Is Melatonin Good for Hair Growth?

What is Melatonin?

Melatonin is a hormone produced by the brain that is known for its role in the sleep-wake cycle. Supplements of this hormone are commonly used by people with insomnia, jet lag, and sleep problems related to shift work.
Topical applications of this hormone are also being studied for an unrelated purpose – to treat hair loss. While more research is needed, preliminary data suggest that melatonin may benefit hair growth.
Hormones such as adrenaline, testosterone, dihydrotestosterone (DHT), and enzymes such as 5-alpha reductase are monitored and regulated during the sleep cycle when melatonin is generated. Too little melatonin can allow these to go out of balance and that may result in thinning hair.

Hair Growth Cycle

Hair growth occurs within the hair follicle and its growth cycle consists of 3 stages. In a healthy, hairy scalp, most hair follicles are in the anagen phase, or the active phase of hair growth. Hair strands at this stage usually do not fall out, and the longer the hair stays in this stage, the longer and faster it will grow.
This anagen phase can last for several years, after which hair growth stops and the follicle enters a brief transitional phase, or primary phase. Next, the hair enters a brief dormant period, the dormant period. At this point, the hair shaft falls off and new hair begins to grow in the follicle.

The Melatonin for Hair Growth

Hair growth is regulated by hormones called androgens, and increased activity of these hormones shortens the anagen phase of hair growth, leading to male or female pattern baldness.
That’s what melatonin does. Hair follicles contain melatonin receptors, and through chemical action, melanin may counteract the effects of androgens, thereby prolonging hair growth, increasing hair production, and preventing hair loss.
Melatonin is also a powerful antioxidant that could theoretically protect the scalp and hair follicles from the inflammation and tissue damage that can lead to hair loss.

Study and Finding about Melatonin

A widely cited study on melatonin as a hair growth therapy was published in the February 2004 issue of the British Journal of Dermatology. The small study asked 40 women with hair loss to apply a 0.1% melatonin or placebo solution to their scalps daily for 6 months.
At the end of the study period, women who used the melatonin solution had a higher percentage of scalp hair in the anagen or active growth phase than women who used the placebo. While these results are promising, more research is needed to confirm these findings and ensure that larger studies also find melatonin effective.
Notably, the researchers in this study reported increased blood levels of melatonin on the scalps of women who used the melatonin solution, but not higher than the body normally produces. This underscores the importance of research to determine safe topical use.

Precaution for Hair Loss

The vast majority of melatonin products on the market are taken orally, and these supplements have not been studied for the treatment of hair loss. Taking melatonin by mouth can cause side effects, including dizziness, headache, drowsiness, or nausea.
Melatonin has not been tested on pregnant, nursing women or children, according to the National Institutes of Health. Talk to your doctor before using any supplements, especially if you have any medical conditions or take prescription medications. For professional treatment of hair loss, and to learn about the safety and effectiveness of hair loss treatments, consult a dermatologist.

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