Could a good bacteria on your scalp regrow hair?
NCT ID NCT07370519
First seen Jun 24, 2026 · Last updated Jun 27, 2026 · Updated 1 time
Summary
This study tests whether applying a probiotic (Lactobacillus reuteri) to the scalp daily for 12 months can safely increase hair density in people with androgenetic alopecia (male or female pattern baldness). About 388 adults aged 18-60 will be randomly assigned to receive the active probiotic, an inactivated version, a placebo, or the standard treatment minoxidil. Neither participants nor doctors will know who gets what. The main goal is to measure changes in hair count per square centimeter after one year.
What this could mean
Our plain-language read of the trial. This is informational only — not medical advice or a prediction.
- Active substance
- Lactobacillus reuteri (a probiotic bacteria) applied as a topical scalp solution
- What this could lead to
- If it works, this could offer a new, natural-seeming option for treating common hair loss by balancing scalp microbes, possibly as an alternative or add-on to current treatments.
- What could go wrong
- This is a phase 2 trial, so it is still early. The probiotic may not improve hair growth more than placebo, and results may not apply to everyone. Topical probiotics are generally safe, but skin irritation is possible.
This is an AI summary of the original study and may miss details. Read our disclaimer.
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Conditions
The condition(s) this trial relates to.
As listed by the trial registrant
The condition terms exactly as the trial's registrant entered them.
Contacts and locations
Locations
-
Shenzhen People's Hospital
RECRUITINGShenzhen, Guangdong, China
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