Breakthrough Serum Could Regrow Hair in Just 20 Days, Taiwanese Research Suggests

A potential cure for baldness may be on the horizon, according to promising new research from Taiwan University. Scientists have discovered that a serum containing fatty acids could potentially regrow hair in as little as 20 days, offering hope to millions who suffer from hair loss.

The groundbreaking study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, revealed that fat cells beneath the skin can restart hair growth through a natural biological process. The discovery came after researchers observed a curious phenomenon where skin irritation sometimes leads to thicker hair regrowth.

“You often see it after a plaster cast comes off — the skin underneath can become unexpectedly hairy,” explained study co-author Sung-Jan Lin, M.D., Ph.D., distinguished professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Taiwan University. “That phenomenon had been documented before, but no one knew why.”

Using mouse skin samples, researchers monitored changes to the subcutaneous fat tissue and hair follicles after creating small injuries to trigger specific reactions. They discovered that following skin injury, fat cells began breaking down stored fat in a process called lipolysis. This process released fatty acids into the skin, which acted as a signal for hair stem cells to activate and grow.

The research team found that when they prevented fat cells from breaking down, hair growth was inhibited. Conversely, when they applied fatty acids directly to the mice’s skin, it successfully triggered hair growth. In one experiment, mice showed visible hair regrowth within just 20 days of daily topical treatments.

Dr. Lin revealed that this line of research began in 2018 when his team noticed that fat cells beneath irritated skin rapidly shrank before hair started to regrow. “It made us wonder if those fat cells were breaking down and releasing fatty acids — essentially burning fat — to fuel the hair’s return,” he said.

The findings suggest that temporary fat inflammation triggered by skin injury creates “a short burst of energy and signals that awaken nearby stem cells to repair the tissue,” according to Lin. “We think similar mechanisms may help other fat-rich tissues heal after injury… The follicles have all the machinery to absorb fatty acids and metabolize them for energy.”

While the results are promising, medical experts caution that the research is still in its early stages. Dr. Brendan Camp, a New York-based board-certified dermatologist not involved in the study, described the findings as “notable” amid “intense interest” in hair-loss treatment research, but emphasized their preliminary nature.

“Because the experiments were not performed on human scalp skin, the results may not be applicable to people,” Camp noted. “This study is small, and more research is needed on this method as a potential treatment option for androgenetic alopecia,” the most common type of hair loss affecting both men and women.

The implications of this research extend beyond hair regrowth. Dr. Lin pointed out that understanding how tissues use or release fat could have broader medical applications. “Some cancer cells also rely on fatty acids for energy. Understanding how tissues use or release fat could help us uncover new strategies for controlling cancer growth in fat-rich environments.”

The head researcher emphasized that “proper human trials” are essential to “work out the best formulation and dosage for hair regrowth” before this potential treatment could be approved for clinical use.

In the meantime, Dr. Camp advises those experiencing hair loss to focus on currently available, well-studied treatments and to consult with a board-certified dermatologist for proper evaluation.

This Taiwan University research represents the latest development in the ongoing quest to find effective treatments for the millions worldwide affected by various forms of hair loss.