Evidence-Based Consensus On The Clinical Application Of Photobiomodulation

April 2025 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Jalal Maghfour, Jessica Mineroff, David Ozog, Jared Jagdeo, Henry W. Lim, Indermeet Kohli, R. Rox Anderson, Kristen M. Kelly, Andrew Mamalis, Gilly Munavalli, Ferraresi Cleber, Daniël J. Siegel, Ivayla I. Geneva, Robert A. Weiss, Akimich Morita, Anders Juanita, Mitchel P. Goldman, Paraveen R. Arany, David H. Sliney, Omar A. Ibrahimi, Michael Chopp, Samia Esmat, Jan Tunér

photobiomodulation PBM androgenic alopecia red light therapy peripheral neuropathy wound ulcers diabetic foot ulcer pain acute radiation dermatitis

Studysummary In this study, an expert panel established a consensus guideline indicating that photobiomodulation is a safe and effective treatment for various conditions, including peripheral neuropathy and androgenic alopecia.

Our plain-language summary. Not medical advice or a treatment recommendation. Consult a qualified healthcare professional before changing treatment. Full disclaimer

A panel of 21 experts developed a consensus on the clinical application of photobiomodulation (PBM), concluding it is a safe and effective treatment for conditions like peripheral neuropathy, androgenic alopecia, wound ulcers, diabetic foot ulcer pain, and acute radiation dermatitis. Red light PBM does not cause DNA damage, supporting its safety for adults. The guidelines are intended to help clinicians use PBM safely and effectively, with future research anticipated to improve understanding of this noninvasive technique.

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Research cited in this study

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research The Use of a Light-Emitting Diode Device for Neck Rejuvenation and Its Safety on Thyroid Glands

11 citations , April 2021 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

This study found that long-term use of a home-use LED device for neck skin rejuvenation significantly improved wrinkle appearance and skin biophysical parameters without affecting thyroid function or morphology after 16 weeks of daily use.

Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

research Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

15 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study suggests platelet-rich plasma may be more effective than other non-surgical treatments for male androgenetic alopecia, while low-level laser therapy ranks highest for women; however, the evidence quality was low.

research Meta-Analysis of Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

10 citations , November 2019 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

This study revealed that photobiomodulation significantly improved hair density in androgenetic alopecia patients, with laser treatments being more effective than combined laser/LED treatments, while device style did not significantly affect outcomes.

research The Use of a 1,540 nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

15 citations , July 2019 in “Lasers in surgery and medicine”

This study found that 1,540 nm fractional erbium-glass laser treatment combined with topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth in alopecia areata patches compared to minoxidil alone, with response rates of 60% versus 16%, though the long-term effects remain unknown.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Nonablative Fractional Laser Combined with Topical Minoxidil

8 citations , June 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

This study observed that combining nonablative fractional laser treatment with topical minoxidil led to hair regrowth in Chinese alopecia areata patients, noting complete regrowth in some patients and no relapse in the majority at a one-year follow-up, without reported side effects.

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.

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 Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy Versus Photobiomodulation Therapy

433 citations , April 2015 in “Photomedicine and laser surgery”

This editorial discusses the terminology and distinctions between Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy and Photobiomodulation Therapy but reports no new clinical findings.

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.

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 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.