Dimethylpolysiloxane and the Truth Behind Hair Growth Fads

If you have watched or read the news lately you probably saw some headlines that read "McDonald's French Fries Cure Hair Loss!" While the headline is for sure attention grabbing (and endorphin inducing if you’re a fry lover), it’s not exactly the full story. Let’s take a look at the real science behind dimethylpolysiloxane, its connection to hair research, and why McDonald’s french fries are stealing the show.

The Dimethylpolysiloxane Study that Started it All

There was a recent study conducted in Japan where a research team was able to regrow hair on mice by creating something called hair follicle germs, which are essentially the foundation of hair follicles. When they seeded them into the mouse’s body, something amazing happened. They saw new hair growth.

Here’s where things get interesting. The research showed that it was dimethylpolysiloxane, a silicone compound commonly used in food, that created the right conditions for growth. This same compound is used in, you guessed it, the oil McDonald’s uses for cooking their fries.

But before you go running to grab yourself a large order of those salty sticks with the golden glow, it's important to know that dimethylpolysiloxane is not the magic ingredient for hair growth.

Clearing Up the McDonald's Fries Myth

Now that the sting of miracle french fries has passed, you may be wondering, “But what about the fries?” As we mentioned before dimethylpolysiloxane (or PDMS) is the silicone compound McDonald’s uses in its french fries to prevent the oil from foaming.

In order to produce the hair follicle germs in a lab, the research team needed oxygen-permeable dimethylpolysiloxane (PDMS) at the bottom of the culture vessel. So, while it is true that this ingredient in McDonald’s french fries was used in a successful hair loss study, it wasn’t the magic sauce that led to hair growth.

What Does This Mean for Hair Loss?

There are still lots of great treatments available for hair loss, and loads of committed doctors wanting to bring solutions. Practices, like Medi Tresse, offer a full range of hair loss solutions alongside the know-how to get you back the hair you deserve. Even if eating french fries is not on that menu.

The Real Deal About Dimethylpolysiloxane and Hair

While dimethylpolysiloxane is an interesting ingredient in the lab, sadly, it’s not the fix-all solution for hair growth. The big win here is that science is advancing. And with innovators actively looking to help us tackle hair loss, who knows what the future will bring?

In the meantime, if you're experiencing hair loss we’d love to help! Reach out to our Medi Tresse team today at a location near you to see what options are available now, with or without a side of fries.