The science of luscious locks

Let's face it—our hair tells a story. It's one of the first things people notice about us, and when it starts thinning or losing its luster, we notice, too. With 35-50% of women experiencing hair loss by age 60, you're not alone if you've seen changes in your hair's thickness, growth rate, or overall health. The good news? Science has made incredible strides in understanding hair growth, and more evidence-based solutions exist. Let's HOP into what really works!

Hair health starts from within: HOP Box ingredients for lustrous locks

You might not realize it, but several ingredients in your HOP Box are secretly working to support hair health while addressing the Downfalls of Aging.

Hyaluronic acid (100mg in Hourglass Tipper)

Hyaluronic acid isn't just for skin—it helps maintain a healthy scalp environment, which is crucial for hair follicle function. Think of it as creating the perfect soil for your hair to grow.

Magnesium glycinate (100mg in Hourglass Tipper) 

Magnesium plays a vital role in protein synthesis and cell production, supporting the creation of healthy hair proteins. Studies show that magnesium deficiency is linked to hair loss, making this mineral essential for maintenance.

Spermidine (0.5mg Puremidine® in Hourglass Tipper) 

Spermidine is a natural compound showing promising hair growth results. Human studies are still emerging, but the animal studies are exciting, and cellular mechanisms strongly suggest that spermidine supports healthy hair cycling and regeneration.

Nicotinamide riboside (250mg in Hourglass Tipper) 

Nicotinamide riboside (NR) is a precursor to NAD+, a crucial molecule for cellular energy production. NAD+ precursors may help protect against stress-induced hair loss and support the function of hair follicle stem cells.

B vitamins (in B's Needs) 

The B vitamins are hair growth superstars:

• B2 (12.5mg) supports cellular energy production in follicles.
• B6 (2.5mg) helps your body create melanin, giving hair its color.
• B12 (250mcg) promotes healthy red blood cells that deliver oxygen to follicles.
• Quatrefolic 5-MTHF (250mcg) supports DNA synthesis and repair in rapidly dividing hair cells.

Fisetin (100mg in Damage Control) | Quercetin (5mg in Damage Control) 

These powerful antioxidants help protect hair follicles from oxidative stress and inflammation. 

Medical approaches that work

While your HOP Box provides foundational support for hair health from the inside out, these science-backed topical treatments can accelerate results.

Minoxidil (5% solution) 

Minoxidil remains the gold standard FDA-approved treatment, increasing non-vellus hair counts by 7.7-12.8 hairs per square centimeter in clinical trials. This solution works by enhancing blood flow to follicles and extending the growth phase of hair.

Pro tip: Research shows that applying 0.01% tretinoin in the morning followed by 5% minoxidil in the evening can supercharge results. Tretinoin increases the enzyme that activates minoxidil, making this combination 2.1 months faster at producing results!

Latanoprost (0.1% solution)

Initially used for glaucoma (then to regrow eyelashes), latanoprost has shown promising results with 14.2 more hairs per square centimeter in recent studies. It works through a mechanism different from minoxidil, making it a good alternative for non-responders.

The peptide revolution

Peptides are the cutting-edge frontier in hair care, offering targeted approaches with minimal side effects.

GHK-Cu (copper peptide) 

GHK-Cu performs double duty by inhibiting DHT (the hormone linked to hair loss) and reducing scalp fibrosis. Clinical studies show an 18.4% increase in hair shaft diameter after 24 weeks of using a 1% serum. This peptide helps remodel the environment around hair follicles, creating optimal conditions for growth.

Zinc thymulin

These peptides have shown remarkable results, increasing vellus hair density by 32% and transitional hairs by 23% in a 6-month trial. Zn-thymulin peptides modulate the immune response around follicles and support healthy T-cell function—essential for maintaining the hair growth cycle.

Beyond products: supportive strategies for hair health

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) might sound like science fiction, but it's FDA-cleared and effective. Devices using 655nm red light (like those crazy looking helmets) applied three times weekly can increase the percentage of hairs in the growth phase from 79% to 88%. The key is consistency—results take 3-6 months to become visible.

Scalp protection is often overlooked but crucial. Your scalp is exposed to the same environmental stressors as your face but rarely gets the same care. Consider these strategies:

• Apply SPF to your part line or areas of thinner hair.
• Wear hats in extreme conditions.
• Use a gentle, sulfate-free shampoo.
• Try weekly scalp exfoliation to remove buildup that can clog follicles.

Rosehip oil is a botanical superstar for hair health. Rich in trans-retinoic acid and tocopherols, it has been shown to improve hair strength by 29% and reduce protein oxidation by 41% in clinical studies. It's nature's way of protecting your strands from damage.

Putting it all together: your HOP hair strategy

The most effective approach combines internal support with external treatments. Here's our HOP strategy for optimal results:

1. Foundation: Continue your twice-daily HOP Box packs to address cellular aging and provide essential nutrients.
2. Topical Treatment: Consider minoxidil (with or without tretinoin) or a peptide-based serum with GHK-Cu.
3. Support: Add LLLT 4-5 times weekly and protect your scalp from environmental stressors.
4. Patience: Remember that hair grows approximately 1/2 inch per month, so give any protocol at least 3-6 months before judging results.

The beauty of this approach is that while you're supporting your hair, you're also addressing whole-body aging at the cellular level. That's the HOP difference—we're not just treating symptoms; we're supporting your body's natural processes.

HOP to it!

That girl who once had thick, luscious hair without giving it a second thought? She's still there. With the right combination of internal support and external care, you can help her emerge again.

Let's HOP to healthier hair, one follicle at a time!