Scientists say they have developed a serum that restores hair in 20 days

Science does wonders and this one can truly make many stand tall with their heads. The news of a serum restoring hair loss in just 20 days could get two kinds of reactions from people: some could turn a blind eye to the claim and others could try to see if it actually works. But this science and research-backed serum can actually have you raising your eyebrows at the growing hair follicles on your head.

Recently, researchers at National Taiwan University created an innovative and promising rub-on serum that restored hair growth in mice. In the lab experiments, the serum regenerated hair follicles by stimulating the fat cells in the skin on the head. Yes, that's right! Take a look.




The serum consists of naturally derived fatty acids that don't irritate the skin and could soon be available as an over-the-counter product, as per the experts. Here's what you should know.

Tried and tested

If you are wondering about the reality of the shocking claim of the effectiveness of the serum then it would be reassuring to know that the study authors have tried and tested it. Professor Sung-Jan Lin, study author at the National Taiwan University said he used an early version of the product on his legs.

"I personally applied these fatty acids, dissolved in alcohol, on my thighs for three weeks and I found it promoted hair regrowth," he told New Scientist.

See more: Hair Growth Tips: Quick hair growth tips which are a must-try

A good kind of irritation

What's interesting about this serum is that it is based on a process known as Hypertrichosis. Professor Lin and colleagues knew that irritation or injury to the skin surface promotes excessive hair growth and used this process in the ideation of the serum. While humans may have lost the dense hair coverage on the body due to years of evolution, evidence states that we still preserve this "important regenerative capacity."

The team induced eczema on male and female shaved mice by applying an irritant called sodium dodecyl sulfate (SDS) to their backs. Around 10-11 days later, the skin began to sprout new hair from follicles, a millimetre wide.

The hair regrowth was not observed in areas not treated with the irritant or without eczema, during the period.

How does the serum work?

As per researchers, the irritant leads immune cells to move into the layer of fat beneath the mouse's skin. According to the researchers, this signals the fat cells to release fatty acids that are absorbed by the hair follicle stem cells, thus triggering hair growth.

"These results demonstrate that skin injury not only induces tissue inflammation but also stimulates hair regeneration," the team said in their paper published in Cell Metabolism.

To study the effects of fatty acids on skin without chemical irritants, researchers developed serums containing various fatty acids dissolved in alcohol, including oleic acid and palmitoleic acid. These serums proved effective in promoting hair growth, demonstrating that specific fatty acids can stimulate hair follicles and improve hair density even in the absence of traditional irritant-based methods.

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"Oleic acids and palmitoleic acids are naturally derived fatty acids. They are not only rich in our adipose tissues, but also in many plant oils, so they can be safely used," Professor Lin told New Scientist.

The team has patented the serum and aims to test its different dosages on human scalps before directing it to the market. If proven effective, this discovery could mark a major step forward in hair restoration science, and for the ones looking for a fix. Such innovations highlight how harnessing the body’s own natural compounds could pave the way for safer, more sustainable solutions to hair loss.

Note: The information provided in this article is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice. Always consult with a healthcare professional before starting any new medication or treatment.