The present invention provides the basis for the development of a safe and effective treatment for hair loss. It describes the novel use of naturally occurring, actin-binding, peptides to activate hair follicles. In animal studies, topical application of such peptides increased the number of active hair follicles at least two-fold. After application three times a week, new hair growth was observed as early as on day 7, and was retained with additional applications. This invention may lead to a treatment for a condition that affects a large percentage of the population.