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Please read below for more information on Jillian Parker's SOT presentation regarding her research.

1. What was the title of your presentation?

Effect of exposure to commercial hair care products on primary human hair follicle dermal papilla cells

2. What was the scope of your research?

Recent allegations of hair loss due to the use of hair care products have prompted interest in the potential impact on dermal papilla cells (DPCs), which play a key role in regulating the development and growth of the hair. The aim of this research was to investigate the effects of commercial hair care products on the growth and health of hair using an in vitro human hair follicle dermal papilla cell (HFDPC) system. The viability, morphology, and growth of HFDPCs were measured following treatment conditions that simulated a typical product use scenario.

3. What did you find?

We found that exposure to hair care products did not induce cytotoxicity, changes in HFDPC morphology, or alterations in proliferation through a primary hair growth signaling pathway. The concentrations of hair care products tested in this study represent those above what is expected to come into contact with the hair follicles on the human scalp during product use (e.g., in the shower). Overall, this study showed that repeated exposure to hair care products did not adversely impact the viability, morphology, and growth of HFDPCs.

4. What are the next steps/what other research is needed?

Future research will expand on the in vitro results presented in this study. Specifically, the effects of hair care product application on the growth and health of hair follicles will be tested using model human hair and skin systems.