Scientists have developed a potential new treatment for baldness, claiming it can stimulate natural hair growth.
According to international media reports, researchers at the National Taiwan University have created a serum that successfully promoted hair regrowth in mice during lab tests.
Professor Sung-Jan Lin, who led the research team, said that the serum triggered new hair growth in areas of the mice’s skin that were lightly irritated. “We noticed that in places where the skin was slightly inflamed, new hair started growing within a few days,” he explained.
To conduct the experiment, the team shaved the backs of both male and female mice and applied a chemical called sodium dodecyl sulfate to induce mild eczema. “About 10 to 11 days later, new hair began to grow on those patches,” Lin said. “In contrast, no hair regrowth occurred on untreated areas.”
Professor Lin revealed that he also tested an early version of the serum on himself. “I personally applied fatty acids dissolved in alcohol to my legs for three weeks,” he said. “I was surprised to see noticeable hair regrowth.”
Experts explained that the serum activates fatty immune cells under the skin, prompting them to release fatty acids. These acids are then absorbed by hair stem cells, which stimulate the regeneration of hair follicles and encourage new growth.
Researchers added that the serum contains naturally derived fatty acids, making it non-irritating and skin-friendly. In laboratory tests on human hair follicles, the serum also produced positive results without any serious side effects.
Despite the promising findings, scientists cautioned that the serum has not yet undergone full-scale human trials. “The next stage will be crucial,” the researchers said, adding that clinical testing on humans is the necessary next step before any commercial use.