Scientists have discovered that a protein called IGF-1, which your body naturally makes in your skin, plays a major role in keeping hair healthy and growing. This research explains how IGF-1 works to stimulate hair follicles, improve blood flow to the scalp, and prevent hair loss. The findings suggest that IGF-1 could become a new treatment for common hair loss problems like male pattern baldness. Researchers have already tested topical (applied to skin) IGF-1 treatments and found them to be safe, though more work is needed to make them more effective and longer-lasting.

The Quick Take

  • What they studied: How a natural growth protein called IGF-1 helps hair grow and whether it could be used to treat hair loss
  • Who participated: This was a review of existing research rather than a new study with participants. Scientists analyzed previous studies on IGF-1 and hair growth
  • Key finding: IGF-1 appears to be a key factor that keeps hair follicles healthy and growing. People with common hair loss often have lower IGF-1 levels, suggesting this protein could be important for preventing baldness
  • What it means for you: IGF-1-based treatments may eventually help people with hair loss, but they’re not yet widely available. Current topical treatments appear safe, though researchers are still working on making them more effective

The Research Details

This research is a comprehensive review that examines what scientists already know about IGF-1 and hair growth. Rather than conducting a new experiment with people, the researchers studied existing research findings and laboratory studies to understand how IGF-1 works in hair follicles. They looked at the biological pathways (the chemical processes) that IGF-1 activates and how these processes help hair grow. The review also examined early clinical evidence from human studies testing IGF-1 treatments on the skin.

Understanding how IGF-1 works is important because it could lead to new treatments for hair loss. By reviewing all the existing research together, scientists can see the bigger picture of how this protein functions and identify the most promising ways to use it as a medicine. This type of review helps guide future research and development of new treatments.

This is a review article that summarizes existing scientific knowledge rather than presenting new experimental data. The strength of the conclusions depends on the quality of the studies being reviewed. The authors appear to have examined both laboratory research and early human studies, which provides a reasonably comprehensive view of the topic. However, the review notes that more research is still needed, particularly long-term studies in humans.

What the Results Show

IGF-1 is a natural growth protein made by cells in your skin that directly stimulates hair follicles to grow and multiply. When IGF-1 attaches to hair follicle cells, it activates special chemical pathways inside the cells that tell them to grow and divide. IGF-1 also improves blood flow to hair follicles by boosting another protein called VEGF, which helps deliver nutrients and oxygen that hair needs to stay healthy. Additionally, IGF-1 prevents hair follicle cells from dying prematurely, which extends the active growing phase of the hair cycle. This combination of effects—more cell growth, better blood flow, and longer growth periods—makes IGF-1 a powerful factor for maintaining healthy hair.

The research shows that IGF-1 works best when combined with other natural growth factors like KGF and PDGF. These proteins work together to amplify each other’s effects on hair follicles. The review also found that people with common hair loss conditions, particularly male pattern baldness, often have lower IGF-1 levels in their scalp skin. Early studies of topical IGF-1 treatments (applied directly to the skin) showed they were safe and didn’t cause significant side effects from being absorbed into the bloodstream.

This research builds on decades of studies showing that growth factors are essential for hair health. Previous research identified other important growth factors for hair, but this review highlights IGF-1’s central role in coordinating multiple aspects of hair growth. The findings align with earlier observations that hair loss is often associated with reduced growth factor signaling in the scalp, suggesting that boosting IGF-1 could address a root cause of hair loss rather than just treating symptoms.

This is a review of existing research rather than a new study, so it’s limited by the quality and completeness of previous studies. The review notes that most human studies of IGF-1 treatments are still in early stages, so long-term safety and effectiveness data are limited. The researchers also point out that delivering IGF-1 effectively to hair follicles remains a challenge—the protein needs to reach the right location in the skin without breaking down. Additionally, most research has focused on male pattern baldness, so it’s unclear how well IGF-1 treatments might work for other types of hair loss.

The Bottom Line

Based on current evidence, IGF-1 shows promise as a future treatment for hair loss, but it’s not yet a standard medical treatment. If you’re experiencing hair loss, current proven options like minoxidil (Rogaine) or finasteride (Propecia) remain your best choices. IGF-1 treatments may become available in the coming years as research continues. Discuss any hair loss concerns with a dermatologist who can recommend treatments appropriate for your specific situation. (Confidence level: Moderate—based on promising early research but limited human studies)

This research is most relevant to people experiencing male pattern baldness or other hair loss conditions. It may also interest people interested in preventive approaches to hair health. This research is less immediately relevant to people with healthy hair growth. Anyone considering future IGF-1 treatments should consult with a dermatologist, especially those with scalp conditions or skin sensitivities.

If IGF-1 treatments become available, realistic expectations would be similar to current hair loss treatments—visible improvements typically take 3-6 months of consistent use, with maximum benefits appearing after 6-12 months. Results vary significantly between individuals.

Want to Apply This Research?

  • Track hair shedding daily by counting hairs in your brush or shower drain. Record weekly averages to monitor changes over time. Also photograph your scalp monthly under consistent lighting to document visible hair density changes
  • Set a daily reminder to photograph your scalp or count shedding to maintain awareness of your hair health status. When IGF-1 treatments become available, use the app to log application times and monitor any scalp changes or side effects
  • Create a monthly hair health scorecard tracking: shedding levels, scalp appearance, hair thickness perception, and any scalp irritation. Compare photos monthly to objectively assess changes. Share data with your dermatologist to evaluate treatment effectiveness

This article summarizes scientific research about IGF-1 and hair growth but is not medical advice. IGF-1 treatments are not yet standard medical treatments for hair loss. If you’re experiencing hair loss, consult a dermatologist or healthcare provider for diagnosis and treatment recommendations appropriate for your individual situation. Do not attempt to self-treat with unproven IGF-1 products without medical supervision. This research represents early-stage findings, and long-term safety and effectiveness in humans have not been fully established.