Experimental serum shows promise in reversing baldness within 20 days

A cure for baldness could be on the horizon.

Researchers from Taiwan University say they have discovered a serum that could potentially regrow hair in just 20 days.

The study, published in the journal Cell Metabolism, showed that fat cells under the skin can restart hair growth.

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The researchers used mouse skin samples to monitor changes to the fat tissue under the skin, as well as to the hair follicles and the cells that help hair grow, after they caused small injuries to trigger certain reactions, according to a press release.

After skin injury, fat cells began breaking down stored fat in a process called lipolysis. Fatty acids were then released into the skin, which acted as a signal for hair stem cells to grow.

When the scientists stopped the fat cells from breaking down fat, it prevented hair from growing.

Fatty acids were rubbed onto the mice’s skin to determine whether it would spark hair growth in these areas. The experiment was successful, triggering hair growth.

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The same pattern was recognized in multiple experiments, although the research is still early and has yet to be tested on humans, the researchers noted.

In one experiment, the scientists saw hair regrowth in mice within 20 days of applying the topical treatments once a day.

Study co-author Sung-Jan Lin, M.D., Ph.D., distinguished professor in the Department of Biomedical Engineering at Taiwan University, shared that this line of research was sparked by the clinical observation that skin irritation sometimes causes hair to grow back thicker. 

“You often see it after a plaster cast comes off — the skin underneath can become unexpectedly hairy,” he told Fox News Digital in an interview. “That phenomenon had been documented before, but no one knew why.”

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In 2018, after irritating skin in experiments, the team found that the fat cells beneath it rapidly shrank before the 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,” Lin said.

This research revealed that temporary fat inflammation triggered by skin injury is “actually beneficial,” he added.

“It creates a short burst of energy and signals that awaken nearby stem cells to repair the tissue,” Lin told Fox News Digital. “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.”

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The researcher noted that this discovery could have implications “beyond hair.”

“Some cancer cells also rely on fatty acids for energy,” he said. “Understanding how tissues use or release fat could help us uncover new strategies for controlling cancer growth in fat-rich environments.”

In an interview with Fox News Digital, New York-based board-certified dermatologist Dr. Brendan Camp said he considers these findings “notable” amid “intense interest” in research on hair-loss treatments.

“But they are very preliminary, and because the experiments were not performed on human scalp skin, the results may not be applicable to people,” he said.

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“This study is small, and more research is needed on this method as a potential treatment option for androgenetic alopecia (pattern hair loss, the most common type in both men and women).”

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Head researcher Lin reiterated that “proper human trials” are essential to “work out the best formulation and dosage for hair regrowth.” 

Until this potential method is approved for clinical use in humans, Camp encourages those experiencing hair loss to focus on currently available and “well-studied” treatments, as well as scheduling an appointment with a board-certified dermatologist for evaluation.