Melatonin for hair regrowth: Preclinical insights, current evidence, and future perspectives

Melatonin, a neurohormone regulating circadian rhythms, also plays a role in hair follicle physiology through its antioxidant and anti-inflammatory effects. This scoping review aimed to assess preclinical and clinical evidence supporting melatonin as a therapeutic option for alopecia. A systematic search of MEDLINE, Scopus, and DOAJ identified studies on androgenetic alopecia, telogen effluvium, and diffuse hair loss. Preclinical findings suggest melatonin promotes follicular stem cell proliferation, modulates signaling pathways, and protects against damage. Clinical trials indicate that topical melatonin increases hair density, prolongs the anagen phase, and reduces hair shedding with minimal adverse effects. While current evidence supports its potential, variability in study design highlights the need for standardized clinical trials.