Sh-Polypeptide-11 for Hair Regrowth - Quick Reference Sheet
evipedia.ai
← Back

Sh-Polypeptide-11 for Hair Regrowth

Created on 08/02/2026 – Quick Reference based on Evidence Review created using AI4L / Opus 4.8 – Audit

A lab-made copy of a natural growth-signal protein, sold in premium serums for thinning hair. Animal and lab studies suggest it may nudge resting hair roots back into growing, but no human trial exists, some findings conflict, and much data comes from sellers. The fragile protein also struggles to reach the root. An early, unproven option. (Full Review)

Protocol

Application
Topical to scalp
Clean, dry scalp; left on
Frequency
Once–twice daily
Split (twice-daily) fits the short tissue half-life
Delivery
Encapsulated / microneedling
Liposomal carrier needed to reach the follicle
Time to effect
Visible change
Months, not weeks
A full hair cycle; unknown for this ingredient
Earliest response
~3 months
A meaningful hair-cycle response cannot appear sooner
Reassessment
6 months
Then every 6–12 months thereafter

Benefits

Contraindications
  • Active or suspected scalp skin cancer or precancerous lesions
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding
  • Known hypersensitivity to the ingredient or serum components
  • Active scalp infection or open wounds (until healed)
    •
Key Interactions
  • Topical minoxidil and prostaglandin analogues (latanoprost, bimatoprost)
  • Topical retinoids and exfoliating acids (tretinoin, glycolic acid)
  • Microneedling and other barrier-disrupting procedures
  • Other growth-factor or peptide serums (epidermal growth factor, copper peptides)
    •

Risk & Side Effects

  • High:
  • Medium:
  • Low: Application-site reactions
    •
  • Speculative: Theoretical stimulation of unwanted cell growth; immunogenicity to a recombinant protein; manufacturing contaminants; unknown long-term safety
    •

Monitoring

Marker Target Why
Ferritin 40–70 ng/mL Low iron stores are a common, reversible cause of shedding
Vitamin D (25-hydroxyvitamin D) 40–60 ng/mL Deficiency is associated with disrupted hair cycling
TSH 0.5–2.5 mIU/L Thyroid over- or under-activity causes diffuse hair loss
Zinc Mid-to-upper reference range Deficiency contributes to hair shedding and poor regrowth
DHEA-sulfate / total testosterone Age- and sex-appropriate mid-range Screens for a hormonal (androgen) driver a topical growth factor will not address

Cadence: Reassess at ~3 months, again at 6 months, then every 6–12 months

Qualitative Assessment

  • Daily shed count and whether visible shedding is decreasing
  • Part-width and overall density on standardized photographs
  • Perceived hair-shaft thickness and coverage in thinning areas
  • Absence of scalp irritation or adverse skin changes at the application site
Not medical advice. Educational distillation of a single evidence review. Confirm any decision with a qualified clinician, especially in the presence of prescription drugs or chronic conditions.