Topical Latanoprost Acid for Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Proof-Of-Concept Trial With Mechanistic Evidence of FP-Receptor Activation

March 2026

Adriana Rakowska, Małgorzata Dutkiewicz, Oliwia Zegrocka-Stendel, Dorota Dymkowska, Grzegorz Huszcza, Maciej Wierzbicki, Jarosław Walczak, Lidia Rudnicka, Katarzyna Koziak

latanoprost acid female androgenetic alopecia FP-receptor activation hair dermal papilla cells

TLDR Topical latanoprost acid at 0.05% concentration improved hair growth in women with androgenetic alopecia.

This pilot proof-of-concept trial investigated the effects of topical latanoprost acid on female androgenetic alopecia. Conducted with adult women, the study tested three concentrations (0.01%, 0.05%, and 0.1%) over 6 months. The 0.05% concentration showed the most consistent improvement in target-area hair count, with an average increase of 23.5 hairs/cm², along with reduced yellow dots and a shift to multi-hair follicular units. Safety was favorable, with no serious adverse events. Mechanistic assays indicated that latanoprost acid triggered rapid, concentration-dependent Ca²⁺ flux in human hair dermal papilla cells. These findings support further trials focusing on the 0.05% concentration.

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Research cited in this study

11 / 11 results

research Anti-Androgen Therapy for the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical Review of Current and Emerging Therapies

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research Trichoscopy of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

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Trichoscopy shows hair diameter variability, vellus hairs, and the peripilar sign are key indicators for diagnosing Androgenetic Alopecia.

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: Therapeutic Update

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The document concludes that we need more research to understand Telogen Effluvium and find effective treatments.

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men – Short Version

145 citations , November 2017 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Use minoxidil for hair loss treatment; assess results after 6 months.

research Yellow Dots in Trichoscopy: Relevance, Clinical Significance, and Peculiarities

13 citations , October 2017 in “Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia”

Yellow dots in hair and scalp examinations are important for diagnosing different scalp conditions.

A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

research A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

81 citations , August 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

Latanoprost 0.1% may effectively treat hair loss.

research Dermoscopy in Female Androgenic Alopecia: Method Standardization and Diagnostic Criteria

129 citations , January 2009 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Trichoscopy can diagnose female hair loss with high accuracy by looking for specific patterns in hair and scalp appearance.

research Prostanoid Receptors in Anagen Human Hair Follicles

39 citations , November 2007 in “Experimental dermatology”

Human hair follicles contain a complex network of prostanoid receptors that may influence hair growth.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

5% and 2% minoxidil solutions effectively promote hair growth and reduce hair loss, with 5% being slightly more effective but having more side effects.

Hypertrichosis and Increased Pigmentation of Eyelashes and Adjacent Hair in the Region of the Ipsilateral Eyelids of Patients Treated with Unilateral Topical Latanoprost

research Hypertrichosis and Increased Pigmentation of Eyelashes and Adjacent Hair in the Region of the Ipsilateral Eyelids of Patients Treated with Unilateral Topical Latanoprost

216 citations , October 1997 in “American Journal of Ophthalmology”

Using the eye pressure medication latanoprost can cause excessive hair growth and darker eyelashes on the treated eye.

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research Effect of Latanoprost on Hair Growth in the Bald Scalp of the Stump-Tailed Macaque: A Pilot Study

33 citations , January 2002

Latanoprost, a glaucoma drug, showed potential for promoting hair growth in bald monkeys, especially at higher doses.

Topical Latanoprost Acid for Female Androgenetic Alopecia: A Pilot Proof-Of-Concept Trial With Mechanistic Evidence of FP-Receptor Activation

Research cited in this study

research Anti-Androgen Therapy for the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Clinical Review of Current and Emerging Therapies

research Trichoscopy of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review

research Female Pattern Hair Loss: Therapeutic Update

research Telogen Effluvium: A Review of the Science and Current Obstacles

research Evidence-Based Guideline for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women and Men – Short Version

research Yellow Dots in Trichoscopy: Relevance, Clinical Significance, and Peculiarities

research A Randomized Double-Blind Placebo-Controlled Pilot Study to Assess the Efficacy of a 24-Week Topical Treatment by Latanoprost 0.1% on Hair Growth and Pigmentation in Healthy Volunteers with Androgenetic Alopecia

research Dermoscopy in Female Androgenic Alopecia: Method Standardization and Diagnostic Criteria

research Prostanoid Receptors in Anagen Human Hair Follicles

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

research Hypertrichosis and Increased Pigmentation of Eyelashes and Adjacent Hair in the Region of the Ipsilateral Eyelids of Patients Treated with Unilateral Topical Latanoprost

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