A Comprehensive Bibliometric Analysis of Global Research Trends in Hair Loss Treatment: Key Contributions, Emerging Hotspots, and Future Directions

Abstract Background Alopecia is a prevalent condition that impacts a person's physical appearance, mental health, and overall life satisfaction. Traditional pharmacological or surgical treatments have limitations, while recent advancements in regenerative medicine have introduced promising non-invasive options. However, a comprehensive bibliometric analysis of hair loss treatment remains lacking. Objectives This bibliometric analysis aims to characterize key contributions, emerging research hotpots and future directions in global hair loss treatment. Methods 2,591 original articles and reviews in English published between January 1, 2001 and June 15, 2025, were retrieved from the Web of Science database. Bibliometric analysis was performed using Microsoft Excel, VOSviewer, and CiteSpace to visualize publication trends, country/region contributions, institutional involvement, journal impact, author productivity, and emerging research keywords. Results The publication count has consistently grown, experiencing a notable surge from 2013 onward. The USA led in publication volume and citations, with China and South Korea following. Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology published the most articles, while Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology garnered the highest citation numbers. Yong Miao emerged as the most prolific author, and the most cited paper was a review on low-level laser therapy. Key research hotspots included platelet-rich plasma, microneedling, exosomes, tissue engineering, and JAK inhibitors, etc. Conclusions This analysis emphasizes the increasing focus on non-invasive and regenerative treatments for hair loss. While emerging technologies show promise, further high-quality clinical trials and multi-center studies are essential to confirm their clinical applicability. These findings offer valuable insights into future research and clinical applications in hair regeneration.