OBJECTIVETo establish a convenient and reliable method for inducing hair regeneration by follicular cell implantation for the treatment of alopecia.

METHODSThe human hair follicle stem cells were separated and purified by micromanipulation and magnetic cell sorting, and human scalp dermal papilla cells were isolated by enzyme digestion. The two cells were mixed and implanted subcutaneously in nude mice to observe the regeneration of the hair follicles.

RESULTSFormation of intact hair follicle-like structures was observed in the skin sections of the recipient nude mice.

CONCLUSIONFollicular cell implantation can induce hair follicle-like structures in nude mice, which provides a means for efficient hair regeneration for treatment of hair loss.