Researchers develop “self-navigating” improved hair transplant method for people of African descent

09 Aug 2023 --- A multinational team of researchers has discovered a “significant turning point” in the search for effective hair restoration among individuals of African descent. Their newly developed “self-navigating” hair transplant technology is based on a “skin responsiveness” technique that adapts to various hair textures, tailoring these treatments for a broader diversity of patients with increased effectiveness. 

Published in the Dermatologic Surgery Journal, the study “Follicular Unit Excision in Patients of African Descent: A Skin-Responsive Technique” describes a newly developed all-purpose follicular unit excision (FUE) device that “overcomes the challenges of previous FUE technologies” and is applicable to a diverse range of hair transplant scenarios.

FUE is one of the methods for hair follicle harvesting in hair transplantation. It involves harvesting hairs from the donor area, under local anesthesia, which is most commonly the scalp but occasionally the beard, chest and other parts of the body, using a circular punch less than a millimeter, mounted on a manual handle or a motorized hand device or more recently a robotic device.

The adaptability of the new skin-responsive FUE device – dubbed UGraft Zeus – can serve as a single “all-purpose” harvester for an easier transplant process.

“Our skin-responsive technique marks a significant step toward a universal hair transplant methodology that caters to the unique physiological characteristics of each individual. [We hold] several patents on UGraft Zeus technologies,” explains Dr. Sanusi Umar from the Division of Dermatology, Harbor-University of California Los Angeles Medical Center, US.

Multinational researchers have created a successful hair transplant method for people of African descent. A focus on curls
Skin thickness and firmness were identified as the most general crucial factors in the rate of graft attrition, which is a condition where some of the hair being transplanted “dies off” before it is inserted into the scalp.

The changes in firmness and thickness of the skin into which hair is transplanted have historically been the primary cause of inconsistent performance in FUE devices between patients due to hair transplants sometimes taking hair from parts of the body other than the head.

Extending beyond the typical focus on skin parameters, UGraft Zeus zeroes in on hair textures, which its analysis is adapts to. Looking deeper at this variable – relevant to only a segment of the population – is intended to make solutions to tackling hair loss more accessible to diverse groups. 

The technology minimizes challenges of unpredictable hair curliness and angles by its innate ability to self-navigate the subsurface course of hair follicles, which an FUE practitioner typically cannot observe. 

By reducing these challenges associated with hair curliness, the device is a more successful solution for people of African descent with kinky hair texture. 

“In addition, we have created a universal scoring scale for accurately categorizing skin and hair characteristics of all individuals, irrespective of their ethnicity,” says Umar. 

“Recognizing the vast diversity of skin and hair characteristics within any given population, especially in the African-descended population, has been instrumental in resolving this long-standing hair transplant challenge. This innovation can potentially revolutionize hair restoration practices and improve access to this transformative procedure.”

Designing for diversityResearchers hone in on hair texture in transplant technology.
The device demonstrated success in various FUE scenarios without requiring specialized provider skills. 

The device reported a mean graft transection rate of 3-6%, which the researchers say showcases its effectiveness.

The UGraft Zeus FUE device was found to minimize graft transection in all patients of African descent “without exception,” according to the scientists. This led to “high surgeon satisfaction” and a willingness to adopt the skin-responsive device for FUE procedures on African-descended patients.

The research team behind the new discovery comprises scientists from seven countries led by Dr. Umar and Dr. U from the Hair and Skin Clinic in Manhattan Beach, US. They underscore the importance of tailored medical approaches, particularly for diverse patient groups. 

Catering to all hair textures
Scientific advancements are continuing to expand the reach of hair solutions. Earlier this year, scientists unveiled a new classification system that leverages optical microscopy to study “underrepresented hair textures,” helping streamline consumers’ hair care shopping experience and achieve more consistent results.

Among other developments, Californian biotech company Amyris launched 4U by Tia, a natural hair care line co-developed with Tia Mowry – actress, daytime talk show host and 4U brand founder. It featured Amyris’ “breakthrough” moisture-locking ingredient coined as a plant-based alternative to silicone in hair products.

Additionally, Procter & Gamble Beauty expanded its portfolio of brands by adding Mielle Organics, with the intention of making hair products and services for consumers with textured hair more accessible. The brand also went viral on TikTok after one of its hair oils was promoted by various influencers, leading to it selling out at US retail outlets.

By Sabine Waldeck