EP 1269
1269. Hair Growth Expert: Scientists Discover A Secret Peptide That Reverses Balding | Carolina Reis Oliveira
In this episode of The Human Upgrade, Dave Asprey sits down with Carolina Reis Oliveira, longevity scientist and co-founder of OneSkin, to unpack a powerful new discovery in the world of hair loss: senescent cells.
If you’ve been told your thinning hair is just genetics or age, this conversation challenges that belief at the cellular level. Carolina shares how “zombie cells” in the scalp sabotage follicle function—and how OneSkin’s OS-01 peptide is clinically reversing hair thinning and density loss in both men and women.
Together, they explore the real biology of hair aging, from hormone shifts and stress to microbiome disruption and inflammation—and reveal the multi-pronged strategy to finally take back control of your scalp health.
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In this Episode of The Human Upgrade™...
If your hair is thinning, shedding, or simply not what it used to be—and nothing seems to work—this episode is for you. Because what if the story you’ve been told about balding… is wrong?
For decades, hair loss has felt like fate: genetic, inevitable, untouchable. But science is catching up to something deeper—something root-level. What if the real culprit behind age-related hair loss is cellular dysfunction? And what if we could change that?
In this episode, Dave Asprey uncovers the cellular biology of hair thinning with longevity researcher Carolina Reis Oliveira. You’ll learn how senescent cells (aka zombie cells) hijack your scalp, disrupt follicle function, and silently accelerate hair loss—and how a breakthrough peptide might stop it cold.
Carolina reveals brand-new clinical research on OS-01, a molecule shown to increase hair density by 40% in just 6 months. But this isn’t a product pitch—it’s a paradigm shift. Together, they explore the hidden drivers of hair aging, from hormone shifts and stress cascades to microbiome imbalances and inflammation, plus the real science behind what can actually regrow hair.
What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
- How “zombie cells” (senescent cells) sabotage your hair from the inside out
- The science behind the OS-01 peptide and how it reverses visible hair thinning
- Why thinning hair isn’t just genetic—and what else is driving it
- How stress, hormones, and aging collide to trigger follicle dysfunction
- What your scalp microbiome has to do with regrowth and hair density
- How to stack red light, peptides, and topicals for real, measurable results
***Visit oneskin.co/DAVE and use code DAVE for and additional 15% off.***
“After six months, 86% of participants saw a 40% increase in hair density and over 80% saw a 32% improvement in thickness. These are real numbers from real people.”
Carolina Reis Oliveira
- 00:00— Trailer
A glimpse into the future of hair science and why this episode matters.
- 01:52— Intro
Dave sets the stage for a deep dive into hair loss, aging, and biohacking solutions.
- 02:59— Is Aging Optional for Your Scalp?
Carolina explains how scalp aging can be slowed—and sometimes reversed.
- 04:03— Understanding Scalp and Hair Aging
How the scalp mirrors facial skin aging and why it needs similar care.
- 05:06— The Role of Senescent Cells in Hair Loss
Zombie cells aren’t just in your skin—they’re actively disrupting your hair cycle.
- 07:25— Hormonal Influences on Hair Health
How estrogen, testosterone, and DHT shape hair density across genders and life stages.
- 16:10— Peptide Solutions for Hair Thinning
Introduction to OS-01 and its unique mechanism for targeting cellular aging.
- 18:05— Clinical Studies and Results
What happened when participants used the OS-01 peptide for six months.
- 20:29— Future of Hair Loss Treatments
What stem cells, red light, and gene therapy might mean for baldness in the next decade.
- 30:16— Nutritional and Lifestyle Factors
The critical role of protein, minerals, and stress in maintaining healthy hair.
- 36:40— Addressing Senescent Cells and Hair Growth
How eliminating zombie cells restores hair follicles to a youthful state.
- 37:29— Minoxidil: Oral vs. Topical Use
Dave and Carolina compare minoxidil delivery methods and potential side effects.
- 39:32— Personal Experience with Hair Products
Dave shares his own journey through hair loss, testosterone, and recovery.
- 40:25— Combining Therapies for Hair Growth
How stacking peptides, red light, and other treatments may yield dramatic results.
- 46:06— Nutritional Factors in Hair Health
Carolina highlights the link between deficiencies (like zinc or iron) and hair thinning.
- 52:20— Sun Exposure and Hair Health
Why too much UV can damage your scalp—and how to get it right.
- 56:40— Coffee and Hair Growth
Can caffeine support your follicles? Dave explains what the research says.
- 01:00:01— Launching the New Hair Product
Why OneSkin’s latest product could redefine how we fight age-related hair loss.
Resources:
- Dave Asprey’s New Book – Heavily Meditated: https://daveasprey.com/heavily-meditated/
- OneSkin Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/oneskin.co/
- OneSkin Website: https://www.oneskin.co/
- 2025 Biohacking Conference: https://biohackingconference.com/2025
- Danger Coffee: https://dangercoffee.com
- Dave Asprey’s Website: https://daveasprey.com
- Dave Asprey’s Linktree: https://linktr.ee/daveasprey
- Upgrade Collective – Join The Human Upgrade Podcast Live: https://www.ourupgradecollective.com
- Own an Upgrade Labs: https://ownanupgradelabs.com
- Upgrade Labs: https://upgradelabs.com
- 40 Years of Zen – Neurofeedback Training for Advanced Cognitive Enhancement: https://40yearsofzen.com
Enjoy the show!
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