Regrowth of grafted human scalp hair after removal of the bulb.

BACKGROUND

The bulbar region of the hair follicle contains the dermal papilla, hair germinative epithelial component, and active melanocytes. Thus, it has been assumed that the bulbar region plays a central role in hair growth, differentiation, and pigmentation.

OBJECTIVE

To assess the regenerative capacity of human hair.

METHODS

Individual anagen hair follicles were isolated from the occipital scalp and grafted onto the leg after removal of the bulb.

RESULTS

The grafts of follicles from which the bulb and complete papilla have been excised regenerated new papillae and grew new pigmented hairs.

CONCLUSION

The middle portion of the outer root sheath and dermal sheath may also contain epithelial, mesenchymal, and melanocyte reservoirs.