Hair density increased by 25% in 2 months: Is this serum the cure for baldness? Here's the truth ✅

Betül Topaklı / Milliyet.com.tr - Today, many people, both men and women, are experiencing hair loss. The scientific community is also exploring various methods to combat hair loss and baldness. Good news for those experiencing hair loss and thinning hair recently came from Schweitzer Biotech, a Taiwan-based company. Taiwanese scientists claim to have developed a new serum that prevents baldness and regrows hair in about two months. A serum made with caffeine, two proteins that stimulate cell growth, and an extract of the Centella Asiatica plant was tested on humans, and the formula was reported to have shown effectiveness within two months. To this end, scientists divided the participants into two groups, giving one group the formula and the other a placebo. The study concluded that the hair thickness of the participants using the serum increased by 27.9 micrometers, while the increase was only 13.9 micrometers in the placebo group. Reportedly, the hair density of those using the serum increased by 25 percent , almost double that of the placebo group. Experts stated that with regular daily use, this formula stimulates hair cells, and after approximately two months (56 days), participants would have thicker and denser hair and lower oil production. So, can we say that the serum is a cure for baldness?

'AN EXTRAORDINARILY FAST RESPONSE'

Prof. Dr. Tsong-Min Chang, from the Department of Skin and Venereology at Cerrahpaşa Faculty of Medicine, said that the research team, led by Dr. Tsong-Min Chang, conducted a randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled study with a group of 60 participants. Zekayi Kutlubay, Ph.D., said, " Participants were healthy adults between the ages of 18 and 60 and applied 1 milliliter of the serum to their scalps every evening for 56 days. Results showed significant improvement compared to placebo, particularly in the group using the full formulation. However, there's a critical point here: Most of the study participants were healthy individuals without significant hair loss. Therefore, there's no data yet to demonstrate the same effect in people with advanced-stage baldness. Furthermore, due to the nature of the hair growth cycle, initial results with conventional treatments are expected within 3-6 months. In this context, the 8-week result is truly remarkable. The hair growth cycle consists of various phases and physiologically lasts much longer than 2 months. Traditionally, hair growth with formulas approved by the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA) takes an average of 6 months. In this context, a 25 percent increase in hair density in 56 days (approximately 8 weeks) represents an exceptionally rapid response from a hair follicle biology perspective ."

IS IT A REAL CURE FOR BALDNESS?

Professor Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay stated that the claim of "cure for baldness" is quite bold, saying, "Androgenetic alopecia (male pattern baldness) is a chronic condition that develops due to a combination of genetic and hormonal factors. We should be cautious about such claims promising a definitive cure. The study has several important limitations. First, the number of participants was quite small (60). Second, the study has not yet been peer-reviewed and was published on a pre-print platform like medRxiv. Third, most of the researchers are employees of Schweitzer Biotech, which creates a potential conflict of interest. Finally, no comparative study has been conducted with the gold-standard treatments, the spray and medication. Based on current scientific data, it's more accurate to say that this serum supports hair health and stimulates growth rather than 'curing' baldness. It can be considered an additional option to conventional treatments, rather than a replacement."

REGULAR USE IS REQUIRED

Professor Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay emphasized that the study only evaluated 56 days of application and lacked data on post-treatment outcomes. He continued, “ However, considering the behavior of similar topical treatments, it's likely that continued use is necessary. The example of treatment with minoxidil is illuminating in this regard. This medication also works by stimulating hair follicles, and when its use is discontinued, gains disappear within 3-6 months, and hair loss returns. The growth factors in Schweitzer serum also require a constant external source. When applied topically, their half-life is short, and their effectiveness diminishes without regular application. Theoretically, it's possible that Centella asiatica could produce longer-lasting effects, but this is an unproven hypothesis. For now, it seems reasonable to say that regular use is essential to maintain gains .”

'THOSE WHO WILL USE IT SHOULD TAKE THESE SUGGESTIONS INTO CONSIDERATION'

Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay listed his recommendations for those who want to try this serum as follows:

1- Realistic expectations: This isn't a miracle. Results vary from person to person and may have limited impact on advanced-stage hair loss. It's important to avoid exaggerated expectations like "baldness gone in 2 months."

2- Dermatologist supervision is essential: Androgenetic alopecia may not always be the cause of hair loss. Different causes, such as thyroid disease, iron deficiency, autoimmune diseases (alopecia areata), and scarring alopecia, require different treatment approaches. It's advisable to consult a dermatologist before use.

3- Don't stop current treatments: If you're already using FDA-approved spray and medication treatments, switching to this serum alone could be risky. This product should be considered as an adjunct to existing treatments.

4- Be patient: The hair growth cycle is a process that takes months. While promising results may be seen in the first two months, it may take at least 6-12 months of regular use to see real long-term gains.

5- Beware of the original product: The product has not yet been commercially released. It is important to avoid fake or imitation products that are being sold with similar claims. The ingredients and standardization of the original formulation are critical, as effectiveness depends on them.

IT OFFERS A NEW AND INTERESTING APPROACH

Prof. Dr. Zekayi Kutlubay, noting that this serum developed by Schweitzer Biotech offers a new and interesting approach to hair loss research, concluded his remarks as follows: