Most people know of Melatonin as an oral supplement for jet lag and insomnia. However, there is also growing evidence for using topical Melatonin to treat hair loss. Research shows it can increase hair density, prolong the growth phase of the hair cycle and reduce shedding in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia. Importantly, topical Melatonin seems to have very few side effects. This makes it a particularly attractive option for patients who cannot tolerate or are not suitable for treatments like Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride or Spironolactone. However, getting topical Melatonin for hair loss in the UK is not straightforward. It is a prescription only medicine and is not licensed for hair loss. In this post we explain how Melatonin works for hair growth and where to get topical Melatonin hair loss treatments online and in person in the UK.
How Does Melatonin Help With Hair Loss?
Melatonin is a hormone the pineal gland in the brain naturally produces. It’s key function is to regulate the body’s circadian rhythm which is responsible for sleeping and awakening. Interestingly, you also find melatonin receptors in human hair follicles and Melatonin levels within the follicle are actually higher than in the blood. This suggests that Melatonin might play a direct role in regulating hair growth. We don’t know the exact mechanism yet but research points to several possible ways Melatonin may support hair growth:
- Melatonin is a potent antioxidant. Hair follicles are vulnerable to oxidative stress which can damage follicular cells and contribute to premature ageing and thinning of hair. By scavenging free radicals and protecting follicular cells from oxidative damage, topical Melatonin may help to maintain a healthier environment for hair growth.
- It appears that Melatonin may prolong the anagen (active growth) phase of the hair cycle. A randomised controlled trial in women with androgenetic alopecia and diffuse hair loss found that topical 0.1% Melatonin applied once daily for 6 months significantly increased the proportion of hairs in the anagen phase. More hair in the growth phase means less shedding and better density over time.
- There is evidence of a possible anti-androgenic effect. Although Melatonin does not block androgens in the same way as Finasteride or Spironolactone, it may regulate androgen receptor activity at the follicle level. This may help to protect hair follicles from the miniaturisation driven by DHT in androgenetic alopecia.
- Melatonin may also reduce excess oil production in the scalp. In a large multi-centre study of over 1,800 patients, topical Melatonin treatment reduced development of seborrhoeic dermatitis and hair loss. It makes sense as a healthier, less inflamed scalp environment supports better hair growth.
Better still, Melatonin is not just useful for treating scalp hair loss. Because of its ability to support the hair growth cycle and protect follicular cells, it can also be a useful component in beard growth treatments. Patchy beard growth is a common concern and key drivers include genetics, overall health and poor blood supply. Compounded beard growth serums can include Melatonin alongside other active ingredients like Minoxidil and Tretinoin. These are prescription treatments which can be provided to suitable patients by a specialised clinician on a case by case basis.
Is Topical Melatonin Safe for Hair Loss?
One of the key advantages of topical Melatonin as a hair loss ingredient is its versatility. Because it works through antioxidant and growth-modulating mechanisms rather than hormonal pathways, it is suitable for both men and women with a wide range of hair loss types. This includes male pattern hair loss, female pattern hair loss, traction alopecia and telogen effluvium.
Across multiple clinical studies involving over 2,000 patients, side effects of topical Melatonin have been consistently minor. The most common are mild scalp irritation, dryness or redness at the application site. Importantly, once-daily topical application does not seem to significantly affect systemic blood Melatonin levels. This lowers (but does not eliminate) systemic side effects such as drowsiness or interfering with the sleep-wake cycle. Its safety in women who are pregnant or breastfeeding is also not known.
Despite the above, it is also crucial to note that topical Melatonin is not a licensed medicine in the UK for hair loss. This means that long term effectiveness and safety for this use has not been established. It is however possible to get it in compounded treatments through specialist clinics if the healthcare provider deems it safe and appropriate for you.
How to Get Melatonin for Hair Loss in Person in the UK
Since topical Melatonin is not licensed for hair loss and is not available as a standard pharmacy product, the NHS does not prescribe it. Even amongst private providers, relatively few are able to prescribe topical Melatonin. You will need to see a private GP, dermatologist or specialist hair loss clinician who has experience in prescribing compound hair loss treatments. Those who do will typically prescribe Melatonin within a multi-active ingredient scalp formula. They then need to send the prescription to a specialist compounding pharmacy to formulate the treatment for you.
Where to Get Melatonin for Hair Loss Online in the UK
Topical Melatonin for hair loss is one of the hardest hair loss ingredients to access online in the UK. Many of the major telehealth hair loss services like Hims, Numan, Manual and Sons do not offer topical Melatonin for hair loss. Below are the main platforms where suitable patients may be able to get topical Melatonin for hair loss online in the UK.
#1 City Skin Clinic
City Skin Clinic is an online medical clinic providing personalised prescription skin and hair loss treatments. We offer custom topical hair loss treatments for men and women as well as beard growth serums following an online consultation by a UK registered doctor. Custom formulas can contain Melatonin often alongside other actives like Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, Tretinoin, Spironolactone or Caffeine where appropriate and safe. We use Melatonin in scalp, hairline and beard formulas depending on the patient. Formulas cost a flat fee regardless of composition. All treatments are formulated by a specialist compounding pharmacy and delivered directly to you. The same doctor will provide care throughout your treatment journey. You can either schedule a virtual video appointment or complete the online consultation form to access this service.
#2 Hair + Me
Hair + Me is a UK telehealth hair loss service. It is an offshoot of Skin + Me, the prescription skincare subscription platform. They offer topical hair loss treatments that can include Melatonin as one of the active ingredients in their formulations. They also offer other actives such as Finasteride, Dutasteride and Minoxidil in their topical formulas. You will need to complete an online consultation form which their clinical team review and prescribe treatment if appropriate. This is a subscription service with a flat-fee for topical formulas. Treatments delivered directly to patients on a recurring basis. Monitoring is done by their clinical tea, through their online portal.
#3 Hair Repair Clinic
Hair Repair Clinic is a UK hair loss platform that offers compounded topical treatments containing ingredients like Minoxidil, DHT-blockers, Tretinoin and Melatonin. Cost of treatment depends on the composition of the formula. To access this service you complete an online medical form which a prescribing pharmacist reviews. They will prescribe and formulate your treatment if they deem it appropriate. The pharmacy then sends the treatment to you.
#4 GrowBack
GrowBack is a UK compounding pharmacy offering a hair loss service. They provide a number of over the counter and prescription hair treatments including custom topical hair loss formulations. To access their prescription hair treatments, you need to complete an online screening survey which can then lead to a video consultation. There is an initial up front fee which includes a hair analysis DNA test and the first month’s treatment. Following that custom treatments will be based on the DNA analysis results. This is a monthly subscriptions service and price of treatment will depend on composition of the formula. Treatments are delivered directly to your home.
Topical Melatonin is an emerging and promising ingredient in hair loss treatment. Clinical studies show it can improve hair density, prolong the growth phase and reduce shedding with minimal side effects. However, it is an unlicensed prescription treatment. In the UK, topical Melatonin for hair loss is only available through specialist clinics that provide compounded treatments. There is is a small but growing number of medical providers. Whichever service you choose, make sure they undertake a thorough assessment, discuss the best treatments options for you and provide ongoing aftercare.
We believe that hair loss treatment should always be personalised. This is why we offer custom hair loss treatments for men, women and beard growth serums through our online clinic. Our doctors design bespoke topical formulas using actives like Melatonin, Minoxidil, Finasteride, Dutasteride, Tretinoin and Caffeine where appropriate. Choose your virtual consultation and begin your journey to great hair today.
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 medical concerns or questions you might have.
