Low-Level Laser And LED Therapy In Alopecia: A Systematic Review And Meta-Analysis

October 2024 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

Sofia Perez, Mounika Vattigunta, Colin Kelly, Ariel E. Eber

low-level laser therapy LED therapy alopecia androgenetic alopecia hair density LLLT

Studysummary In this study, low-level laser/LED therapy significantly increased hair density in patients with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo over 4 to 26 weeks; however, the efficacy for other alopecia types remains unclear, requiring further research.

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Comparative Efficacy of 2% Minoxidil Alone Versus Combination With Low-Level Laser Therapy in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Chinese Females

research Comparative Efficacy of 2% Minoxidil Alone Versus Combination With Low-Level Laser Therapy in Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Randomized Controlled Trial in Chinese Females

January 2024 in “Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy”

The study found that combining a 655nm low-level laser helmet with 2% minoxidil resulted in better improvement in hair diameter and intermediate hair enlargement at the midscalp among Chinese women with FPHL.

research Could Red And Near-Infrared Emitting Fabric Technology Improve The Severity Of Psoriasis, Polymorphous Light Eruption, And Alopecia Areata?

4 citations , September 2023 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

In this study, the use of wellness apparel emitting red and NIR light was associated with improved disease severity in patients with mild elbow psoriasis, PMLE, and limited AA, though the small sample size and continued use of other treatments were noted as limitations.

research Photobiomodulation With a Continuous Wave Red Laser (660 Nm) as Monotherapy for Adult Alopecia Areata: A Case Presentation

July 2023 in “Journal of lasers in medical sciences”

This case report describes the first use of photobiomodulation therapy with a continuous wave red laser (660 nm) as monotherapy for alopecia areata, resulting in significant hair regrowth within 7 days, though further research is needed for conclusive evidence.

research Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia – A Randomized Controlled Trial

January 2023 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study concluded that adding low-level laser therapy to topical minoxidil did not significantly improve hair density in androgenetic alopecia patients compared to using minoxidil alone.

research Low-Level Light Therapy and Minoxidil Combination Treatment in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature

December 2022 in “Skin appendage disorders”

This study found that combined therapy of low-level light therapy and minoxidil may offer either superior or equivalent hair regrowth compared to minoxidil alone in treating androgenetic alopecia.

research The Efficacy and Safety of the Combination of Photobiomodulation Therapy and Pulsed Electromagnetic Field Therapy on Androgenetic Alopecia

November 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

In this study, combining photobiomodulation therapy and pulsed electromagnetic field therapy over 24 weeks significantly increased hair density in androgenetic alopecia patients compared to a sham device control, with minimal side effects reported.

research Preliminary Investigation on Microneedling with Low-Level LED Therapy and Growth Factors in Hair Loss Related to COVID-19

6 citations , September 2022 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

This study reported that micro-needling with Low-Level LED Therapy and Growth Factors may improve hair density in mild-to-moderate hair loss and telogen effluvium related to COVID-19, based on preliminary observations.

research Reversible Hair Loss in a Patient With Cicatricial Alopecia: A Case of Regrowth Associated With Pioglitazone Use

1 citations , August 2022 in “JAAD case reports”

This review discusses current treatments for cicatricial alopecia focused on reducing inflammation to prevent further hair loss and suggests auxiliary therapies to improve the appearance of remaining hair, without reporting new clinical results.

research Photobiomodulation Effectiveness in Treating Androgenetic Alopecia

1 citations , June 2022 in “Photobiomodulation, photomedicine, and laser surgery”

In this study, photobiomodulation notably increased hair density in men with androgenetic alopecia after 5 weeks, though no further gains were observed with additional sessions.

research Prevalence of Telogen Effluvium Hair Loss in COVID-19 Patients and Its Relationship with Disease Severity

8 citations , May 2022 in “Journal of medicine and life”

This study found that telogen effluvium, a type of hair loss, was prevalent among 24% of COVID-19 patients, likely triggered by stress and medication related to the illness.

research Trichogenic Effect of Low Level Laser Therapy Combined with Platelet-Rich Plasma for the Management of Androgenetic Alopecia

April 2022 in “International Journal of Health Sciences (IJHS)”

This study found that combining low-level light therapy with platelet-rich plasma significantly improved hair parameters in men with androgenic alopecia, although most improvements decreased after treatment stopped.

research Efficacy Assessment for Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia: A Real-World Study on 1383 Patients

1 citations , February 2022 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

In this real-world study, low-level laser helmet therapy for androgenetic alopecia showed that male patients with specific scalp conditions may have better results after more than 180 uses or a year of treatment.

Low Level Laser Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Controlled Intra-Patient Comparative Study

research Low Level Laser Versus Platelet-Rich Plasma in Treatment of Alopecia Areata: A Randomized Controlled Intra-Patient Comparative Study

1 citations , January 2022 in “Open Access Macedonian Journal of Medical Sciences”

This study observed that PRP treatment resulted in greater improvement in hair thickness and density in alopecia areata patients compared to LLLT, with benefits sustained over 12 weeks.

research A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials of United States Food and Drug Administration-Approved, Home-Use, Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy Devices for Pattern Hair Loss: Device Design and Technology

9 citations , November 2021 in “PubMed”

This study found that FDA-approved low-level light/laser therapy devices significantly increased hair density in individuals with pattern hair loss compared to sham devices.

research Novel Application of Light-Emitting Diode Therapy in the Treatment of Eyebrow Loss in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

4 citations , September 2021 in “Sensors”

In this study, LED therapy for eyebrow loss in older females with frontal fibrosing alopecia significantly increased eyebrow hair count after 10 treatments and maintained improvement at 6 months, indicating it could be a promising and well-tolerated treatment option.

Efficacy of Minoxidil Combined With Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Double-Blind Half-Head Controlled Trial

research Efficacy of Minoxidil Combined With Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia: A Double-Blind Half-Head Controlled Trial

May 2021 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

This study found that combining photobiomodulation with topical minoxidil did not produce additional hair growth benefits in males with androgenetic alopecia compared to using minoxidil alone.

Low-Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% for Sustainable Hair Regrowth

research Low-Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% for Sustainable Hair Regrowth

4 citations , May 2021 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

This study observed that adding low-level light therapy with the GentleWaves® device to Minoxidil significantly boosted hair regrowth in men with androgenetic alopecia by reducing scalp inflammation.

research Results of Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Growth: An Egyptian Experience

2 citations , March 2021 in “Dermatologic Therapy”

This study found that low-level laser therapy significantly increased hair counts in women with female pattern hair loss but not in those with telogen effluvium, without serious adverse events.

research Role of Low-Level Light Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia

1 citations , January 2021 in “Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery”

This review indicates that low-level laser therapy may stimulate hair growth in both men and women with androgenetic alopecia, showing similar efficacy to minoxidil in some studies, but requires more robust evidence.

research Comparison of Low-Level Light Therapy and Combination Therapy of 5% Minoxidil in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

5 citations , October 2020 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

This study found that combination therapy with LLLT and 5% minoxidil improved hair diameter and density more effectively than each treatment alone in women with female pattern hair loss.

research Low-Level Light Therapy Using a Helmet-Type Device for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

8 citations , July 2020 in “Medicine”

In this study, low-level light therapy using a new helmet-type device significantly increased hair density and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia, showing no adverse events or side effects, suggesting it may be a safe and effective treatment option for both sexes.

Lichen Planopilaris and Low-Level Light Therapy: Four Case Reports and Review of the Literature About Low-Level Light Therapy and Lichenoid Dermatosis

research Lichen Planopilaris and Low-Level Light Therapy: Four Case Reports and Review of the Literature About Low-Level Light Therapy and Lichenoid Dermatosis

11 citations , February 2020 in “Dermatology and therapy”

This study reported that four patients with lichen planopilaris showed dramatic improvement, including symptom reduction and hair regrowth, after treatment with low-level light therapy.

Comparative Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Adult Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

research Comparative Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Adult Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

21 citations , January 2019 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

This review found that low-level laser therapy significantly increased hair density in adults with androgenic alopecia compared to sham treatments, with greater effects observed at lower treatment frequencies.

Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Thai Men and Women: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Thai Men and Women: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

45 citations , December 2018 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

In a 24-week randomized trial, this study found that the RAMACAP laser helmet significantly increased hair density and diameter in androgenetic alopecia patients compared to a sham device, although limitations included a small sample size and potential issues with the control used.

Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

research Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

31 citations , June 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this randomized, double-blind trial, researchers observed that low-level laser therapy led to significantly greater hair regrowth on treated areas compared to a sham treatment in patients with androgenetic alopecia over 24 weeks, suggesting it as a potentially effective and safe option.

research The Effectiveness of Adding Low-Level Light Therapy to Minoxidil 5% Solution in the Treatment of Patients with Androgenetic Alopecia

14 citations , January 2018 in “Indian Journal of Dermatology, Venereology and Leprology”

In this study, adding low-level light therapy to minoxidil significantly improved hair regrowth and patient satisfaction in treating androgenetic alopecia compared to minoxidil alone.

research Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Lichen Planopilaris

16 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that low-level laser therapy may reduce inflammation and increase hair thickness in patients with lichen planopilaris after six months of treatment, though the small sample size limits the findings.

Low-Level Light and Minoxidil 5% Combination Versus Either Modality Alone in Management of Female Patterned Hair Loss: A Randomized Controlled Study

research Low-Level Light and Minoxidil 5% Combination Versus Either Modality Alone in Management of Female Patterned Hair Loss: A Randomized Controlled Study

34 citations , May 2017 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

This study found that combining low-level light therapy with topical minoxidil 5% may lead to better hair regrowth and patient satisfaction in treating female pattern hair loss compared to using each treatment alone.

research Novel Approach to Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Females With Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)

33 citations , March 2017 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

In this clinical study, low-level laser therapy using the HANDI-DOME LASER device increased hair counts by 51% compared to controls, indicating its potential as a safe and effective treatment for androgenetic alopecia in women aged 18 to 60.

research The Growth of Human Scalp Hair in Females Using Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources

81 citations , August 2014 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

This study found that low-level laser therapy significantly increased hair growth in women with androgenic alopecia, achieving a 37% greater increase in hair counts compared to placebo.

research Cold X5 Hairlaser Used to Treat Male Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Growth: An Uncontrolled Pilot Study

15 citations , February 2014 in “BMC Research Notes”

This study found that male androgenic alopecia patients using the X5 hair laser device showed a statistically significant increase in hair growth over a 26-week period.

Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

research Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Multicenter, Randomized, Sham Device-Controlled, Double-Blind Study

147 citations , January 2014 in “American Journal of Clinical Dermatology”

This study found that low-level laser treatment with the HairMax Lasercomb significantly increased terminal hair density in both men and women with pattern hair loss, with no serious adverse events reported.

research Use of Low-Level Laser Therapy as Monotherapy or Concomitant Therapy for Male and Female Androgenetic Alopecia

45 citations , January 2014 in “International Journal of Trichology”

This study found that low-level laser therapy may improve hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia, either as a standalone treatment or combined with minoxidil or finasteride, without reported adverse reactions.

research The Growth of Human Scalp Hair Mediated by Visible Red Light Laser and LED Sources in Males

117 citations , September 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

This study found that low level laser therapy at 655 nm significantly increased hair counts in males with androgenetic alopecia.

research Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial

106 citations , April 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that low-level light therapy significantly increased hair density and diameter in androgenetic alopecia patients compared to a sham device, suggesting it could be an effective treatment option.

research Effects of the Lexington LaserComb on Hair Regrowth in the C3H/HeJ Mouse Model of Alopecia Areata

81 citations , July 2011 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

This study found that using a low-level laser comb led to hair regrowth in a mouse model of alopecia areata, while sham-treated mice showed no hair regrowth.

research The Use of Low-Level Light for Hair Growth: Part I

90 citations , January 2009 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy”

In this study, low-level laser therapy showed no statistically significant improvements in hair growth measures, despite some patients experiencing increases in terminal hairs and shaft diameter.

research HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

160 citations , January 2009 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”

This study found that the HairMax LaserComb® significantly increased hair density and was safe and well tolerated for treating androgenetic alopecia in men compared to a sham device.

research Hair Regrowth and Increased Hair Tensile Strength Using the HairMax LaserComb for Low-Level Laser Therapy

75 citations , August 2003 in “International journal of cosmetic surgery and aesthetic dermatology”

This study found that low level laser therapy with a HairMax LaserComb improved hair counts and tensile strength in patients with androgenetic alopecia, particularly in males and vertex areas.