Hair loss and thinning are common concerns that can affect men and women across all age groups throughout the world. There are many different causes of hair loss and even more potential treatments. However, not everything works, and even the treatments that are legitimate may not work the same way for every person. Amongst the various hair loss and growth treatment options, melatonin has emerged as a surprising contender. Known primarily for regulating sleep, melatonin is now gaining attention for its potential to stop hair loss and boost growth. In this article, we take a closer look at the science behind melatonin’s effects on hair follicles and its connection with melanin. We’ll also explore the best ways to use melatonin as a hair treatment.
What is Melatonin?
Melatonin is a hormone that is mainly produced by the pineal gland in the brain. It plays a crucial role in regulating the sleep-wake cycle, commonly known as the circadian rhythm. However, recent studies have highlighted melatonin’s broader biological functions, revealing that its benefits extend far beyond sleep regulation. Melatonin is increasingly recognised for its powerful antioxidant properties. It helps neutralise harmful free radicals and protect cells from oxidative stress. This is a process that can lead to premature ageing and various diseases, including those affecting hair health. Additionally, melatonin plays a crucial role in immune modulation, where it helps regulate the immune system’s response. Through this, it helps reduce inflammation and supports overall immune health. Crucially, research has also uncovered melatonin’s influence on hair growth and loss through its actions on the hair follicles. This suggests that melatonin may help reduce hair loss and promote thicker, healthier growth.
What’s the Difference Between Melatonin & Melanin?
Whilst similar sounding, melatonin and melanin are two distinct substances with entirely different functions in the body. Melatonin is a hormone made in the brain, whereas melanin is a pigment found in the skin, hair and eyes. Melanin is responsible for the colour of these tissues and cells called melanocytes secrete it. It protects the skin from UV radiation by absorbing and dissipating harmful rays. Melatonin, on the other hand, influences biological rhythms and cellular protection.
Despite this, there might be some collaboration between them, which adds further to the confusion. Research suggests that melatonin might play a role in melanin production and distribution, potentially influencing hair colour. The main theory is that melatonin protects melanocytes from oxidative damage, which then helps preserve hair colour and prevent premature greying. Although we need higher-level evidence to investigate this connection, the potential for melatonin to maintain natural hair colour is an exciting possibility.
The Relationship Between Melatonin & Hair Follicles
Hair growth is a complex process driven by the hair follicle’s natural cycle. This cycle includes the anagen (growth), catagen (transitional) and telogen (resting) phases. Melatonin has been shown to affect hair follicles directly. It prolongs the anagen phase and delays the onset of the catagen and telogen phases. This effect is particularly important for anyone with hair thinning or loss. A longer anagen phase means more time for hair to grow. Melatonin is believed to influence hair follicles through these key mechanisms:
- Antioxidant activity: the antioxidant properties of melatonin protect hair follicles from oxidative stress, which can damage cells and contribute to hair loss.
- Regulation of growth factors: melatonin may influence the expression of growth factors and proteins involved in hair cycle regulation. This in turn promotes hair follicle health and growth.
Benefits of Melatonin for Hair Growth
Two common questions about melatonin are whether it can actually increase hair growth and who it can help. The evidence so far suggests that melatonin may promote hair growth, especially in androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium. So it offers some hope for those struggling with thinning or baldness, where it can help promote healthier hair growth.
Topical melatonin treatments have shown promise in clinical studies, with users experiencing significant improvements in hair density and a reduction in hair fall after applying a topical 0.1% melatonin solution daily for 6 months. Its impact on hair loss is primarily due to its ability to modulate the hair follicle cycle. Melatonin extends the growth phase of the hair cycle whilst delaying the transitional and resting phases. This effectively reduces the amount of hair that is shed prematurely. Additionally, melatonin’s potent antioxidant properties protect hair follicles from oxidative stress. This is a key factor in the deterioration of follicles that can lead to androgenetic alopecia, commonly known as male or female pattern baldness. By shielding the follicles from damage and maintaining their function, melatonin helps slow the progression of hair loss. Moreover, its anti-inflammatory effects can further prevent hair loss by calming the immune system’s attack on the follicles.
Melatonin Hair Treatment Options
In the UK, melatonin is a prescription-only medicine. You would need to see a medical professional, such as a doctor who specialises in hair loss. They will assess your hair and recommend the appropriate treatment for you, which may or may not include melatonin. Here are some of the ways you can incorporate melatonin into your hair care routine:
- Topical treatments: hair loss clinics may offer custom-made compounded creams, foams, serums or sprays that contain melatonin. You apply these directly to the scalp. They may also add other hair loss ingredients such as minoxidil, biotin, dutasteride or finasteride to the formula. You would need to use your treatment consistently for at least 3 to 6 months before seeing noticeable results. Like most hair loss treatments, the results are usually temporary, so you would need to keep using it in the long term.
- Oral supplements: although oral melatonin is primarily for sleep regulation, it may also have a positive impact on hair growth. Again, these are prescription-only treatments in the UK, and you would need to discuss with your healthcare provider whether they are suitable for you.
- Diet: various foods offer a natural way to boost your body’s melatonin levels. Tart cherries (particularly Montmorency cherries) are one of the richest natural sources. Other sources include nuts (especially walnuts and almonds), grains (like rice, oats and barley), other fruits (like grapes, strawberries and tomatoes), vegetables (such as corn, asparagus and broccoli), eggs, fatty fish and seeds (like flaxseeds and sunflower seeds).
Risks & Side Effects
Whilst melatonin is generally safe for short-term use, it’s important to be aware of potential risks and side effects. These are especially likely with long-term use, higher doses and oral forms. The side effects of melatonin include the following:
- Common and mild: drowsiness, headaches, dizziness and nausea. Some people may also experience vivid dreams or disruptions to their sleep cycle.
- Serious and rare: mood changes, anxiety or hormonal imbalances.
Topical melatonin for hair loss is generally better tolerated, but some people may experience scalp irritation or allergic reactions. Melatonin can interact with various drugs, including blood thinners, immune suppressants and diabetes medications. So it’s crucial to consult a healthcare provider before starting any melatonin supplement or treatment. This is especially important if you have underlying health conditions or are pregnant.
There’s good reason to be excited about melatonin’s potential as a hair loss and growth treatment. Its antioxidant properties, effect on the follicle cycle and possible link to hair colour are all promising. These make it an interesting area for hair care. However, it’s important to note that melatonin is a prescription-only treatment in the UK and is not for everyone. Whether melatonin works depends on several factors, including the underlying cause of your hair loss and your individual biology. Further research is needed to explore exactly how it acts on hair. This will help us understand who benefits most and the best way to use it. If you’re experiencing hair loss, always seek medical advice to find the underlying cause and the best treatment for you.
At City Skin Clinic, we understand that hair loss is a deeply personal journey. This is why our doctors create personalised hair loss treatments for women and men through our online clinic. We use actives like melatonin, minoxidil, finasteride and dutasteride where appropriate, in bespoke compounded treatments designed around you. To start your personalised plan, book a virtual video consultation or use our online consultation form. The journey towards great skin and hair starts here.
This article is intended for general informational purposes only and is not a substitute for medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always consult a qualified medical provider for any health concerns or questions you might have.
