Melanin to Influence Hair Growth?

Hi Dr. Rassman!

Is it at all possible for melanin to influence hair growth?

I ask because I have been self injecting Melanotan II for the past month, primarily to boost melanin levels for skin cancer protection and the more vain reason of developing a nice tan with limited UV exposure. Anyway, my frontal hairline seems to have filled out a little, unexpectedly. I keep my hair clipped right down (but not shaved), so I do notice subtle changes sooner than most. My facial hair has also gotten darker and coarser.

Now, the ‘side effects’ of Melanotan II are listed as hyperpigmentation (random freckles), erections in males, and the darkening of hair and eye colors — so I did expect my hair to darken a bit, but I didn’t expect it to become rougher/coarser to the touch. Could it just be previously thinning hair regaining some pigment, or is it possible the melanin levels are helping the texture/diameter of the hair as well? I’ve had the same regimen (Proscar/Rogaine) for 26 months, and the Melanotan II is the only thing I have added recently.

Thoughts?

As people age, they lose melanin, the pigment that gives the hair color. I have no insights for you about the connection you are describing.