Nanogen Scalp Ease Technology

Hair Growth Factors

Nanogen sh-VEGF complex is a unique plant derived growth factor in combination with another active to make the effect more pronounced. Healthy hair growth is controlled by a natural cycle, with every individual hair at a different stage of the cycle. Nanogen sh-VEGF complex specifically supports and protects hair whilst maintaining healthy hair growth at each stage of the natural cycle.

How does natural VEGF act on the hair?

For hair to grow as part of the natural hair cycle, or for new hairs to grow, a growth phase called Anagen needs to be stimulated. 3 stages are required to bring about Anagen and healthy hair growth:

Cell Proliferation
The base of a hair follicle contains a form of stem cells called dermal papilla; these cells need to multiply rapidly to create the cells that form hair.
Proliferation reuqires much nutrition and oxygen, VEGF causes vasodilation and increased bloodflow which supports this growth.

Cell Migration
When these cells have multiplied, they must move to particular positions to form the structure of the hair. This means they need they communicate with eachother, and organise their “cellular skeleton” to enable them to move.
VEGF increases glycoprotein production in certain cells, these glycoproteins allow cells to communicate, move and adhere to each other. VEGF acts as a signal for migration itself in certain cases, and increases vasodilation, allowing the movement of cells.

Angiogenesis
Growing hair needs nutrients & oxygen, so new small blood vessels form to feed the growing hair, this is called Angiogenesis.
VEGF promotes angiogenesis in new hair follicles, but also in existing hair that isn’t getting enough oxygen. It also increases another signal called nitric oxide, which causes existing blood vessels to become wider, and more blood to reach where it is needed.

A hormone called dihydrotestosterone (DHT) signals the end of the hair growth phase, bringing about a brief transfer phase called Catagen. It is created from Testosterone by an enzyme called 5α reductase. Many ingredients, such as finasteride, aim to block this reaction and so stop the signal ending the growth phase. DHT acts by activating a whole range of genes to cause the death of hair follicle cells, and the loss of the hair. VEGF acts to temporarily suppress these genes, and helps protect the hair from falling prematurely.

After the hair has fallen out naturally, the hair enters a phase called Telogen. VEGF reduces the time that hair spends in this resting phase by stimulating genes for re-entry into the hair growth phase, Anagen.