IGF-1, which can stimulate and prolong the rapid hair growth period.

Catagen Phase (Transition Phase)

Duration: This short phase lasts about 10 days to 2 weeks. It signifies the end of the active growth of a hair follicle.
Characteristics: During the catagen phase, the hair follicle shrinks and detaches from the dermal papilla (a structure at the base of the hair follicle that provides it with nutrients). This process is called "club hair" formation.
Influence: This phase is relatively stable and isn't significantly affected by factors such as stress or hormones that can weaken or damage hair during some of the other phases. This phase is crucial for the hair renewal process because it prepares the hair follicle for the last phase in the hair cycle.

Telogen Phase (Resting Phase)

Duration: The telogen phase lasts around 3 to 4 months. At any given time, 10% to 15% of all hair follicles are in this phase.
Characteristics: During this phase, the hair does not grow but stays attached to the follicle. The club hair is fully formed at this point. At the end of the telogen phase, the hair follicle re-enters the anagen phase, and new hair begins to grow, pushing the old hair out.
Influence: Stress, hormonal changes, and various health issues can prematurely push hair follicles into the telogen phase, leading to increased shedding and hair loss. Treatments aimed at extending the anagen phase or minimizing stress on the hair follicles can help mitigate these effects.

Understanding the Cycle for Treatment

Recognizing the phases of the hair growth cycle is pivotal in diagnosing hair loss issues and tailoring treatments. For instance, treatments that extend the anagen phase or stimulate the transition from telogen to anagen can significantly impact hair density and health.

Scalp treatments and nutritional supplements like IGF-1 sprays, aim to repair this cycle for increased hair growth and reduced hair loss. However, results can vary from person to person and may not work as well for individuals with severe scalp hair loss.

The Role of Insulin-Like Growth Factor in Hair Growth

IGF-1 is a protein similar in structure to insulin. It plays a pivotal role in growth, starting in childhood and continuing through adulthood. However, as we age, our body produces less IGF-1, which can promote hair growth by enhancing follicle health, increasing the proliferation of cells in the hair follicle, and extending the anagen phase of the hair growth cycle. Essentially, IGF-1 acts on the hair follicles to encourage growth and prevent premature hair loss.

Stimulating Hair Growth

IGF-1 directly contributes to the health and longevity of hair follicles. By stimulating cell proliferation, it ensures that hair follicles remain active and capable of producing hair. This stimulation helps maintain dense and healthy hair growth, counteracting the thinning and weakening of hair that leads to balding.

Counteracting the Effects of DHT

DHT is closely linked to male pattern baldness, contributing to the miniaturization of hair follicles and leading to hair loss. IGF-1 helps counteract the effects of DHT by promoting the growth and health of hair follicles. This not only prevents further hair loss but also aids in the recovery of hair density and strength.

Improved Scalp Health

A healthy scalp is the foundation of healthy hair growth. IGF-1 can improve blood circulation in the scalp, to help hair follicles receive the necessary nutrients and oxygen to thrive. This can lead to a reduction in scalp issues such as dryness or dandruff, which can further contribute to hair loss.

Hair Regeneration and Repair

Apart from preventing hair loss, IGF-1 also plays a significant role in hair regeneration and repair. For individuals experiencing significant hair thinning, loss, or sparse hair growth, IGF-1 can help recover hair by stimulating the follicles to produce new, healthy hair. This regenerative capability is particularly promising for those looking for solutions beyond just preventing further hair loss.

Supporting Overall Hair Health

Finally, IGF-1 supports overall hair health by promoting the synthesis of proteins and other essential nutrients within the hair follicles. This can lead to thicker, more resilient hair strands that are less prone to breakage and damage. For individuals concerned with hair quality, texture, strength, IGF-1 can improve these issues.

What the Studies Say

Deer shed their antlers each year to grow new ones, which is where our ethically sourced deer antler velvet comes from. In fact, Deer antlers are the only mammalian appendage that regenerates. The biological process the antlers undergo, and the nutrients contained within the shredded antlers provide a range of health and growth-promoting properties for humans.

The fascinating process led scientists to further investigate whether deer antler velvet could affect hair regrowth. The results of their studies seem to suggest exactly that.

The first study, conducted by Changkeun Sung and published in the Asian-Australasian Journal of Animal Sciences in 2012, studied the impact of deer antler velvet on hair growth in rats. Deer antler velvet extract was applied to rats' skin for 40 days. By day 16, hair growth had markedly increased in the rats given deer antler extract compared to a control group that did not receive it. The control group's hair growth was both shorter and rarer.

At the end of the study, the rats with the deer antler velvet extract application had a final hair length of .66cm, while the control group had only a length of .22cm. Inspection of the tissues showed that the mice given antler extract experienced a marked increase in the size, depth, and number of their hair follicles.

Researchers leading a study published in the Scientific World Journal in February 2014 observed that when deer antler velvet extract was given to male mice, the anagen phase of their hair growth cycle was extended. This finding is significant because the anagen phase is where hair actually grows. The researchers note, "In the same study, we coincidentally observed that deer antler extract seemed to have a stimulatory effect on hair regrowth" (2014, Jing-jie Li et al.).

The scientists suggest that the IGF-1 found in deer antler velvet may be the reason for this effect. They conclude that IGF-1 "may play a role in regulating the hair cycle and follicle cell proliferation" (2014, Jing-jie Li et al.).

Mice and humans share about 92% of the same genes, which is why mice are often used in scientific and medical studies pertaining to humans. This means that the incredible responses the mice experienced with deer antler velvet extract could produce similar reactions in humans.

Hair loss treatment is another area of wellness where deer antler velvet/IGF-1 can make a huge difference. These findings suggest that deer antler velvet extract may be a valuable element to include in hair growth treatment and could help benefit the millions of men and women who suffer from hair loss.

A Step Towards Healthier Hair With IGF-1

Incorporating IGF-1 supplements into your hair care regimen can be a game-changer. Nutronics Labs offers a range of products designed to harness the power of IGF-1, providing a scientific approach to improving hair health.

While hair loss can be frustrating and sensitive for many men, advancements in understanding and treating this condition are continually emerging. IGF-1 presents a promising solution for those seeking to slow down hair loss and promote healthier, fuller hair on their head and face. Order today, and you get our 30-day, 100% money-back guarantee and massive savings when you sign up for our Autoship program.

How IGF-1 Can Help Slow Down Hair Loss

Why Men Go Bald: Understanding Hair Loss in Men