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Trichozette · News

Keep up with regulation and research in hair
and scalp care, with every source linked.

Real news from regulators, professional bodies and researchers, summarised plainly with a link to every source. Members also get a note on why each story matters in practice.
  1. Medical · Clinical

    The Scottish Medicines Consortium has accepted deuruxolitinib for adults with severe alopecia areata in NHSScotland

    On 12 October 2026 the Scottish Medicines Consortium accepted deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi) for use within NHSScotland for adults with severe alopecia areata, following an abbreviated submission (SMC2968). The advice is conditional on the NHSScotland Patient Access Scheme or an equivalent or lower price. The SMC describes the medicine as an additional treatment choice within the JAK inhibitor class, following NICE's earlier recommendation for England.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Scottish Medicines Consortium
  2. Cosmetic

    A Plaid Cymru MP has asked the Chancellor to cut VAT on labour-intensive salon services to 10% ahead of the autumn Budget

    Ynys Môn MP Llinos Medi wrote to the Chancellor on 23 September asking for a 10% VAT rate for labour-intensive salon services, down from the standard 20%. The proposal is backed by the British Hair Consortium. Medi said the current system is affecting apprenticeship numbers and pushing businesses towards self-employed models, with VAT registration required above £90,000 turnover over a rolling 12 months.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Nation.Cymru
  3. Clinical · Medical

    A small observational study found signs of ongoing follicular inflammation in some alopecia areata patients despite visible regrowth on JAK inhibitors

    A 60-week observational study in Dermatology and Therapy, published online on 2 October 2026, followed 20 patients with alopecia areata treated with upadacitinib or baricitinib using videotrichoscopy and reflectance confocal microscopy. Mean SALT scores fell from 84.2 at baseline to 16.9 at week 60, and trichoscopic markers of activity declined. Confocal imaging still detected subclinical inflammation around follicles in some patients, although the study was small and did not test whether this predicts relapse.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Dermatology Times
  4. Medical

    Phase 2b data presented at EADV 2026 show hair regrowth with rezpegaldesleukin persisting after treatment stopped in some alopecia areata patients

    Data from the phase 2b REZOLVE-AA trial of rezpegaldesleukin, an investigational regulatory T-cell-stimulating biologic, were presented at the EADV Congress in Vienna. Among patients who reached a SALT score of 20 or lower after 52 weeks, 6 of 8 kept that response four months after stopping and 5 of 8 at six months. A phase 3 trial of about 850 patients is expected to begin in early 2027.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Dermatology Times
  5. Cosmetic · Clinical

    The Little Princess Trust has marked ten years of funding childhood cancer research, with more than £39 million invested

    The Little Princess Trust, which provides free real-hair wigs to children and young people, began funding childhood cancer research in 2016 and has since invested more than £39 million across 177 projects. Over the past year it committed £5.5 million to new professorships at the University of Oxford and the University of Birmingham. The charity said providing wigs remains at the heart of its work.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: The Little Princess Trust
  6. Medical · Clinical

    An international expert panel has published consensus guidance on low-dose oral minoxidil for children with hair disorders

    A modified Delphi consensus published online in JAMA Dermatology on 30 September 2026 reached agreement on 84 of 127 statements about low-dose oral minoxidil for children aged 4 to under 12. Experts supported its use for follicular miniaturisation, hair cycle abnormalities and hair shaft disorders, and as an adjunct in selected scarring alopecias, with weight-based dosing and review every three to six months. The authors note the guidance reflects expert opinion on off-label prescribing rather than prospective trial evidence.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: JAMA Dermatology
  7. Medical · Clinical · Cosmetic

    California has passed a law requiring large-group health plans and Medi-Cal to cover scalp cooling during chemotherapy

    Governor Gavin Newsom signed AB 1682 on 27 September 2026, requiring large-group health plans and Medi-Cal to cover FDA-cleared scalp cooling for eligible chemotherapy patients from 1 January 2027. A state analysis found three automated systems qualify (Paxman, DigniCap and Amma), while manual cold caps are excluded. The report notes that scalp cooling can otherwise cost patients between $2,500 and $5,000.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: KPBS
  8. Medical · Clinical

    FDA extends baricitinib approval to adolescents with severe alopecia areata

    The US Food and Drug Administration has approved baricitinib (Olumiant, Lilly) for people aged 12 and over with severe alopecia areata, making it the second JAK inhibitor available to this age group in the US. The decision was based on the BRAVE-AA-PEDS phase 3 trial, in which the best responses were seen in patients treated within a year of onset. The medicine carries a boxed warning covering serious infections, malignancy, cardiovascular events and thrombosis.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Healio
  9. Medical · Clinical

    The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery is holding its 34th World Congress in Rio de Janeiro from 15 to 17 October

    The ISHRS announced that its 34th World Congress takes place in Rio de Janeiro from 15 to 17 October 2026, under the theme of integrity in hair restoration surgery, with nearly 800 physicians and surgical assistants expected. The programme includes sessions on the effects of GLP-1 and other metabolic medicines on hair, regenerative therapies, AI and robotics, and the gut-hair axis. A patient will also describe complications from treatment at a black-market clinic.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: ISHRS
  10. Medical · Cosmetic

    Irish aesthetic doctors call for safeguards on injectables before harms spread

    The incoming president of the Irish College of Aesthetic Medicine has urged Ireland to introduce regulatory safeguards for Botox and dermal fillers, pointing to recent harms in the UK linked to unlicensed products. The HPRA detained around 10,000 dosage units of botulinum toxin, hyaluronidase and lidocaine in the three years to 2024. The college is setting up a practitioner register, a postgraduate training pathway and a complications clinic.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Irish Medical Times
  11. Medical · Clinical

    NICE recommends deuruxolitinib for adults with severe alopecia areata

    NICE published final guidance (TA1178) on 15 July 2026 recommending deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi), a JAK inhibitor tablet, for adults with severe alopecia areata in England. It is the second medicine NICE has recommended for this condition, after ritlecitinib in 2024. Alopecia UK noted that the Scottish Medicines Consortium had not yet made a decision.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Alopecia UK
  12. Cosmetic · Clinical · Medical

    ASA and CAP publish guidance on advertising hair-loss products and services

    The advertising regulator has set out how the codes apply to hair-loss marketing, including the line between medicinal claims, such as preventing or curing hair loss, and cosmetic claims backed by robust evidence. Prescription-only medicines such as finasteride and oral minoxidil must not be advertised to the public, although clinics may promote consultations. Before-and-after images must reflect typical outcomes and testimonials cannot stand in for clinical evidence.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Advertising Standards Authority
  13. Clinical

    Institute of Trichologists reviews Trichollective Conference at Whittlebury Park

    The Institute of Trichologists has published a review of its Trichollective Conference, held at Whittlebury Park on 15 June 2026. Sessions covered hair biology, patient perspectives, non-surgical hair restoration and plans for a UK trichology database to support clinical decisions and research. Consultant trichologist Charlotte Knibbs RIT spoke on the psychosocial impact of visible difference and on hair and scalp problems in epidermolysis bullosa.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: The Institute of Trichologists
  14. Medical · Clinical

    MHRA strengthens warnings on finasteride and dutasteride

    The MHRA has updated product information for finasteride 1 mg, used for male pattern hair loss, to make clear that sexual dysfunction may contribute to mood disorders. A precautionary warning about mood changes has also been added to dutasteride. The changes follow a European review and advice from the Commission on Human Medicines, and the patient alert cards introduced in 2024 remain in place.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: GOV.UK (MHRA)
  15. Medical · Clinical

    Twelve-month data support topical clascoterone for male pattern hair loss

    Cosmo Pharmaceuticals reported 12-month results from its SCALP 1 and SCALP 2 phase 3 trials of clascoterone 5% solution, which enrolled 1,465 men across the US and Europe. Men who stayed on treatment for a year had better hair counts than those switched to placebo at six months, and long-term safety was similar to vehicle. The company plans a US application in early 2027 and a European application to the EMA.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News)
  17. Cosmetic · Medical

    Scottish Parliament passes law regulating non-surgical cosmetic procedures

    MSPs voted on 17 March 2026 to pass the Non-surgical Procedures and Functions of Medical Reviewers (Scotland) Bill. Covered treatments, including toxin, fillers, microneedling, some chemical peels and laser treatments, will be banned for under-18s and restricted to premises registered with Healthcare Improvement Scotland under oversight from a GMC, NMC, GDC or GPhC registrant. The main requirements are expected to apply from September 2027.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Aesthetics Journal
  18. Medical · Clinical

    MHRA approves deuruxolitinib for severe alopecia areata in adults

    The MHRA has approved deuruxolitinib (Leqselvi), an oral JAK inhibitor, for adults with severe alopecia areata. Approval was based on the THRIVE-AA1 and THRIVE-AA2 phase 3 trials, which included 1,223 patients with at least 50% scalp hair loss. At the time of approval a NICE appraisal was still pending.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Hospital Healthcare Europe
  19. Cosmetic

    NHBF sets out hair and beauty sector position on Scotland's non-surgical bill

    The National Hair & Beauty Federation said it supports consumer safety regulation but wants standards based on demonstrated competence rather than professional titles alone. It described the bill's two-tier model, with higher-risk procedures under healthcare oversight and lower-risk procedures licensed by local authorities. The federation called for fair supervision models and transitional support for legitimate businesses.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: National Hair & Beauty Federation
  20. Cosmetic · Medical

    Calls grow in Ireland to regulate who can inject dermal fillers

    The Irish College of Aesthetic Medicine has warned that Irish law does not define who is appropriately trained to administer dermal fillers, which can be bought online and injected without qualifications. The programme for government commits to examining filler administration, with a Health Research Board review expected in the first half of 2026 before the Department of Health considers options.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: The Irish Times
  21. Cosmetic

    New limits on oxybenzone in cosmetics take effect in Great Britain

    Revised concentration limits for the UV filter oxybenzone (benzophenone-3) in cosmetic products came into force in Great Britain on 21 January 2026, following scientific advice on potential health risks. Most product types other than general skin, face, hand and lip products, which would include hair products, are limited to 0.5%. Products placed on the market before that date may be sold until 21 July 2026.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: legislation.gov.uk
  22. Clinical · Medical

    Dr Sharon Wong appointed President of the Institute of Trichologists

    The Institute of Trichologists has appointed Dr Sharon Wong as its President. She succeeds Professor Andrew Messenger, who stepped down after 17 years in the role. The Institute said the appointment reflects a commitment to closer working between hair, health and medical professions.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: The Institute of Trichologists
  23. Cosmetic

    FDA misses another deadline on formaldehyde ban in hair straighteners

    The US FDA did not meet its 31 December 2025 target to propose a rule banning formaldehyde and related chemicals in hair-straightening products, after several earlier delays. The agency said the rule remained a priority. The concern centres on cancer risk and on disproportionate exposure among Black women.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: CNN
  24. Cosmetic · Medical

    Review links some hair-straightening treatments to acute kidney injury

    A systematic review in the World Journal of Nephrology examined 36 episodes of acute kidney injury in 34 women after hair-straightening treatments. Many involved products marketed as formaldehyde-free, several containing glyoxylic acid, and most kidney biopsies showed calcium oxalate crystals. All patients recovered, most without dialysis.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: World Journal of Nephrology (via PMC)
  25. Medical · Clinical

    Topical clascoterone meets main goals in two phase 3 hair-loss trials

    Cosmo Pharmaceuticals announced that clascoterone 5% solution, a topical androgen receptor inhibitor, improved target-area hair counts compared with vehicle in both SCALP 1 and SCALP 2. Side effects were similar to vehicle. If approved, it would be the first new mechanism for androgenetic alopecia in more than 30 years.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Dermatology Times
  26. Cosmetic · Medical

    US cohort study links chemical straightener use with some non-reproductive cancers

    An analysis of more than 46,000 women in the US Sister Study, published in the Journal of the National Cancer Institute, found that recent use of chemical hair straighteners was associated with higher rates of pancreatic and thyroid cancer. The authors noted limits, including exposure measured only at baseline and no information on specific product ingredients.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Dermatology Times
  27. Medical · Clinical

    BAD publishes 2025 update of its alopecia areata living guideline

    The British Association of Dermatologists' living guideline for alopecia areata has been updated in the British Journal of Dermatology, with evidence reviewed up to July 2025. The update adds recommendations on diagnostic testing, stopping JAK inhibitors and patient safety, and amends eleven existing ones. The development group included a GP, a psychologist and patient representatives.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: British Journal of Dermatology
  28. Clinical · Cosmetic

    Study finds scalp microbiome differs by dandruff severity and sex

    Researchers from Unilever R&D compared the scalp microbiome of 112 adults and found that more severe dandruff was associated with less Cutibacterium acnes and more Staphylococcus capitis, Corynebacterium and Malassezia restricta. Men showed a profile resembling severe dandruff even at lower clinical severity. The work was published as a British Journal of Dermatology supplement and was industry-funded.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: British Journal of Dermatology
  29. Cosmetic

    Methyl salicylate limits for cosmetics, including hair products, come into force

    New Great Britain limits on methyl salicylate in cosmetic products took effect on 30 September 2025. For hair products the maximum is 0.06% in non-spray products and 0.009% in sprays and aerosols. Products already on the market could be sold until 31 March 2026.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: legislation.gov.uk
  30. Cosmetic · Medical

    MHRA investigates illegal Botox after botulism cases in England

    The MHRA's Criminal Enforcement Unit opened investigations after 41 confirmed botulism cases were reported in England between June and August 2025. Unlicensed toxin had been given in homes, hair salons and by mobile services, often by untrained people. More than 4,700 vials of unlicensed botulinum toxin have been seized since May 2023.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: GOV.UK (MHRA)
  31. Clinical · Cosmetic · Medical

    Meta-analyses reach mixed conclusions on adding low-level laser to minoxidil

    A meta-analysis of seven randomised trials in Lasers in Medical Science found that low-level laser therapy combined with topical minoxidil gave modest gains in hair density and diameter over minoxidil alone, with similar side effects. A smaller January 2025 meta-analysis of four trials in the Journal of Dermatological Treatment found no significant difference. The evidence base remains small and varied.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Lasers in Medical Science
  32. Cosmetic · Medical

    Government sets out licensing plans for non-surgical cosmetic procedures in England

    The UK government announced that the highest-risk procedures, such as non-surgical Brazilian butt lifts, will be limited to qualified healthcare professionals in CQC-registered settings. Botox and fillers will fall under a local authority licensing scheme with training, safety and insurance standards, and the government intends to restrict high-risk procedures for under-18s. A further public consultation was promised for early 2026.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: GOV.UK (DHSC)
  33. Clinical

    Institute of Trichologists register accredited by the Professional Standards Authority

    The Institute of Trichologists has been accredited under the Professional Standards Authority's Accredited Registers programme. Registrants who meet its standards can now use the Accredited Register Quality Mark. Accreditation covers governance, standards, education and complaints handling, but does not mean the PSA endorses particular treatments.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: The Institute of Trichologists
  34. Medical · Clinical

    ASA rules against online clinic's Google ad for oral minoxidil

    The ASA upheld a complaint about a Google ad from Menwell Ltd, trading as Manual, promoting oral minoxidil with a monthly price. Oral minoxidil is a prescription-only medicine licensed in the UK only for some types of high blood pressure, so it cannot be advertised to the public.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: Advertising Standards Authority
  35. Medical · Clinical · Cosmetic

    ISHRS census reports younger patients and more black-market hair transplant repairs

    The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery's 2025 census found that most first-time surgical patients were aged 20 to 35 and that female surgical patients rose by 16.5% between 2021 and 2024. Some 59% of members said illicit hair transplant clinics operate in their cities, and repairs of black-market procedures averaged 10% of cases.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery
  36. Medical · Clinical

    EMA confirms suicidal thoughts as a side effect of finasteride

    The European Medicines Agency's safety committee confirmed suicidal ideation as a side effect of finasteride tablets, with most reports involving the 1 mg dose used for hair loss. A patient card will be added to 1 mg packs and product information updated on mood changes and sexual dysfunction. The agency concluded that benefits continue to outweigh risks.

    Why it matters for your practice: membersSource: European Medicines Agency