Does Accutane Cause Hair Loss: Understanding the Risks in Depth

Experiencing the relief of an acne breakout fading away is genuinely unparalleled. Yet, for some, using Accutane brings along an unanticipated concern — hair loss. So, does Accutane cause hair loss? No doubt it has been a pressing query for many, especially when they start observing increased hair shedding. The relationship between Accutane and hair health isn't widely discussed, but it's vital to understand. 

The journey to clear skin, especially for those grappling with severe acne, often means exploring different treatments. Accutane has undeniably shown efficacy in battling stubborn acne (1). However, every medication has its pros and cons. While Accutane may pave the way for blemish-free skin, its association with temporary to permanent hair loss has raised eyebrows. The good news is that the condition is usually not permanent for those facing thinning of hair or loss due to Accutane. There are also several measures to ensure your scalp and tresses stay in optimal health during the treatment. Let’s take a closer look.

What Is Accutane?

Accutane, known scientifically as isotretinoin, was formerly marketed by the renowned Swiss healthcare giant Roche. Classified as a retinoid, Accutane is essentially a synthesized form of vitamin A (1). It's prescribed predominantly to treat hormonal acne as an oral medication in capsule form, dosed typically twice a day, spanning 15 to 20 weeks. Although the intricacies of how Accutane works to counteract acne remain somewhat mysterious, its ability to regulate skin cell accumulation and oil production — major contributors to acne — is well acknowledged (1).

What Does the Research Say About Hair Loss Related to Accutane?

Hair loss, marked by a decrease in hair count and density, is a noted side effect of isotretinoin, more commonly recognized by its brand name, Accutane. Research, specifically a certain study, indicated that while this effect was largely temporary, hair thinning may persist even after concluding the treatment (2). It's also worth noting that about 10 percent of those on Accutane experience this temporary hair thinning. Contrasting this, a study in 2018 presented a different perspective, suggesting that isotretinoin doesn't hamper short-term hair growth (2). This study further elaborated that significant disruption in hair growth was observed only when individuals were administered extremely high doses of the drug (2). That’s a lot of contradiction, so let’s try to understand this a bit more.