Mouse models for the study of human hair loss

This article provides an overview of the advantages and disadvantages of laboratory mice as models for studying hair biology. Comparisons are provided of normal skin and hair between the two species as well as an overview of models for hirsutism, hair cycle, inflammatory and noninflammatory nonscarring alopecia, scarring alopecia without inflammation, and scarring alopecia with inflammation. Examples are provided to illustrate how skin and bone marrow grafting techniques can be used to address fundamental dermatologic questions.