|  | Conditions Treatments | Hair Loss

Melatonin Scalp Treatment for Hair

Hair loss, or alopecia, comes as the result of aging, genetics, skin conditions and medications. Men are more prone to hair loss, but women are also affected. Hair grows in from the dermis, which is one layer below the epidermis, or outer layer of skin. It is lost when there are not enough hair follicles present. There is no cure for hair loss; however, many treatments, including transplants and other alternative treatments are utilized according to Dr. Ray Sahelian. Melatonin is a scalp treatment used to aid hair re-growth.

  1. Basics

    • Our bodies produce melatonin naturally, via the pineal gland. As a neurohormone, melatonin controls our circadian rhythms, allowing our bodies to adjust to changes in the seasons, as well as light changes states Keratin.com. The body produces the most melatonin at night, which helps regulate sleep patterns; however, melatonin also plays a role in hair growth. Melatonin levels decrease with age while the chances of hair loss are enhanced. Hair loss is seen when there is a lack of hair follicles during the anagen, or active phase of hair growth. Melatonin is available as a natural, topical scalp treatment for hair loss.

    Positives

    • Melatonin scalp treatments boost anagen hair growth for women with androgenetic and diffuse alopecia. This was proven in a double-blind, placebo controlled study conducted by BR J Dermatol in 2004. Forty women participated in this random study, applying the scalp treatment once a day for six months. Many of the participants saw an increase in hair growth, making this study one of the first to prove that melatonin has positive effects on hair re-growth in humans. However, more research needs to be conducted for this to prove the effects of melatonin.

    Negatives

    • Dermatologists do not typically recommend melatonin for hair loss unless they are experimental in their treatments. Occasionally alternative medicine practitioners will recommend melatonin due to the fact that it is all natural; however, few companies manufacture this product. Further testing is needed to determine the full effects of melatonin. Melatonin can also have adverse effects on hair loss, especially in those with alopecia areata or immune deficiencies according to Keratin.com.

    Animals

    • Melatonin scalp treatments were first tested on animals. Animals seem to respond the most positively to this treatment. The rate of fur growth improved with melatonin treatments says Ray Sahelian. In addition to topical treatments, oral supplements have also been given to animals to determine hair growth. According to Ron Hines DVM PhD, one in three dogs saw improved fur growth after hair loss due to fleas and allergies once receiving oral melatonin supplements.

Hair Loss - Related Articles