Latanoprost for hair loss: what the research shows

What latanoprost is

Latanoprost is a prostaglandin F2-alpha analog approved as an eye drop to lower pressure in glaucoma. Doctors noticed early on that patients using it often grew longer, darker eyelashes. A related drug, bimatoprost, was later approved as an eyelash-growth treatment. That naturally raised the question of whether prostaglandin analogs could help scalp hair.

What studies have found

A small number of clinical studies have tested topical latanoprost on the scalp in men with mild pattern hair loss and in alopecia areata, with some reporting modest increases in hair density compared with placebo (PubMed: latanoprost and hair loss). The studies were small, short, and used research formulations, so they don't establish how well it works, the right concentration, or long-term safety on the scalp.

Why it remains experimental

• It isn't approved for scalp hair loss anywhere, and there's no standardized scalp product.
• Eye-drop formulations aren't designed for the scalp, and the amount needed for scalp coverage is far larger than an eye dose.
• Prostaglandin analogs can cause skin darkening and irritation, and the effects of long-term scalp use aren't well studied.
• Treatments with much stronger evidence, such as minoxidil and finasteride, are available.

If you're interested in experimental options, discuss them with a dermatologist rather than improvising with eye drops. See our receding hairline guide for the treatments with the strongest evidence.

FAQ