Written based on 20 research studies on PubMed, searched on 2026. nov. 14..
The claim
Posts online say that stem cell treatment helps with alopecia areata.
Where research stands
We found 27 published papers on stem cell treatment and alopecia areata. They were published between 1999 and 2026. 2 of them are studies in people. None of them compared people who got it with a group that did not. 5 were studies in animals, and 3 were only in cells in the lab. 7 papers are reviews that sum up other studies. 1 new study in people is running or will start soon, say the trial registers.
- 2In people
- 5In animals
- 3Only in the lab
What the studies found
We have not summed up these studies in words yet. The most important papers are listed under Sources.
Verdict
Stem cell treatment has been studied in people with alopecia areata, but not in randomised trials.
What this means for you: A study in people is not proof that it helps you. Do not stop or change your medicines because of it. Ask your doctor before you start taking it.
Sources
- The role of autologous micrografts injection from the scalp tissue in the treatment of COVID-19 associated telogen effluvium: Clinical and trichoscopic evaluation.2022 · Dermatol Ther · Study in people
- Hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients following Stem Cell Educator therapy.2015 · BMC Med · Study in people
- Stem cell-based therapies for alopecia areata: a narrative review.2026 · Stem Cell Res Ther · Review
- The suitability of mesenchymal stem cells for treating immune-mediated inflammatory skin diseases: a systematic review.2026 · Dermatol Reports · Review
- Therapeutic Potential of Adipose-Derived Stem Cells and Their Secretome in Reversible Alopecias: A Systematic Review.2023 · Int J Trichology · Review
- Stem cell secretome as a mechanism for restoring hair loss due to stress, particularly alopecia areata: narrative review.2022 · J Biomed Sci · Review
- Hair Loss and Telogen Effluvium Related to COVID-19: The Potential Implication of Adipose-Derived Mesenchymal Stem Cells and Platelet-Rich Plasma as Regenerative Strategies.2022 · Int J Mol Sci · Review
- Alopecia treatment using minimally manipulated human umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells: Three case reports and review of literature.2021 · World J Clin Cases · Review
- KRT6A derived from mesenchymal stem cells as a potential biomarker and therapeutic target for alopecia areata: insights from multi-omics analysis and experimental evidence.2026 · Stem Cell Res Ther · In animals
- Mesenchymal Stem Cell Therapy in Alopecia Areata: Visual and Molecular Evidence from a Mouse Model.2024 · Int J Mol Sci · In animals
- DNA methylation of microRNA-365-1 induces apoptosis of hair follicle stem cells by targeting DAP3.2024 · Noncoding RNA Res · In animals
- Involvement of DKK1 secreted from adipose-derived stem cells in alopecia areata.2024 · Cell Prolif · In animals
- Hair follicle-derived mesenchymal stem cells decrease alopecia areata mouse hair loss and reduce inflammation around the hair follicle.2021 · Stem Cell Res Ther · In animals
- Mesenchymal Stem Cells Antagonize IFN-Induced Proinflammatory Changes and Growth Inhibition Effects via Wnt/β-Catenin and JAK/STAT Pathway in Human Outer Root Sheath Cells and Hair Follicles.2021 · Int J Mol Sci · In the lab
- Wharton's jelly-derived mesenchymal stem cells in the treatment of four patients with alopecia areata.2021 · Adv Clin Exp Med · In the lab
- Effects of mesenchymal stem cell therapy on alopecia areata in cellular and hair follicle organ culture models.2020 · Exp Dermatol · In the lab
- Ex Vivo Treatment with Allogenic Mesenchymal Stem Cells of a Healthy Donor on Peripheral Blood Mononuclear Cells of Patients with Severe Alopecia Areata: Targeting Dysregulated T Cells and the Acquisition of Immunotolerance.2022 · Int J Mol Sci · Other paper
- Clinical efficacy of adipocyte-derived stem cells conditioned media combined with micro-injury in refractory patch of alopecia areata.2022 · Arch Dermatol Res · Other paper
- Stem cell therapy as a novel therapeutic intervention for resistant cases of alopecia areata and androgenetic alopecia.2018 · J Dermatolog Treat · Other paper
- Bone marrow-derived mesenchymal stem cells prevent alopecia areata development through the inhibition of NKG2D expression: A pilot study.2017 · Exp Dermatol · Other paper
