Bullsh*t or not?

Let’s find out. We’re checking every claim, one by one.

To save you time, we’ve added screenshots of the most important study results.
You’ll find all sources at the bottom of this article.

It’s a skincare superstar, but does Linoleic Acid actually regrow hair? Here’s the deal:

✅ Potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase (the DHT creator)

✅ Activates the "Wnt/β-catenin" pathway (the master switch for hair growth)

✅ Repairs the scalp barrier to stop chronic inflammation

Sounds good — but does it actually work?

What does Linoleic Acid really do for your hair?

It is an Omega-6 fatty acid that your body cannot produce on its own. While you need it in your diet, applying it to your scalp does something very specific:

✔ Blocks DHT Formation
Fatty acids are powerful biological regulators. Linoleic Acid inhibits the enzyme (5-alpha reductase) that turns testosterone into hair-killing DHT. (Liang & Liao, 1992)

✔ Triggers Growth Signals
It activates the Wnt/β-catenin signaling pathway. In simple terms: it turns the "grow" switch back on inside the hair cell. (Munkhbayar et al., 2016)

✔ Stops "Scalp Leakage"
A dry, inflamed scalp leaks nutrients and lets in bacteria. Linoleic acid rebuilds the lipid barrier, stopping the micro-inflammation that accelerates balding.

What does the science say?

📌 2016 – The Growth Switch Study

A study published in the International Journal of Molecular Sciences (Munkhbayar et al.) investigated how Linoleic Acid affects Dermal Papilla cells (the cells that make hair).

The result: Linoleic Acid significantly increased cell proliferation by activating the Wnt/β-catenin pathway.

📌 1992 – The DHT Inhibition Study
This is the foundational research (Liang & Liao) that identified fatty acids as 5-alpha reductase inhibitors.

They tested various fatty acids on androgen-dependent tissues (hamster flank organs) to see if they could stop hormonal growth signals.

The Finding: Linoleic Acid was identified as a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase. It effectively suppressed the androgen-induced growth of the flank organs, confirming its ability to block DHT activity topically.

📌 2024 – The "Master Regulator"
A recent review (Wang et al.) confirmed that Linoleic Acid controls the most crucial pathways for hair growth.

How it works: It steps on the gas and releases the brake.

It boosts the "food" your hair needs to grow (VEGF, IGF-1) while simultaneously blocking the signal that tells hair to stop growing (TGF-β). This allows your hair to stay in the growth phase longer.

How should you actually use it?

Eating sunflower seeds? Good for your heart, but not enough for your hair loss.
To inhibit the enzyme in the follicle, you need a high concentration delivered locally.

What does work?

👉 Topical Serums with Lipids:
Look for products that specifically list Linoleic Acid or oils rich in it (like Safflower or Grapeseed), formulated for scalp absorption.

👉 Combine with Anti-Inflammatories:
Because Linoleic Acid repairs the barrier, it pairs perfectly with soothing agents like Aloe or Bisabolol to stop the "itch-scratch-hair loss" cycle.

Verdict: does Linoleic Acid work?

✅ Yes. It is a dual-action weapon: it stops the hormonal trigger (DHT) and pushes the growth button (Wnt signaling).

Our take?
Linoleic Acid is the unsung hero of hair recovery. It creates the healthy environment required for other stimulants to work.

If your scalp is dry, itchy, or inflamed, your hair won't grow no matter how much Minoxidil you use. Linoleic Acid fixes the foundation.

💡 Pro tip: We use Linoleic Acid in the KÁDESO Grow Serum not just as an active ingredient, but to ensure the formula penetrates deep into the skin without causing irritation.

➡️ Want to try it yourself? At least you’ll know you’re using something backed by real science.

Sources

• Munkhbayar et al. (2016) – Role of Linoleic Acid in the Wnt/β-Catenin Signaling Pathway...
  Proved that Linoleic Acid stimulates hair growth factors and increases cell proliferation in hair follicles.

• Liang & Liao (1992) – Inhibition of steroid 5-alpha-reductase by specific aliphatic unsaturated fatty acids
  Confirmed that Linoleic Acid is a potent inhibitor of 5-alpha reductase and suppresses androgen-dependent tissue growth.

• Wang et al. (2024) – The Role of Linoleic Acid in Skin and Hair Health
  Review confirming that Linoleic Acid upregulates growth factors (VEGF, IGF-1) and inhibits growth-suppressors (TGF-β).