Topical Melatonin for Pattern Hair Loss: Fischer 2004 Research Summary
This is a plain-language summary of the original published research. We do not add conclusions or opinions of our own. This is not medical advice — consult a certified healthcare practitioner before making any decision.
Original research published in British Journal of Dermatology, 2004
Topical Melatonin for Pattern Hair Loss: Fischer 2004 Research Summary
Study conclusion
This small pilot trial found that topical melatonin 0.1% solution significantly increased the proportion of hair in the active growth phase (anagen) in the back of the scalp in women with pattern or diffuse hair loss compared to placebo. Results varied by scalp location and hair loss type. This is the only published double-blind placebo-controlled RCT of topical melatonin for hair loss — and it enrolled only 40 women.
Strength of evidence
Who it applies to
Who was studied
Women only — 40 women with androgenetic alopecia or diffuse alopecia. Melatonin 0.1% solution applied once daily to the scalp for 6 months.
Who was NOT studied
Men. Women with alopecia areata or other types of hair loss. Women who have already tried other treatments. Larger populations needed to draw firm conclusions.
What to look for when shopping
Topical melatonin is available in some scalp products. It is not FDA-approved for hair loss. This is the only double-blind RCT for topical melatonin — and it enrolled only 40 women. Evidence is very preliminary.
What research cannot help you decide
Whether topical melatonin works for men. Whether it works for frontal or crown hair loss — results in this study were stronger for the back of the scalp. What the optimal concentration or formulation is.
Key findings
- Topical melatonin 0.1% significantly increased the proportion of hair in the active growth phase (anagen) at the back of the scalp vs placebo (p=0.012)
- Results were not significant for frontal scalp hair in the same study
- Results varied between women with androgenetic alopecia and women with diffuse alopecia
- This is the only published double-blind placebo-controlled RCT of topical melatonin for hair loss
- The trial enrolled only 40 women — a very small sample for drawing firm conclusions
What this study does not show
- 1.Whether topical melatonin works for men. This trial studied women only.
- 2.Whether it improves visible hair count or density — only growth phase proportion was measured.
- 3.Whether it works for frontal or crown hair loss — results were only significant for the back of the scalp.
- 4.What happens when treatment is stopped.
- 5.Whether larger trials would confirm these results — this was a pilot study with 40 participants.
Limitations
- 1.Only 40 participants — a very small pilot study.
- 2.Only women were studied.
- 3.Results were mixed by scalp location — significant at the back of the scalp, not significant at the frontal scalp.
- 4.This is the only double-blind placebo-controlled RCT of topical melatonin for hair loss. Results have not been replicated.
- 5.Published in 2004. The study design and measurement methods predate more rigorous modern clinical trial standards.
Used in these articles
Links added as fact-checks and articles citing this study are published.