A Critical Assessment of the Evidence for Low-Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss

September 2016 in “ Dermatologic Surgery ”

Aditya K. Gupta, Kelly A. Foley

Low-Level Laser Therapy LLLT androgenetic alopecia randomized controlled trials RCTs treatment regimen light dose clinical efficacy laser therapy hair loss clinical trials

Studysummary This review discusses the current evidence and highlights gaps in research needed for the wider acceptance of low-level laser therapy as a treatment for hair loss; no new clinical results are provided. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The document critically evaluates the evidence for using Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in treating androgenetic alopecia, highlighting the variability in study designs, measurements, and the small sample sizes of the nine trials identified, including five randomized controlled trials (RCTs). It points out the lack of direct comparisons with established hair loss treatments and the need for standardized protocols, visual evidence, and longer trial durations in future research. The paper also discusses the importance of treatment regimen, light dose, and individual differences affecting LLLT efficacy, noting that while LLLT devices are user-friendly and free of side effects, the clinical efficacy evidence for hair loss treatment is limited. Therefore, only a moderate recommendation for LLLT use in hair loss can be made, and more rigorous clinical studies are needed to strengthen the evidence base.

View this study on journals.lww.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

27 / 27 results

research Evaluation of Wavelength-Dependent Hair Growth Effects on Low-Level Laser Therapy: An Experimental Animal Study

15 citations , June 2015 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

This study found that low-level laser therapy with an 830-nm wavelength most significantly stimulated hair growth in rats, compared to other wavelengths tested.

research LLLT Part 3: Critically Assessing Recent Published LLLT Device Trials: Limitations, Recommendations, and Conclusions

4 citations , May 2015 in “Hair transplant forum international”

The review concluded that better studies are needed to prove if Low-Level Laser Therapy devices for hair growth really work.

A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil Topical Foam in Frontotemporal and Vertex Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Single-Center, Randomized, Double-Blind, Placebo-Controlled Clinical Trial to Investigate the Efficacy and Safety of Minoxidil Topical Foam in Frontotemporal and Vertex Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

19 citations , January 2015 in “Skin Pharmacology and Physiology”

This study reported that using 5% minoxidil topical foam twice daily improved hair density and width in both the frontotemporal and vertex regions of men with moderate androgenetic alopecia.

research Visible Red Light Enhances Physiological Anagen Entry In Vivo And Has Direct And Indirect Stimulatory Effects In Vitro

35 citations , December 2014 in “Lasers in surgery and medicine”

This study found that red light accelerated the transition from the resting to growth phase in hair follicles faster than green and blue light in mice, suggesting it may stimulate hair growth.

research The Science of Light Biostimulation and Low Level Laser Therapy

5 citations , November 2014 in “Hair transplant forum international”

This article introduces a series on low level laser light therapy, focusing on its science, regulatory aspects, and controlled trial methodologies, but reports no new clinical results.

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.

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 Laser Therapy for Treatment of Hair Loss

165 citations , August 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

This review discusses the potential mechanisms and evidence supporting low-level laser therapy for stimulating hair growth in men and women, while noting its safety and effectiveness but needing further study on specific parameters.

research Lasers for Dermatology and Skin Biology

27 citations , July 2013 in “The journal of investigative dermatology/Journal of investigative dermatology”

This narrative review discusses the evolution and diverse medical applications of laser technologies, particularly in dermatology and skin biology, without reporting new research findings.

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 Nuts and Bolts of Low-Level Laser Therapy

1057 citations , November 2011 in “Annals of Biomedical Engineering”

This review discusses the applications of low level laser therapy (LLLT) in wound healing, pain reduction, and treating various conditions, but reports no new clinical results; the authors highlight the need for randomized controlled trials for serious diseases.

research No Improvement in Male-Pattern Hair Loss Using Laser Hair-Comb Therapy: A 6-Month, Half-Head, Assessor-Blinded Investigation in Two Men

13 citations , October 2011 in “Clinical and Experimental Dermatology”

This study found no improvement in male-pattern hair loss after six months of using laser hair-comb therapy in two men.

A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

research A Randomized, Single-Blind Trial of 5% Minoxidil Foam Once Daily Versus 2% Minoxidil Solution Twice Daily in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

100 citations , June 2011 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a once-daily 5% minoxidil topical foam is as effective as a twice-daily 2% minoxidil topical solution for hair growth in women with androgenetic alopecia, with fewer side effects and greater styling convenience.

research Effect of Helium-Neon Laser Irradiation on Hair Follicle Growth Cycle of Swiss Albino Mice

36 citations , December 2009 in “Skin pharmacology and physiology”

In this study, helium-neon laser irradiation at approximately 1 J/cm² significantly increased the percentage of hair follicles in the anagen phase in both testosterone-treated and untreated mice, suggesting stimulation of hair growth.

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.

A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Multicenter, Randomized, Placebo-Controlled, Double-Blind Clinical Trial of a Novel Formulation of 5% Minoxidil Topical Foam Versus Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

142 citations , August 2007 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that a new 5% minoxidil foam formulation significantly increased hair counts and improved hair loss condition in men with androgenetic alopecia over 16 weeks compared to placebo.

research Effects of Finasteride (1 mg) on Hair Transplant

23 citations , October 2005 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

This study found that finasteride 1 mg daily, taken before and after hair transplant surgery, significantly improved scalp hair coverage and density in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo.

research A Randomized, Placebo-Controlled Trial of 5% and 2% Topical Minoxidil Solutions in the Treatment of Female Pattern Hair Loss

219 citations , March 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In this 48-week trial, 5% topical minoxidil was more effective than both 2% minoxidil and placebo in promoting hair growth in women with female pattern hair loss, with notable improvements in nonvellus hair count and hair growth assessments.

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.

A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

research A Randomized Clinical Trial of 5% Topical Minoxidil Versus 2% Topical Minoxidil and Placebo in the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

269 citations , August 2002 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that 5% topical minoxidil significantly increased hair regrowth and improved psychosocial perceptions of hair loss in men with androgenetic alopecia compared to 2% topical minoxidil and placebo over 48 weeks.

Finasteride Increases Anagen Hair in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia