A lab-created peptide called palmitoyl tetrapeptide-20 (PTP20) showed promise in preventing hair greying by boosting melanin production and reducing oxidative stress in hair follicles. In a small 3-month trial on 15 men with premature greying, daily application of a lotion containing PTP20 increased expression of melanin-producing proteins in plucked hairs.
Researchers tested PTP20 in lab-grown hair follicle cells, isolated human hair samples, and a clinical trial on 15 men. They measured changes in melanin production, oxidative stress markers, and protein expression related to hair pigmentation.
Funding not disclosed in abstract