In the management of Androgenic alopecia, we are fortunate as Naturopathic Doctors to offer a wide array of therapeutic options to our patient population. From dietary adjustments to oral supplements, in addition to using the principles of TCM & acupuncture, our unique approach is what typically draws patients to seek our advice. Despite the range of internal and lifestyle-based avenues we can utilize, the application of topical products for managing androgenic alopecia has generally been underexplored. This is amplified even further by the fact that, in recent years, much research has been directed toward topical/cosmeceutical agents which impact hair growth. Specific to androgenic alopecia, the effects of numerous natural compounds are being elucidated in relation to, for example, their influence over the likes of the hair growth cycle; conversion of testosterone to dihydrotestosterone; microcirculation, microinflammation, and supporting the extracellular matrix surrounding the hair follicle.  Based on this emerging realm of research, many more ‘hair cosmeceutical’ products are now available on store shelves. 

This course is designed to showcase some of the emerging pre-clinical & clinical research surrounding the topical use of various natural agents comprising this category. Among those explored include: caffeine; adenosine; peptides such as biotinoyl tripeptide-1, copper tripeptide-1, and acetyl tetrapeptide-3; apple polyphenols, Red clover extract (Trifolium pratense)-derived Biochanin A; Baikal skullcap (Scutellaria baicalensis)-derived Baicalin; among others. As was first introduced in the Facial Aging CE course, this course will also provide examples of how these topical agents are being formulated together.

This course seeks to expand the range of treatment options for those Naturopathic Doctors/students, and other licensed health providers, helping patients manage both male & female patterns of hair loss.  In addition, this course is designed to provide the course-taker with a breadth of information, including numerous resources and references from which you can build upon. It is very much encouraged to explore these as a means of obtaining a deeper breadth of the topics we review. 

Learning Objectives 

• Describe the primary structures of hair and the hair follicle

• Identify the three primary phases of the hair cycle 

• Understand the signalling mechanisms between the dermal papilla and follicular epithelial cells, which drive the hair cycle 

• Distinguish between the 2 common patterns of androgenic alopecia: female & male pattern hair loss

• Understand the mechanisms leading to the development of androgenic alopecia

• Recognize noted aspects of assessing androgenic alopecia, including classification scales for male and female patterns

• Identify current treatment strategies for androgenic alopecia from both conventional and Naturopathic approaches

• Understand the various methods of evaluation in research exploring topical hair loss treatments

• Identify the established/postulated mechanism(s) of action for various topical cosmeceuticals directed toward managing androgenic alopecia

• Assess human clinical trials using various topical cosmeceuticals directed toward managing androgenic alopecia 

• Recognize the research-based dosing strengths/concentration levels for various topical cosmeceuticals directed toward managing androgenic alopecia  

• Describe changes to scalp microbiome diversity commonly found in androgenic alopecia

• Integrate clinical pearls explored as based on course information

• Explore examples of how various cosmeceutical actives may be combined in topical hair loss & haircare product formulations

• Understand methods of integrating topical haircare strategies into one’s practice