Melatonin and Hair Physiology: Reasons and Clinical Efficacy Data as Treatment
January 2014
TLDR Melatonin applied to the scalp helps treat early-stage hair loss in men and women.
The 2014 document highlights melatonin's role in hair physiology and its effectiveness as a topical treatment for androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Melatonin, known for its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory properties, is produced in the skin and has receptors in skin cells that regulate hair growth and skin barrier function. Clinical studies have demonstrated that topical melatonin can counteract the effects of testosterone on hair follicles, promoting the anagen phase and reducing oxidative stress. One double-blind, placebo-controlled study with 40 women showed significant increases in the anagen hair phase after six months of melatonin application. Another study with 31 men reported a significant increase in hair density after six months, with high patient satisfaction. Additionally, an open study using TrichoScan on 35 men with early-stage AGA showed significant improvements in hair count and density. These findings suggest that topical melatonin is beneficial in treating early-stage AGA in both men and women and may help delay hair aging and loss.
