Can Egg Yolks Actually Promote Hair Growth?
The use of egg yolks is nothing new in the world of beauty. In fact, egg yolks have long been used in many beauty treatments and that includes hair masks to improve the growth of hair as well as its strength and overall appearance. It has also been promoted by “do-it-yourself” and homemade beauty insiders recently (see video below). However, it was unknown just exactly how the egg yolk could be beneficial to stimulating increased hair growth.
In this video, a YouTube user shows her followers exactly how she applies egg yolks to her scalp in order to remedy hair loss and she also documents her results.
Egg Yolk Study Results
In a recent study published by Mary Ann Liebert, Inc. and the Korean Society of Food Science and Nutrition in the Journal of Medicinal Food, egg yolks were identified as being scientifically beneficial to hair growth. They were also identified as an excellent alternative to medical hair restoration options such as minoxidil. In general, minoxidil is a medication that promotes vascularization and hair growth. Minoxidil also works to stimulate vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) production. However, it has been shown that the long-term use of this medication can lead to unwanted side effects. This is why so many people are so excited about egg yolks as an alternative!
Chicken Eggs & Hair Growth
Unlike humans, chickens develop hair before they hatch. Therefore, it has been predicted that an egg would have important hair growth factors.
How egg yolks aid in the growth of hair:
Water-soluble peptides, which are derived from the egg yolk, stimulate VEGF production and human hair follicle dermal papilla cell growth. This enhanced the hair growth of mice in the study as well as in female pattern hair loss (FPHL)
It is through insulin growth factor-1 receptor activation-induced hypoxia-inducible factor-1α transcription pathway that VEGF expression is induced by the water-soluble peptides
The water-soluble egg yolk peptide was then named “hair growth peptide (HGP)”
Will These Findings Benefit Both Males and Females?
The simple answer is…Yes! According to the study, there are two types of baldness and they are known as androgenic and nonandrogenic. In women, it is not necessarily clear what role androgen plays in the hair loss of female patients. However, in male patients, there is a strong tie between androgen and hair loss. Because the function of HGP is not related to androgen, it will not affect men and women in a different manner.
This is a significant finding for both male and female patients who experience hair loss. When used in addition to the latest hair transplantation and hair restoration techniques, the possibilities are endless. It is a relatively inexpensive treatment option, or transplant enhancer, with no side effects for the patient if used properly!
It should be noted that, although the study does show some promise for treating hair loss in the future, additional studies will need to be conducted in the future to support this evidence before it can be recommended as an effective alternative treatment to minoxidil.
MA
