ISHRS prepares to showcase groundbreaking biological therapies at 33rd World Congress in Berlin
The International Society of Hair Restoration Surgery (ISHRS) is set to host its 33rd Annual World Congress in Berlin, Germany, from October 23 to 25, 2025. This prestigious event will bring together over 800 physicians and surgical assistants specialising in hair restoration, creating a vibrant forum for discussion, learning, and networking across multiple facets of the hair loss field. The venue for the event will be the InterContinental Berlin, providing a fitting backdrop for this global confluence of expertise.
The ISHRS World Congress traditionally focuses heavily on hair transplant techniques, but the 2025 program promises a broader scope of topics that delve into the latest research and advancements beyond surgery. Among the highlighted lectures are the Norwood Lecture on the “Microbiome in Hair Restoration,” the Stough Lecture providing “Updates on Topical Finasteride,” and the Advances in Hair Biology Lecture exploring the “Inheritance Pattern of Androgenetic Alopecia.” These presentations reflect the field’s expanding interest in understanding and manipulating biological and genetic factors influencing hair loss and regeneration.
Notably, the congress will feature a panel discussion on allogeneic hair transplants—also known as person-to-person hair transplants—led by the well-regarded Dr. Sara Wasserbauer, who is known for keeping abreast of cutting-edge developments. Another standout presentation will report on a pilot study from South Korea by Dr. Hyeongyeong Kim, which explores scalp cooling at subzero temperatures as a potential treatment promoting hair regrowth in androgenetic alopecia patients.
Stem cell and regenerative medicine research will also receive attention, with presentations such as Dr. Thitiwat Wirarojratchakul’s case-based study on autologous cultured dermal papilla and dermal root sheath cell injections for androgenetic alopecia. Other research in this area includes topical secretomes and the use of umbilical cord-derived mesenchymal stem cells. This focus on cell therapies underscores a growing trend in seeking biological treatments that complement or even substitute traditional surgical approaches.
Additionally, Dr. Maira Merlotto from Brazil will present a comparative study on sublingual versus oral minoxidil for male pattern hair loss, providing much-needed clinical insights into administration methods for this widely used hair growth medication. Dr. Shu Zhang from China will discuss a novel approach using botulinum toxin before follicular unit extraction (FUE), reflecting ongoing interest in combining therapies to optimise outcomes.
While these sessions highlight the event’s scientific breadth, it is notable that, for the second consecutive year, there will be no sessions dedicated to hair cloning, hair multiplication technologies, or the latest androgen receptor targeting products that have been generating buzz within the industry. Similarly, recent cosmetic product launches for hair loss will not feature prominently, possibly reflecting ongoing regulatory or research challenges in those areas.
The congress will also introduce a new program element called Masterclasses, replacing traditional focused sessions to allow deeper exploration of specific topics by two expert speakers. Pre-congress courses will be held on October 22, followed by a Live Surgery Workshop on October 26 in Potsdam, where attendees can observe real-time surgical techniques demonstrated by world-renowned experts, with opportunities for Q&A and hands-on engagement with the latest surgical devices.
To encourage wider participation, the ISHRS is offering 12 travel grants of $2,000 USD each to physician members or pending members who have not yet attended an ISHRS World Congress and demonstrate financial need, reflecting the organization's commitment to inclusivity and broader knowledge dissemination.
For those unable to attend, the ISHRS maintains active social media channels across Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, and YouTube, where updates and highlights from the congress will be shared, along with the hashtag #ISHRS2025 for real-time reports.
Altogether, the 33rd ISHRS World Congress promises to be a dynamic and comprehensive event, balancing technical surgical advancements with insightful research and innovative therapies in hair restoration, positioned to serve the needs of members and advance the entire field.