Styling without shedding: Novel topical formula reduces hair shedding by contracting the arrector pili muscle

Abstract

Approximately 40% of women experience excessive hair shedding during styling (e.g., hair brushing). Previously, we demonstrated that topically applied phenylephrine, a potent α adrenergic receptor agonist, can be used to contract the arrector pili muscle of the follicular unit; thus, increasing the force required to pluck hair and reducing shedding during brushing. While demonstrating efficacy, phenylephrine has several drawbacks when applied to the scalp, including the possibility cardiovascular events. We hypothesized that a high concentration of a weak α agonist would allow for: (a) rapid penetration through the stratum corneum eliciting a quick response; (b) a low probability of cardiac adverse events owing to the low receptor binding affinity; and (c) an efficacy of the weak α agonist similar to that of phenylephrine at the local site of application. Accordingly, we developed a novel topical solution, AB-102, containing a high concentration of a weak α agonist. Several studies were conducted to test the safety and efficacy of AB-102. In a dose escalating safety study, utilizing a wearable holter monitor, we observed no cardiac or hemodynamic adverse events. In addition, in a controlled efficacy study, AB-102 reduced the number of hairs shed during brushing by up to 77% (average of 38%).

Novel shampoo reduces hair shedding by contracting the arrector pili muscle via the trace amine‐associated receptor

“…These data indirectly provide evidence of the expression of TAAR receptors in the arrector pili muscle. Additionally, the TAAR agonist shampoo showed similar efficacy to the synephrine hydrochloride solution previously tested in reducing shedding during brushing. The average reduction was 31% for the cohort with a maximum reduction of 77%.…”

“…To date, no treatment is available for the reduction of hair shedding caused by the mechanical stress of everyday washing and styling. Previously, our group demonstrated that a solution containing synephrine hydrochloride significantly reduced hair shedding during brushing . Unfortunately, due to the high concentration of the weak agonist required to affect the arrector pili muscles in hair follicles, development of a shampoo with synephrine hydrochloride was not feasible.…”

“…Previously, our group demonstrated that a solution containing synephrine hydrochloride significantly reduced hair shedding during brushing. 7 Unfortunately, due to the high concentration of the weak agonist required to affect the arrector pili muscles in hair follicles, development of a shampoo with synephrine hydrochloride was not feasible. As such, we set to discover an alternate mechanism to contract the arrector pili muscle in hair follicles.…”

“…Additionally, topical phenylephrine reduced shedding during brushing by 40%. In a follow‐up study, we demonstrated a topical formula containing synephrine hydrochloride (AB‐102) had similar efficacy. AB‐102 reduced the number of hairs lost during brushing by 38% in a cohort of 40 women with a maximum reduction of 77%.…”