New hope for baldness treatment: Hair grew in 20 days

Taiwanese scientists have achieved hair growth within 20 days in animal experiments using a method that reactivates hair follicles by stimulating fat cells.

This study conducted on mice may herald a new era in baldness treatment.

The research, led by systems biologist Kang-Yu Tai and his team at National Taiwan University, sought to understand the mechanism behind the long-known biological phenomenon of skin irritation or injury triggering hair growth and to exploit this process for therapeutic purposes.

SKIN DAMAGE SENDS A SIGNAL

“Most mammals have a dense layer of hair covering their bodies; this layer is the first protective barrier against external influences,” the scientists wrote in their paper.

“Irritation or injury to the epidermis (the upper layer of skin) signals the body to rebuild this first barrier.”

Although humans have largely lost this dense hair cover during evolution, researchers note that the fact that irritation to the skin surface can trigger excessive hair growth (hypertrichosis) indicates that humans still retain this regenerative capacity.

EXTENDED AGAIN IN 20 DAYS

In the experiments, the hair on the backs of mice was shaved and small injuries were created by applying chemicals or mild heat to the skin.

Hair growth in these areas was then compared to normal skin. The results revealed that irritation triggers inflammation, a process that brings immune cells called macrophages to the area.

The macrophages then stimulate cells called adipocytes (fat cells) to release fatty acids, which are then absorbed by the stem cells in the hair follicles, restarting the growth process.

“In this context, we show that fat cell activation occurs following local inflammation mediated by immune cells in the cascade of events triggered by skin injury,” the researchers wrote.

"DO NOT TRY AT HOME"

The scientists then applied a serum made from the same fatty acids directly to the skin of mice. This time, they observed new hair growth within about 20 days, without any wounds or irritation.

However, the research also points to some limitations. It was noted that this method is only effective on hair follicles in the "resting phase."

It was stated that since baldness in humans is usually caused by the disruption of the growth cycles of hair follicles, the application in humans may be more complex.

That's why it can be so dangerous for people to damage their own skin in the hopes of growing hair. According to experts, that's not how the process works.

Clinical trials are underway

The research team is preparing for clinical trials to see if the method works in humans. The scientists say this approach, which reawakens hair follicle stem cells, could be a safe, practical, and rapid treatment alternative.

The team also highlights the need for further research into what triggers fatty acid release by macrophages and how the interaction between the immune system and the skin works.

The results of the study were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Cell Metabolism.