Towards a molecular understanding of hair loss and its treatment

Most common forms of hair loss (alopecia) are caused by aberrant hair folli cle cycling and changes in hair follicle morphology. However, current treat ments for alopecia do not specifically target these processes. We are now b eginning to identify the molecules and molecular pathways that control norm al hair follicle formation, cycling and growth. In parallel, new techniques are being developed for delivering molecules to hair follicles. Here, we o utline the characteristics of common hair loss diseases, and discuss ways i n which recent advances in hair follicle biology could be translated into e ffective therapies for these conditions.