Taiwanese researchers are developing how fatty acids can help hair grow in 20 days

Thekabarnews.com—People have thought for a long time that hair loss develops because hair follicles stop generating strands when they stop working. However, new research from National Taiwan University reveals that some dormant follicles may only be in a resting phase. In addition, scientists may have found a way to bring them up.

Scientists recently studied how the body’s natural repair processes affect hair development in the lab. When the body sustains damage, the immune system prompts fat cells to release their stored energy to facilitate tissue healing. Nearby hair follicles may also receive signals during this process that stimulate growth.

Based on this information, scientists attempted a serum that had a lot of oleic acid in it. Oleic acid is a fatty acid that is present in numerous foods and natural oils. The treatment seemed to put the scalp into healing mode. As a result, the hair’s stem cells started working again. In animal studies, mainly mice, hair started to come back after around 20 days.

Scientists argue that the results are still fresh. The results in mice are excellent. However, we need to try the medication on people to make sure it is safe, works, and is the proper dose.

If future trials indicate that the same thing happens in people, this treatment might be better than more sophisticated medications that can cause negative effects. This approach works by turning on the body’s own biological signaling systems. It does this instead of introducing harsh synthetic drugs.

Millions of people throughout the world lose their hair. This can be detrimental for their mental and emotional health. Right now, surgery and medicine are two of the most frequent ways to address this. However, many people would rather not have to go through those things.

Experts claim that fatty acids are healthy for hair and skin, but people should not expect immediate results from over-the-counter medications unless they have clinical proof.

The study does illustrate that medical research has changed, though. Scientists are no longer fighting the body. Instead, they are seeking to understand and gently guide its natural processes. Further research could uncover innovative methods for hair growth.

(Journal Reference: Kang-Yu Tai et al., Adipocyte lipolysis activates epithelial stem cells for hair regeneration through fatty acid metabolic signaling, Cell Metabolism (2025). DOI: 10.1016/j.cmet.2025.09.012).