Drug-Induced Hair Pigmentation: Clinical Perspectives and Updates

November 2024 in “ JAAD reviews. ”

Sofia M. Perez, Sarah AlSalman, Luis Carlos Elejalde de Campos, Antonella Tosti

hypopigmentation hyperpigmentation antimalarials oral retinoids tyrosine kinase inhibitors minoxidil hormonal therapies immunomodulatory drugs targeted immunotherapies Rogaine

TLDR Certain drugs can change hair color, either lightening or darkening it.

This review explores drug-induced changes in hair pigmentation, focusing on both hypopigmentation (lightening or graying) and hyperpigmentation (darkening or repigmentation). It identifies various drugs responsible for these effects, such as antiepileptics and anticancer drugs causing hypopigmentation, and targeted immunotherapies and minoxidil leading to hyperpigmentation. The review highlights the significance of understanding these side effects due to their impact on patient adherence and psychosocial well-being. The U.S. FDA reported 13,539 cases of drug-induced hair color changes from 1970 to 2024, with a notable increase in recent years. The document underscores the reversible nature of these changes and their potential implications for treating conditions like vitiligo and alopecia.

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