Podcast Summary

Podcast: The Human Upgrade: Biohacking for Longevity & Performance
Host: Dave Asprey
Episode: Longevity Scientists Discover a Breakthrough Peptide That Reverses Hair Loss | Carolina Reis Oliveira : 1269
Date: April 11, 2025
Guest: Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira, Stem Cell Biologist, PhD in Immunology

Overview:

This episode explores a paradigm-shifting breakthrough in hair loss treatment: a longevity-inspired peptide, OS1, that Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira's team developed and clinically tested for reversing hair thinning and loss. Dave and Dr. Oliveira dig into the biology of scalp aging, the role of senescent (zombie) cells in hair follicles, hormone imbalances, the effectiveness and risks of current treatments, and what the future holds for hair regrowth through biohacking.

Key Discussion Points:

The Biology of Scalp Aging and Hair Loss

• Structure of Scalp vs. Facial Skin:

  • Both share similar structures; hair follicles are embedded in the epidermal layer ([00:00], [04:16]).
  • Aging and senescence (accumulated "zombie" cells) affect scalp and facial skin similarly ([04:16]).

• Senescent Cells and Inflammation:

  • Senescent cells build up in the scalp, releasing inflammatory signals that disrupt hair growth ([04:16], [06:35]).
  • Their presence is linked to various types of hair loss: age-related thinning, stress-induced loss, and even genetic male pattern baldness ([06:39]).

Causes of Hair Loss:

• Genetic Hormonal Drivers:

  • Most common is male pattern baldness, tied to dihydrotestosterone (DHT), which shrinks hair follicles ([06:39]).
  • Women see hair loss in response to estrogen/progesterone fluctuations (postpartum, menopause); both cause a shift of hair follicles from the growing (anagen) to the shedding (telogen) phase ([08:11], [10:03]).
  • Stress-related hormones can also induce senescence and thus hair loss ([06:39]).

• Other Contributing Factors:

  • Mitochondrial dysfunction, poor circulation, “bad” scalp bacteria, nutritional deficiencies (protein, iron, vitamin D, omega-3s, copper, zinc), and poor scalp microbiome health ([28:55], [31:16], [43:22], [46:07]).

Reversibility and Preventability of Hair Loss

• Aging Is Not Destined:
  • Some hair conditions are genetic and harder to reverse, but many are preventable or reversible—especially when treated early ([02:50], [02:57], [03:55]).
  • Approach the scalp like facial skin, with a prevention and anti-aging framework ([02:57], [04:16]).

Current and Experimental Treatments

• Conventional Drugs:

  • Finasteride/dutasteride (block DHT)—risk of serious side effects, especially sexual (erectile dysfunction, loss of libido) ([12:54], [13:42]).
  • Minoxidil (promotes circulation)—side effects, especially if used systemically ([27:55], [36:14]).

• Longevity Peptide OS1:

  • Mechanism: enhances DNA repair, reduces inflammation, shuts off and prevents new senescent cells ([14:52]).
  • Topical application developed specifically for scalp, non-greasy, tested for compatibility with hair, not just skin ([05:34], [22:32]).
  • Clinical results:
    • 40% average increase in hair density after 6 months;
    • 42% increase in hair thickness ([14:52], [23:54], [24:13]).
    • Works for both men and women, seemingly more effective at early/intermediate stages of thinning ([14:52], [33:28]).
    • No notable side effects reported ([25:32]).
  • Can be stacked with other topicals (minoxidil, caffeine serums), as well as red light therapy ([25:16], [25:41]).

Nutritional & Lifestyle Considerations

• Protein Intake:
  • Essential for keratin and hair structure; animal protein is superior ([47:08], [28:55]).
• Micronutrients:
  • Vitamin D, biotin, iron, omega-3s, copper, and zinc all support healthy growth ([28:55], [46:07]).
• Scalp Microbiome:
  • OS1 formula includes a prebiotic shown to rebalance beneficial bacteria after 6 months ([31:16]).
• Sun Exposure:
  • Limited sun can be beneficial for scalp health (vitamin D, collagen), but excessive sun leads to inflammation and senescence in follicles ([49:24], [51:03]).
• Avoiding Harsh Chemicals:
  • Hair dyes and bleaching agents can damage the scalp and follicles, especially when applied directly ([53:01]).

Stacking Therapies: The Biohacker’s Approach

• Combining multiple supportive actions (nutrition, topicals, light therapy, pharmaceuticals) is recommended for maximizing results ([38:12], [38:39], [38:11]).
• Clinical testing for OS1 alone showed strong effects, but stacking is practical in real-world use (“it takes multiple ingredients to get results” – Dave Asprey, [38:12]).

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Reversibility of Scalp Aging:

  • “In many ways, aging is reversible for our scalp as it is reversible for the rest of our body... it is possible to reverse some of those conditions in many cases. Um, so, short answer. Yes.”
    — Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira ([02:57])

• On Drug Side Effects:

  • “Being probably permanently chemically neutered because of a hair loss drug seems like a really poor risk. I’d rather be bald and have libido than have nice hair, but no libido to even take advantage of my nice hair.”
    — Dave Asprey ([13:42])

• On OS1 Clinical Results:

  • “After six months, we saw over 86% of the participants increasing on average 40% on hair density... over 80% increasing on average of 42% hair thickness.”
    — Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira ([14:52], [23:54])

• On Stacking Therapies:

  • “If you wanted to bake bread, you’re gonna have to have water, yeast, flour, the right temperature, the right time. It takes multiple ingredients to get results. And so I would do exactly that.”
    — Dave Asprey ([38:12])

• On the Clinical Study Group:

  • “30 for the group... twenty-three female and seven male in this group.” — Dr. Oliveira clarifying the trial size ([42:07])

• On Nutritional Prioritization:

  • “Who cares if you take all the expensive stuff if you don’t have the right minerals and fat solubles, it doesn’t work.”
    — Dave Asprey ([46:10])

• On Scalp Microbiome Impacts:

  • “Overall, we saw that our product, and one of the ingredients of our product is a prebiotic that not only helps with, you know, the balance of your scalp microbiome, but also helps with hydration and nurture your scalp.”
    — Dr. Carolina Reis Oliveira ([31:16])

Timestamps for Key Topics

• Scalp Skin Biology & Senescent Cells: [00:00]-[06:35]
• Types & Causes of Hair Loss: [06:35]-[12:35]
• Estrogen, DHT, and Hormonal Impacts: [10:00]-[13:42]
• Drug Risks & Dave’s Experience: [13:42]-[14:52]
• Discovery & Science of OS1 Peptide: [14:52]-[18:19]
• Clinical Trial Results & Usage Protocol: [22:32]-[24:51]
• Nutritional, Microbiome, and Stacking Interventions: [28:31]-[38:11]
• Questions on Eyebrow/Beard/Eyelash Application: [44:00]-[45:16]
• Sun, Chemicals, Hair Dye, and Scalp Health: [49:24]-[53:44]
• Coffee/Caffeine & Blood Flow to Scalp: [53:51]-[56:52]
• Recap and Future of Baldness: [40:13]-[41:49]

Useful Insights for Listeners

• Hair loss is not just genetic or hormonal—cellular aging, inflammation, nutrition, and scalp microbiome health all play crucial roles.
• Targeting senescent cells directly at the follicle level with new peptides like OS1 offers a side-effect-free, proactive path to both reversing and preventing age-related hair loss.
• Stacking interventions—nutrition, bioidentical hormones, light therapy, prebiotics, and scalp-friendly topicals—yield the best outcomes.
• Early intervention delivers greater improvements, but even advanced-stage thinning can see meaningful results.
• Stay skeptical of harsh chemical interventions, prioritize whole-body health, and see a dermatologist to assess your unique pattern and cause of hair loss.
• A new era of hair loss treatment is emerging, with strong clinical evidence, rigorous science, and rapidly advancing technology paving the way.

Tone & Language

The episode is both scientific and accessible, with Dave’s signature candid, playful biohacker edge. Dr. Oliveira provides clear, evidence-driven explanations, keeping the science approachable. Both emphasize transparency, safety, and a holistic perspective on biohacking for hair health.

For listeners eager to try the new approach:
Six-month OS1 protocol, backed by clinical trials, promises ~40% gains in hair density for most users—men and women—especially when paired with strong nutritional foundations and supportive therapies.