Breakthrough Study Uncovers Surprising Method to Prevent Unwanted Hair Growth
Scientists Discover Sweet Solution to Unwanted Hair Growth
By Xantha Leatham, Deputy Science Editor | Published: 00:01 GMT, 18 March 2025
Tired of shaving or waxing? A groundbreaking discovery might soon make these routines obsolete. Researchers have found that a common food additive, rebaudioside A—a natural sweetener similar to stevia—can suppress hair growth by activating “bitter taste receptors” in hair follicles. The study, published in the British Journal of Dermatology, hints at a potential revolution in hair removal.
Stock image of traditional hair removal tools.
How It Works
Taste receptors, typically linked to flavor detection in the mouth, exist throughout the body and regulate functions like metabolism and immunity. The study revealed that human scalp follicles contain a bitter taste receptor called TAS2R4. When stimulated by rebaudioside A, this receptor triggers signals that slow cell division in hair follicles and produce proteins that halt growth.
Lead author Professor Ralf Paus of the University of Miami explained: “Taste receptors crop up in unexpected places. Activating them in hair follicles could control growth—this might be the bitter-sweet end of unwanted hair.”
Promising Lab Results
Tests on donated human scalp samples showed rebaudioside A effectively inhibited hair growth in both male and female follicles. Professor John McGrath, Editor-in-Chief of the journal, noted the irony: “A sweetener activating bitter receptors to stop hair growth isn’t what I expected, but it opens doors for new treatments.”
Microscopic view of hair follicles responding to treatment.
Future Applications
Current hair removal options on the NHS are limited, and private treatments can be costly with inconsistent results. While more research is needed, this discovery could lead to topical solutions that disrupt hair cycles, promoting follicle apoptosis (cell death) to prevent regrowth.
The Takeaway
Though not yet ready for consumers, this study offers hope for a painless, long-term hair removal method. As McGrath put it: “This could transform how we tackle unwanted hair—no more razors or wax.”
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Images: Suggested placements for stock photos of hair removal tools and follicle research.
