text: Hair multiplication or hair cloning is a proposed technique to counter hair loss. The technology to clone hair is in its early stages, but multiple groups have demonstrated pieces of the technology at a small scale with a few in commercial development. 
  Scientists previously assumed that in the case of complete baldness, follicles are completely absent from the scalp, so they cannot be regenerated. However, it was discovered that the follicles are not entirely absent, as there are stem cells in the bald scalp from which the follicles naturally arise. The abnormal behavior of these follicles is suggested to be the result of progenitor cell deficiency in these areas. One recently discovered molecule (SCUBE3), may aid in activating these cells and regrowing hair.
  The basic idea of hair cloning is that healthy follicle cells or dermal papillae can be extracted from the subject from areas that are not bald and are not suffering hair loss. They can be multiplied (cloned) by various culturing methods and the new cells can be injected back into the bald scalp, where they would produce healthy hair. In 2015, initial trials for human hair were successful in generating new follicles, but the hairs grew in various different directions, giving an unnatural look. Scientists believe they may have solved this problem by using nearly microscopic 3D-printed shafts to assist follicles growing upward through the scalp. This technique however is still in the research phase and is not available for public or commercial use. 
  As of 2023, estimates for when there will be successful hair cloning for humans are around 2030-2035; recent advancements in stem cell research and follicle generation mean that balding may be solved in around 10 years.