System and method for preventing alopecia

Abstract

Traction alopecia and other disorders related to mechanical pulling on hair are treated or prevented by administering a topical composition comprising an alpha-1 adrenergic receptor agonist, a muscarinic receptor agonist, a nicotinic receptor agonist, and/or a cholinesterase inhibitor, or electrical stimulation to contract the arrector pili muscle. Compositions and methods are disclosed herein for the treatment and prevention of hair loss disorders caused at least in part by repeated application of tensile force to hair, including, without limitation, traction alopecia.

1 . A method for treatment or prevention of traction alopecia comprising applying a pilomotor effective amount of an active agent selected from the group consisting of muscarinic receptor agonists, nicotinic receptor agonists, and cholinesterase inhibitors topically to a portion of skin on the head that includes at least one hair follicle. 
     
     
         2 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the at least one hair follicle is under tension. 
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the portion of skin is at risk for developing traction alopecia. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the active agent is selected from the group consisting of agonists of muscarinic M 2 -type receptors, agonists of muscarinic M 3 -type receptors, agonists of a N N -type receptor, agonists of a N M -type receptor, and cholinesterase inhibitors. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 1 , wherein the active agent is a muscarinic receptor agonist. 
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 1 , further comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agonist of an alpha 1 adrenergic receptor topically to the portion of skin on the head. 
     
     
         7 . A method of reducing hair shedding during brushing, combing or showering, the method comprising applying a pilomotor effective amount of an active agent selected from the group consisting of muscarinic receptor agonists, nicotinic receptor agonists, and cholinesterase inhibitors topically to a portion of skin on the head that includes at least one hair follicle. 
     
     
         8 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the composition is applied to the skin prior to the brushing or combing. 
     
     
         9 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the at least one hair follicle is under tension. 
     
     
         10 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the active agent is selected from the group consisting of agonists of muscarinic M 2 -type receptors, agonists of muscarinic M 3 -type receptors, agonists of a N N -type receptor, agonists of a N M -type receptor, and cholinesterase inhibitors. 
     
     
         11 . The method of  claim 7 , wherein the composition comprises a muscarinic acetylcholine receptor agonist. 
     
     
         12 . The method of  claim 7 , further comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agonist of an alpha 1 adrenergic receptor topically to the portion of skin on the head. 
     
     
         13 . A method for increasing epilatory force of the hair, the method comprising applying a pilomotor effective amount of an active agent selected from the group consisting of muscarinic receptor agonists, nicotinic receptor agonists, and cholinesterase inhibitors topically to a portion of skin on the head of a person that includes at least one hair follicle. 
     
     
         14 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein before, during or after the active agent is applied, the person undergoes a cosmetic procedure to the hair selected from the group consisting of braiding, flat ironing, attaching a hair weave, attaching a hair extension, or tying the hair back in a ponytail. 
     
     
         15 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the active agent is selected from the group consisting of agonists of muscarinic M 2-type  receptors, agonists of muscarinic M 3 -type receptors, agonists of a N N -type receptor, agonists of a N M -type receptor, and cholinesterase inhibitors. 
     
     
         16 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the active agent is a muscarinic receptor agonist. 
     
     
         17 . The method of  claim 13 , further comprising administering a therapeutically effective amount of an agonist of an alpha 1 adrenergic receptor topically to the portion of skin on the head. 
     
     
         18 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the active agent is applied to the portion of the skin once daily. 
     
     
         19 . The method of  claim 13 , wherein the composition is applied to the portion of the skin twice daily. 
     
     
         20 . A method for prevention of traction alopecia comprising:
 applying a composition comprising a pilomoter effective amount of an active agent selected from the group consisting of muscarinic receptor agonists, nicotinic receptor agonists, and cholinesterase inhibitors to the scalp to an area with a group of follicles that will experience a pulling force from a hair augmentation device; and attaching the hair augmentation device to the group of follicles.