I Pulled Out 50 Hairs for Science
A look at ACORN, the startup helping you store your own stem cells - starting with 50 hair.
Why I Pulled Out 50 Hairs On Purpose
I was sitting next to Harvey Spevak (Equinox’s Chairman) in a conference room getting hair carefully pulled from my head while asking rapid-fire questions about stem cells, regulation, and future use cases.
Not exactly your average Tuesday - or your average wellness check-in.
The company behind it? ACORN.
Their idea is simple: collect and store your own stem cells from hair follicles today, so you can use them for future therapies - whether that’s for skin, joints, hair, or something we haven’t even discovered yet.
Before we even got to the science, I was hooked by the aesthetic. ACORN’s branding is clean, modern, and quietly luxurious. The team walked in with a matte black kit that looked more like a product launch from a high-end tech brand than a medical service. It felt considered. Future-forward, but warm. That matters.
How it works
They take 50 hairs—more than it sounds, but it’s over fast and doesn’t hurt. The sample is processed and cryopreserved, ready to be used years - or decades - from now.
Right now, stem cell reinjection isn’t legal in the U.S., but in countries like Panama, Mexico, and the Bahamas, doctors are already using them for orthopedic recovery, facial rejuvenation, and full-body regenerative therapies. It’s early, but promising.
One current use case that’s already happening? A personalized secretome - a serum made from your own stem cells, designed for microneedling to support collagen production, skin repair, and overall skin quality. It’s an option that doesn’t require full reinjection and is available in some U.S. clinics working with ACORN.
Why I did it
Because even if we don’t know exactly how stem cell therapies will evolve, I like the idea of having access to my own younger biology - especially if I know the source.
Right now, I’m looking into using my stored cells for a skin and hair protocol. But for me, the bigger value is the storage itself. It’s a way to future-proof against aging or injury—an option I’ll be glad I have if and when the science catches up.
A few notes:
The science is still early—but real. A 2023 study in Stem Cell Research & Therapy showed stem cells from hair follicles improved wound healing and skin regeneration in mice. Human applications are under way.
It’s not just cosmetic. Stem cells could one day play a role in joint repair, cognitive decline, and disease recovery.
It’s a B2B2C model. You’ll need to go through a doctor. Price varies, but the ACORN team will guide you. DM me if you want a recommendation.
Final verdict
I received this service for free - but would absolutely pay for it. Worst case, I stored some cells I’ll never use. Best case, I’ll have access to my own regenerative tools when I need them.
Thanks to ACORN (Dave Elliot & Drew Taylor) for making the future feel more accessible - and more personal.
- In Search Of, always.
TDLR
