If you’re looking to boost longevity, an optimal hair care routine is something you’ll want to know about.
As part of a mission to extend lifespan, it’s wise to include a regimen to minimize hair loss and prevent graying.
The best time to start working on your hair is before you start to lose it.
In this post, we’ll break down a full hair care routine, products, and the experimental techniques being explored today.
Let’s dive in!
Top Picks
Red Light Cap: CapillusPlus / CapillusONE
Minoxidil: Thick Head Minoxidil
Caffeine: Hair Growth Serum
Biotin: Trio Nutrition Biotin
Ginkgo Biloba: Ginkgo Biloba Extract
Rosemary Oil: SVA Organics
Collagen: Vital Proteins
Vitamin D3: NatureWise
Vitamin C: Nature Made
Microneedling Pen: Dr. Pen
Spotlight: Hair Care and Longevity
Bryan Johnson, founder and CEO of Kernel, OS Fund, and Brain Tree, started losing his hair in his early 30s.
Since then, he has implemented an intensive hair care protocol to maintain his hair and attempt regrowth.
Johnson’s multi-faceted hair regimen includes custom topical treatments containing minoxidil and finasteride, platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections with dutasteride, red light laser therapy, oral supplements, and more.
He believes in taking a proactive approach to combat hair loss rather than waiting until more damage has accumulated.
Related: Skincare and Longevity: Complete Guide
Bryan Johnson Hair Loss Protocol
Johnson uses a custom topical formulation that he applies each evening before bed.
This formulation contains evidence-based ingredients for treating male pattern baldness and promoting hair growth.
Bryan Johnson’s Custom Topical Hair Formula Ingredients
Johnson uses a custom blend that he gets made at a compounding formula of the following ingredients in his evening topical treatment.
His custom topical formula isn’t available for purchase yet, so we broke down each component.
Bryan has said the most important ingredient is minoxidil, which is widely available from various brands.
Minoxidil 5%
This vasodilator medication is clinically proven to help regrow hair in some cases of male pattern baldness.
Minoxidil likely works by increasing blood flow and nutrients to hair follicles.
There are tons of products on the market. They all have the same compound, so there’s no need to overspend here.
Finasteride 0.25%
Applied topically at this dose, finasteride helps reduce DHT levels in the scalp, a hormone linked to male pattern hair loss.
This one generally requires a prescription.
Preliminary research suggests the potential for Lion’s Mane for hair loss based on its effects on DHT.
Caffeine 1%
Caffeine may support hair growth by blocking the effects of DHT when applied to the scalp.
Azelaic Acid 1.5%
This ingredient has anti-inflammatory, anti-androgenic, and antioxidant effects. It may help with dandruff and hair loss.
Diclofenac 0.5%
This NSAID medication may stimulate hair growth and prevent hair follicle miniaturization when applied topically.
Tea Tree Oil 5%
Tea tree oil has antimicrobial effects that can help combat inflammation and dandruff.
Rosemary Oil 0.37%
Rosemary oil may increase circulation in the scalp to encourage hair growth.
Ginkgo Biloba 0.05%
Ginkgo biloba is an antioxidant that may boost hair growth by improving microcirculation.
Biotin 0.01%
Biotin supports keratin infrastructure of hair and nails. It may strengthen hair.
Hair products with Biotin often contain other compounds, such as Minoxidol.
Biotin is also available in capsule form if you prefer to consume it that way, too!
Melatonin 0.0033%
This hormone supplement may have hair growth benefits related to its antioxidant effects.
By using a combination approach, you can maximize topical treatment benefits.
However, individual results will vary.
While this exact formula isn’t available for purchase, it’s possible to pick and choose from this list to build your own solution.
Related: Caffeine for Longevity: Tea, Coffee, and Recommendation
Red Light Laser Cap Routine
Johnson uses a red light laser cap for 6 minutes each morning.
Red light laser caps may help improve hair growth by enhancing cellular energy production in the follicles.
Bryan puts his red laser hat on in the morning while he goes about his routine.
Like many biohackers, he mentions using a Capillus.
Every day, it’s advisable to use the cap for five minutes.
However, the pro version of this product is currently listed at around $3,000.
We did a deep dive into red light therapy devices and found some more accessible-priced alternatives below.
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Performance Pick
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Alternative
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N/A
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$1,099.00
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Related: Best Hair Growth Helmets For Thicker And Healthier Hair
Gray Hair Treatment for Longevity
Many individuals start going gray when they are in their late 20s.
For some, coloring is an option, but biohackers like Bryan deny using coloring on his hair over the past year, while he did dye his hair sometimes in his 30s.
Recommended Gray Treatment Products
According to lab tests, Bryan’s team has confirmed this treatment is coloring his hair beneath his scalp.
Bryan uses a product called GR7 on his scalp 3 to 4 times per week.
Next, Bryan uses Mayraki, an herbal extract that includes natural coloring, once or twice weekly.
PRP and Dutasteride Injections
Once a month or every three months, Johnson gets platelet-rich plasma (PRP) injections.
PRP contains a high concentration of growth factors from his own blood.
Research indicates PRP injections may stimulate hair growth in some cases of androgenetic alopecia.
Johnson also takes dutasteride.
This blocks DHT similarly to finasteride. The addition of dutasteride likely enhances the hair growth effects of PRP therapy.
He may also receive standalone dutasteride mesotherapy injections between PRP treatments.
Microneedling for Hair Regrowth
Bryan says he and his team have not been consistent with a microneedling protocol.
It ended up being pushed out due to the high number of other hair care interventions that Bryan was pursuing.
On top of the PRP injections, Bryan and his team were worried it was causing too much trauma to his scalp.
However, Bryan still sometimes pairs microneedling with his topical formula.
- Bestselling microneedling pen
- Affordable at-home treatment
- Includes 6 replacement cartridges
Supplements for Hair Health
You can also take oral supplements containing ingredients that may support hair growth and quality.
Collagen
Some research indicates that collagen supplements may support hair thickness and growth.
Collagen contains amino acids like glycine and proline that make up keratin, a structural protein for hair.
One study found that collagen peptides increased hair growth and density in women with age-related thinning.
Vitamin D
Vitamin D plays several roles in regulating the hair growth cycle and follicle function.
Vitamin D deficiency has been linked to hair loss conditions like alopecia areata.
- Associated with reduced risk of cognitive decline
- Enhance brain blood flow and neurotransmission
- Potential mood elevation if deficient
Vitamin D from the diet or supplements may help maintain healthy hair follicles and prevent shedding.
Antioxidants
Antioxidants help counter oxidative stress, which can damage hair follicles and cause deterioration.
Taking supplements with antioxidant compounds like vitamin E, vitamin C, and selenium may support hair health.
- Protects brain cells from oxidative stress and damage
- Synthesizes neurotransmitters like norepinephrine
- May aid in improving mental clarity
However, more research is needed on their efficacy for treating hair loss.
While oral supplements may provide general hair health benefits, they aren’t proven treatments for genetic hair loss conditions.
Philosophy on Hair Loss Prevention
Taking preventative measures rather than waiting for hair loss to progress further.
Using a combination of proven and experimental treatments, you can aim to maintain your still-have hair and potentially regrow lost hair.
While some intensive protocols are time-consuming, you can build the treatments into his daily and monthly routines as habits.
“If you’re in your early 20’s or mid 20’s, it’s a good time to get started.”
This makes maintenance more sustainable in the long term.
However, he acknowledges his regimen may seem overwhelming to start.
Related: Bryan Johnson Air Purifier: Recommendations and Rationale
FAQ
Does Bryan Johnson use hair dye?
No, Johnson stopped dyeing his hair in 2023. He uses an herbal extract that may help reverse graying, but results have been mixed so far.
What is in Johnson’s custom topical formulation?
His proprietary blend contains minoxidil, finasteride, caffeine, rosemary oil, biotin, and other ingredients. The full formula is available earlier in this post.
How often does Johnson get PRP injections?
He receives PRP injections and dutasteride approximately once every 1-3 months.
What laser cap does Bryan Johnson use?
Johnson uses a Capillus laser cap with 304 red light diodes for 6 minutes daily.
Does Johnson take finasteride pills?
No, he applies it topically and injects dutasteride rather than taking finasteride orally.
