During a research on the process of follicular multiplication, experts encountered some basic restrictions.

First restriction is that the implant of hair follicles reproduces or rather grows only about a hair or two. Its development after the implant very rarely or rather cannot give a favorable outcome.

Second problem is cosmetic limitation with the procedures. Attaining hair growth at the right place with the right amount, color and direction is a very challenging task. “At the present, there is no information or research indicating the quality of generated hair to be the same with that of an original hair“, says Dr. Cooley. “Fixed number of cells that can be produced in a maximum potential growth is very difficult to determine. Nobody knows how many generations of new cells can be produced before losing its ability to generate. “

The next concern is safety. Before moving onwards with follicular cloning, scientists must ensure that the hair cell implants can be executed without the risk of adverse effects that are cancerous in nature, explains Dr. Cooley. For this reason, it is necessary to conduct further studies on cellular therapies from different perspectives without increasing the risk of cancer.

According to Dr. Stenn, this problem may only be minimal because the cells being replicated are from the cells of the same patient.
 

Law and ethical issues

Discussions pertaining to the legality and controversy relates to human cloning, which is not totally cloning because it is concerned about the cultivation of hair follicles. During the final discussions on this issue of legalities, it is necessary that it should be concerned with the process of hair multiplication because this already exists. Experts attest that some people regard hair restoration as absurd humor. Nevertheless, these procedures can be very useful in cases such as helping children with their abnormal hair loss problems at an early age to prevent socially-related problems.
Moreover, the knowledge on hair follicle regeneration makes it possible for researchers to penetrate many other important medical researches.

Cost

Researchers up to this time still cannot determine the exact cost connected with hair multiplication. “Definitely this will not come cheap, perhaps at first! However, with the passing of time, this could become more affordable“, says Dr. Stenn.
At the beginning, this process will undoubtedly be expensive, Dr. Cooley agrees. Also, more probably will even be 5 times more than a standard hair implant but at the same time offer better advantages. During a traditional hair implant, patients can get about 4,000 to 5,000 hairs. While during hair multiplication, patients could probably gain hair follicles capable of generating as much as 50,000 hairs.
 

When will technology be ready for this?

Experts agree that further research will help scientists answer questions surrounding the process of hair multiplication. “A forecast indicates that in the next 5 years this process will be explored upon, and in the next 5 years this process will be available to the general public“, Dr. Cooley remarks.
 

Reviewed: Angela Christiano, PhD a Ken Washenik, MD, PhD