Can apple juice grow hair?

Minoxidil and Propecia are two drugs currently used to reverse some hair loss. They work by blocking an enzyme called 5-alpha reductase from converting testosterone into DHT, a metabolite that seems to inhibit hair growth. Natural plant extracts such as green tea and saw palmetto have been shown in studies to provide similar blocking effects. Unfortunately, while they may be beneficial to the prostate,  hair growth results have been disappointing.

According to prior studies dating backing to 2002 and recent trials, the new hero of hair growth is Procyanidin B-2, extracted from apples. So far, results have been quite encouraging, and in fact, very dramatic. What this extract does is block the migration of Protein kinase C (PKC), an enzyme responsible for inhibitors, into hair cells. PKC is known to stop or reduce hair growth. Procyanidin B-2 promotes hair epithelial cell growth and stimulates anagen induction. One test showed that procyanidin B-2 did indeed reduce the expression of PKC-alpha, -betaI, -betaII and -eta in cultured murine hair epithelial cells and also inhibited the translocation of these isozymes to the particulate fraction of hair epithelial cells.1

In another study, participants applied procyanidins for 12 months. Results showed there was an increase in the total number of hairs in a designated scalp area of the procyanidin group and was significantly greater than that of the placebo control group subjects.2 Numerous other studies support the belief that procyanidin B-2 can help stimulate hair growth.2

References:
1. Br J Dermatol. 2002 Jan;146(1):41-51.
2. J Cosmet Dermatol. 2005 Dec;4(4):245-9