Shiseido started full-fledged research to elucidate the mechanism of hair growth and apply the acquired knowledge to find hair growth promoter in the late 1970’s, ahead of other manufacturers. Starting with "Flowrin" launched in 1982, Shiseido has been developing hair growth products based on scientific theories and concrete efficacy data.

Different hair shedding in men and women

A hair survey conducted by Shiseido revealed different characteristics of hair shedding between Japanese men and women.

◊ Hair shedding in men Increase of thin and short "miniaturized hair", but no change of hair density (number of hair strands ∇ Hair thickening is therefore expected to be effective.

◊ Hair shedding in women Thinning of hair, as well as a decrease of hair density. ∇ Promotion of hair growth is therefore expected to be effective as well as hair thickening.

Hair shedding in men Miniaturized hair

Hair shedding in women Hair density decreased. Thinning of hair was observed.

Human hair cycle and causes of hair shedding



Hair-growth-promoting mechanism of adenosine

After discovering the hair-growth-promoting effect of "adenosine" a natural substance that exists in the human body, Shiseido conducted a study to clarify the mechanism of its effect in cooperation with Tokushima University.

¤ Expression of fibroblast growth factor 7 (FGF-7) is reduced by about 50% in areas of hair thinning in cases of androgenic alopecia. ¤ "Adenosine" was found to directly act on the hair papillae to induce the production of FGF-7 and on the hair matrix to promote the growth of strong hair. The hair-growth-promoting effect of adenosine was also demonstrated. Based on the study results, Shiseido filed an application for approval of "adenosine" as an active ingredient in a quasi-drug. Approval was granted by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare in October 2004.