Can Methylene Blue Regrow Your Hair? A Look At The Science.

Article Summary

Methylene blue, a well-known compound with antioxidant and anti-aging properties, has recently gained attention as a potential hair loss treatment. But does the science support the hype? In this article, we examine preclinical research on methylene blue, its mechanisms related to hair health, and whether the evidence (or lack thereof) shows that methylene blue can support hair growth.

Full Article

Methylene blue, a compound originally developed as a medical dye, has recently been stirring up attention due to its potential therapeutic applications beyond its initial purpose, particularly in the realm of age-related concerns such as cognitive and skin health. However, some are now exploring its potential use in hair regrowth.

This research aligns with a broader trend in the pharmaceutical industry: repurposing old compounds for new indications. This offers several advantages, including reduced development time, lower costs, and decreased risk due to established safety trials. Approximately 30% of repurposed drugs typically gain approval compared to only 10% of new drug applications, making this strategy increasingly attractive for pharma companies.^[2]Hernandez, J.J., Pryszlak, M., Smith, L., Yanchus, C., Kurji, N., Shahani, V.M., Molinski, S.V. (2017). Giving Drugs a Second Chance: Overcoming Regulatory and Financial Hurdles in Repurposing … Continue reading

In this article, we will examine the evidence surrounding methylene blue and whether it could translate to better hair growth outcomes.

Key Takeaways

• What Is It? Methylene blue is a medical dye with antioxidant, mitochondrial-supporting, and anti-inflammatory properties. It has been studied for neurodegenerative diseases, skin health, and aging, but its role in hair regrowth is unproven.
• Clinical Data. There are no human clinical trials testing methylene blue for hair regrowth. Most research comes from in vitro and animal studies. One study in hair transplants found no benefit over saline.
• Evidence Quality. Methylene blue scored 6/100 for evidence quality by our metrics.
• Safety. While generally safe at therapeutic doses, methylene blue can cause nausea, headaches, and urine discoloration. More serious risks include serotonin syndrome (when combined with SSRIs/SNRIs) and hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals. The long-term effects of cosmetic use remain unknown.
• Best Practices. Given the lack of evidence and potential risks, methylene blue should not be considered a proven hair loss treatment. For those seeking regrowth solutions, clinically tested treatments remain the safest bet.

Let’s start off by exploring why people are so excited about methylene blue.

Methylene blue is purportedly a potent mitochondrial-targeting antioxidant that effectively scavenges reactive oxygen species (ROS).^[3]Xue, H., Thaivalappil, A., Cao, K. (2021). The Potentials of Methylene Blue as an Anti-Aging Drug. Cells. 10(3379). 1-12. Available at: https://doi.org/10.3390/cells10123379 According to the free radical theory of aging, ROS are closely linked to cellular aging. ROS accumulation can cause a cellular state called oxidative stress, which damages DNA, protein, and lipids.^[4]Labunskyy, V.M., Galdyshev, N.M. (2013). Role of Reactive Oxygen Species-Mediated Signaling in Aging. Antioxidants & Redox Signaling. 19(12). 1362-1372. Available at: … Continue reading

What Beneficial Properties Might Methylene Blue Have?

Methylene blue has shown promise for improving several aging pathways. Let’s take a look at the pre-clinical evidence and see how it might translate into improvements in hair regrowth.

Anti-Aging

In cultured human skin, fibroblasts derived from healthy donors and patients with progeria (a genetic disorder leading to rapid aging in children) were used to evaluate the antioxidant activity of methylene blue.^[5]Xiong, Z-M., O’Donovan, M., Sun, L., Choi, J.Y., Ren, M., Cao, K. (2017). Anti-aging potentials of methylene blue for human skin longevity. Scientific Reports. 7(2475). 1-12. Available at: … Continue reading Compared to other widely used mitochondrial-targeting antioxidants, the researchers found that methylene blue reduced levels of ROS (MitoSOX) and improved skin fibroblast proliferation more effectively (Figure 1).

The researchers also found that methylene blue could reduce signs of aging in old skin cells. Before treatment, the old fibroblasts (harvested from two subjects over 80 years old) showed signs of cellular senescence, including increased ꞵ-galactosidase (a marker of senescence) and higher levels of mitochondrial ROS than younger cells (harvested from two subjects below 30 years old). Both the old and young cells were grown in a medium supplemented with methylene blue for four weeks. Compared to a control, methylene blue significantly reduced levels of mitochondrial ROS, reduced ꞵ-galactosidase marker signal and decreased the gene expression of senescence marker p16 in the old cells. It also improved cell growth in both old and young cells (Figure 2).

In addition to this, the researchers analyzed the effect of methylene blue on the expression of key antioxidant response genes. Methylene blue was found to upregulate the expression of Nrf2, which is an important transcription factor involved in the antioxidant response. In 3D reconstructed human skin, it was also found to promote wound healing, increase tissue viability, skin thickness and hydration, and upregulate elastin and collagen 2A1, which are important for maintaining skin elasticity and thickness.

UV Protection

Another in vitro (in cells) study was conducted in which primary human keratinocytes were irradiated with UV rays and treated with methylene blue to test if it had any protective effects against UV-induced DNA damage and cell death.^[8]Xiong, Z-M., Mao, X., Trappio, M., Arya, C., el Kordi, J., Cao, K. (2021). Ultraviolet radiation protection potentials of methylene blue for human skin and coral reef health. Scientific Reports. … Continue reading

The cells were treated with 100 nM of methylene blue for two weeks and then exposed to 0, 5, 10, and 20 seconds of UVB rays at 1 W/cm2 (Watt per cm2). A common marker for DNA damage, ℽH2AX, was measured, with methylene blue treated cells showing significantly reduced expression at each dosage compared to the control (PBS) (Figure 3).

The researchers also found that it prevented human keratinocytes from undergoing UVB irradiation-induced cell death and that it was more effective at blocking high-energy UVB/C rays than a common UV blocker used in most sunscreens, oxybenzone. 

They also found that methylene blue was a more robust scavenger of ROS (meaning that it can effectively neutralize and remove ROS) than oxybenzone, Vitamin A, and Vitamin C in keratinocytes. A separate experiment was also conducted on young and old fibroblasts derived from males and females treated with either PBS, DMSO (controls), methylene blue, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, or a combination of Vitamin C and methylene blue. The combination treatment showed increased cell growth in both young and old cells (male and female) compared to all other treatments. When it came to ROS levels, the methylene blue alone treatment and the combination treatment both showed the most effective reductions in ROS levels (Figure 4).

Anti-Inflammatory

One study has shown that methylene blue decreases inflammation by reducing serum levels of interleukin-6 (a pro-inflammatory cytokine that plays a significant role in both acute and chronic inflammatory responses) and inhibiting the activation of STAT3 in the skin.^[11]Li, Y., Ying, W. (2023). Methylene blue reduces the serum levels of interleukin-6 and inhibits STAT3 activation in the brain and the skin of lipopolysaccharide-administered mice. Frontiers in … Continue reading STAT3 is implicated in the pathogenesis of alopecia areata.^[12]Roche, F.C., Hedberg, M.L. Fischer, A.S., Ray, A., Dentchev, T., Rice, X., Taylor, S.C., Seykora, J.T. (2023). Activation of STAT3 in lymphocytes associated with central centrifugal cicatricial … Continue reading  

Mice were split into four groups: control (PBS injected intraperitoneally every day for 3 days), and 5 mg/kg, 10 mg/kg, and 20 mg/kg methylene blue groups (injected intraperitoneally every day for 3 days). Another three groups of mice were treated with lipopolysaccharide (1 mg/kg) to induce inflammation, with two groups also being treated with 10 mg/kg of methylene blue and 20 mg/kg of methylene blue.

Mice treated with both 10 and 20 mg/kg methylene blue alongside LPS showed a significant reduction in serum levels of LPS-induced IL-6 (Figure 5) and STAT3 (Figure 6). Other markers of inflammation that were reduced after methylene blue treatment were iNOS (inducible nitric oxide synthase, which can induce or enhance the inflammatory response) and COX2 (an enzyme implicated in inflammation by producing prostaglandins).

Based on the positive effects seen in these studies, methylene blue could assist in hair growth through several mechanisms:

1. Reduction of Oxidative Stress (ROS Regulation)

Hair follicle stem cells and dermal papilla cells are highly susceptible to oxidative stress, which can impair hair follicle cycling and contribute to hair loss. Methylene blue has demonstrated the ability to effectively scavenge reactive oxygen species (ROS), reducing oxidative damage and potentially improving hair follicle resilience and function.

2. Enhancement of Mitochondrial Function and ATP Production

Hair follicles require significant energy (ATP) for active growth during the anagen phase. Methylene blue has been shown to enhance mitochondrial function, increase ATP production, and improve cellular energy metabolism, which may support hair follicle growth and maintenance.

3. Stimulation of Fibroblast Proliferation and Extracellular Matrix Support

Dermal fibroblasts and dermal papilla cells play crucial roles in hair follicle anchoring and signaling. Methylene blue can enhance fibroblast proliferation and extracellular matrix production, which could promote a supportive environment for robust hair follicle development.

4. Anti-Senescence Effects

Cellular senescence in hair follicle stem cells is linked to age-related hair thinning and loss. Methylene blue has been found to reduce markers of cellular senescence, such as p16 and β-galactosidase expression, which may help maintain hair follicle stem cell viability and prolong the anagen phase in aging individuals.

5. Upregulation of Antioxidant Response (Nrf2 Activation)

Methylene blue activates Nrf2, a transcription factor involved in cellular defense against oxidative stress. Since Nrf2 is associated with protection against chemotherapy-induced alopecia and inflammatory hair loss conditions (e.g., lichen planopilaris), its activation by methylene blue could offer therapeutic benefits for hair regrowth.

6. Improvement in Wound Healing and Scalp Thickness

A healthy scalp environment is critical for hair follicle regeneration. Methylene blue has been shown to promote wound healing, increase skin thickness, and enhance tissue hydration, which may contribute to a more favorable microenvironment for hair growth.

7. Reduction of Inflammatory Markers

Chronic inflammation, mediated by IL-6 and STAT3 activation, is implicated in autoimmune and scarring alopecia (e.g., alopecia areata, central centrifugal cicatricial alopecia (CCCA)). Methylene blue can significantly reduce inflammatory markers such as IL-6 and STAT3, potentially mitigating inflammatory hair loss conditions.

What Clinical Evidence Shows Methylene Blue’s Positive Effects?

The only evidence that we could find in humans showing positive effects from methylene blue are those surrounding neurodegenerative diseases and cognitive enhancement.

Neurodegenerative diseases

A double-blind, dose-finding Phase II clinical trial involving 321 patients with mild-to-moderate Alzheimer’s disease tested three doses of methylene blue.^[15]Wischik, C.M., Staf, R.T., Wischik, D.J., Bentham, P., Murray, A.D., Storey, J., Kook, K.A., Harrington, C.R. (2015). Tau Aggregation Inhibitor Therapy: An Exploratory Phase 2 Study in Mild or … Continue reading 

The study met its predefined primary efficacy endpoint at 24 weeks of reduction in cognitive decline at the 138 mg/day dose. The beneficial effect was sustained for 50 weeks in both mild and moderate subjects at this dose, with a 90% reduction in the rate of cognitive decline overall. 

Cognitive enhancement

In a randomized controlled trial involving 26 healthy subjects aged 22-62, low-dose methylene blue (280 mg) improved memory performance and increased brain activity in regions associated with attention and short-term memory.^[16]Rodriguez, P., Zhou, W., Barrett, D.W., Altmeyer, W., Gutierrez, J.E., Li, J., Lancaster, J., Gonzalez-Lima, F., Duong, Q.T. (2016). Multimodal Randomized Functional MR Imaging of the Effects of … Continue reading 

Do These Results Show That Methylene Blue Can Regrow Hair?

While methylene blue has shown potential in preclinical studies for various therapeutic applications, its efficacy in promoting hair regrowth remains unproven. The enthusiasm surrounding the potential benefits of methylene blue is primarily based on in vitro and animal studies, which often do not translate directly to human outcomes.

As you can see above, preclinical studies have demonstrated that methylene blue possesses antioxidant properties, improves mitochondrial function, and exhibits anti-inflammatory effects. However, we could not find any preclinical or clinical studies looking at its potential effects on hair regrowth, so we can’t say for sure whether it will work or not.

In fact, the only study we could find that included methylene blue and hair follicles is a pilot study testing methylene blue as a storage solution during hair transplants. In this study, normal saline solution outperformed methylene blue in graft survival rates at 8, 12, and 18 months post-surgery.^[17]Tangjaturonrusamee, C., Thientaworn P., Arunrattanapong, N., Castillejos, D.K.O., Patjomvanich, D. (2016). Methylene blue: Its Efficacy and Safety as a Storage Solution in Hair Transplantation. … Continue reading

Potential Safety Risks

While methylene blue is considered to be safe at therapeutic doses, it can cause some side effects:^[18]Michael. (2025). Is Methylene Blue Safe for Long-Term Use? Covenant Health Products. Available at: https://covenanthealthproducts.com/our-blog/is-methylene-blue-good-for-you (Accessed: March 2025),^[19]Drugs.com. (2024). Methylene Blue Side Effects. Drugs.com. Available at: https://www.drugs.com/sfx/methylene-blue-side-effects.html (Accessed: March 2025)

• Common: Skin/urine discoloration, nausea, dizziness, and headaches.
• Severe: Serotonin syndrome (when combined with SSRIs/SNRIs), hemolytic anemia in G6PD-deficient individuals, and rate causes of organ toxicity.

There is also some evidence that prolonged use may strain liver and kidney function due to metabolism demands. Furthermore, there have been no rigorous studies confirming the safety of chronic, low-dose methylene blue use for cosmetic purposes.

Risk vs. Reward: Is It Worth It?

Considering the potential side effects, drug interactions and lack of evidence, we would say that it is currently not worth trying methylene blue to counteract your hair loss. Long-term safety data for methylene blue has not been collected at this point, so it is worth waiting until new research has been conducted.

Final Thoughts

While methylene blue shows promise in anti-aging and cellular health, there’s no clinical evidence supporting its use for hair regrowth. Most findings come from in vitro and animal studies, which don’t always translate to real-world results.

Beyond the lack of evidence, potential risks—including drug interactions and unknown long-term effects—make it a high-risk, low-reward option for hair loss. Until human trials confirm its efficacy and safety, methylene blue remains speculative. For now, clinically tested treatments are the safer bet.