Mechanisms and clinical progress of adipose-derived stem cells and their derivatives in the treatment of hair loss

• ADSCs and their derivatives, particularly exosomes, show significant potential to stimulate hair regeneration by promoting hair follicle growth and prolonging the anagen phase. • Pre-treatment strategies, such as hypoxic conditioning and 3D culture, can enhance the regenerative capacity of ADSCs, improving their therapeutic efficacy for alopecia. • Clinical evidence supports the safety and feasibility of ADSC-based therapies for androgenetic alopecia, offering a promising alternative for patients unresponsive to conventional treatments. • Challenges such as standardization of protocols, long-term efficacy, and regulatory hurdles must be addressed to translate ADSC therapies into routine clinical practice.