The Effectiveness of Low-Level Light/Laser Therapy on Hair Loss

September 2021 in “ Facial plastic surgery & aesthetic medicine ”

Pietro Gentile, Simone Garcovich

low-level light therapy low-level laser therapy LLLT male pattern hair loss MPHL female pattern hair loss FPHL randomized controlled trials RCTs laser therapy light therapy

Studysummary This systematic review found that low-level light/laser therapy showed a positive effect in treating male and female pattern hair loss without side effects, as reported by all analyzed randomized controlled trials. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

A systematic review of 298 articles was conducted to assess the effectiveness of low-level light/laser therapy (LLLT) in treating male pattern hair loss (MPHL) and female pattern hair loss (FPHL). Out of these, 136 articles focused on MPHL and FPHL, and 36 of these specifically on LLLT. After excluding systematic reviews, seven randomized controlled trials (RCTs) were analyzed. The conclusion from these seven RCTs was that LLLT had a positive effect on treating MPHL and/or FPHL, with no reported side effects.

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A Randomized Blinded Retrospective Study: The Combined Use of Micro-Needling Technique, Low-Level Laser Therapy, and Autologous Non-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Hair Re-Growth in Patients with Androgenic Alopecia

research A Randomized Blinded Retrospective Study: The Combined Use of Micro-Needling Technique, Low-Level Laser Therapy, and Autologous Non-Activated Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Hair Re-Growth in Patients with Androgenic Alopecia

20 citations , July 2020 in “Expert Opinion on Biological Therapy”

This study found that combining micro-needling, low-level laser therapy, and autologous non-activated platelet-rich plasma increased hair density in patients with androgenic alopecia over the treatment period.

Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

research Systematic Review of Platelet-Rich Plasma Use in Androgenetic Alopecia Compared with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and Adult Stem Cell-Based Therapy

65 citations , April 2020 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This review indicates that most studies reported positive effects of platelet-rich plasma injections for treating androgenic alopecia, with no major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe alternative to Minoxidil and Finasteride.

research Photobiomodulation for the Management of Alopecia: Mechanisms of Action, Patient Selection, and Perspectives

34 citations , September 2019 in “Clinical, Cosmetic and Investigational Dermatology”

This review covers the use of photobiomodulation devices for hair regrowth in various types of alopecia and reports no new clinical results.

research Autologous Cellular Method Using Micrografts of Human Adipose Tissue Derived Follicle Stem Cells in Androgenic Alopecia

88 citations , July 2019 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

In this study of patients with Androgenic Alopecia, micro-grafts containing HD-AFSCs resulted in significantly improved hair density and follicle count over 11 months compared to a saline solution, suggesting a potential alternative therapy for hair regrowth.

Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

research Advances in Regenerative Stem Cell Therapy in Androgenic Alopecia and Hair Loss: Wnt Pathway, Growth Factor, and Mesenchymal Stem Cell Signaling Impact Analysis on Cell Growth and Hair Follicle Development

136 citations , May 2019 in “Cells”

This review discusses the advancements in intraoperative stem cell therapies and highlights their potential to improve hair regrowth, but it reports no new clinical results.

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 Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Network Meta-Analysis

54 citations , May 2018 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

This study found that low-level laser therapy was the most effective non-surgical treatment for androgenetic alopecia, although the overall quality of evidence supporting various therapies was generally low.

research Systematic Review of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Adult Androgenic Alopecia

13 citations , December 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

This study evaluated the use of low-level laser therapy for treating androgenic alopecia in adults, finding it a promising and safe at-home option for stimulating hair growth compared to sham devices, though further research is needed to confirm its clinical effectiveness.

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 The Effectiveness of Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis

178 citations , April 2017 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This systematic review and meta-analysis found that minoxidil, finasteride, and low-level laser light therapy significantly improve hair growth in men with androgenetic alopecia, while minoxidil is also effective for women, compared to placebo.

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.

Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

research Evaluation of Non-Activated and Activated PRP in Hair Loss Treatment: Role of Growth Factor and Cytokine Concentrations Obtained by Different Collection Systems

136 citations , February 2017 in “International Journal of Molecular Sciences”

This study observed that autologous platelet-rich plasma treatment improved hair count and density in areas with androgenetic alopecia compared to placebo, with differing outcomes based on the PRP collection device used.

research The Effect of Platelet-Rich Plasma in Hair Regrowth: A Randomized Placebo-Controlled Trial

214 citations , September 2015 in “Stem Cells Translational Medicine”

This study found that platelet-rich plasma injections significantly increased hair count and density in patients with male pattern hair loss without major side effects, suggesting it may be a safe and effective treatment option.

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 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.

Bald Scalp in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Retains Hair Follicle Stem Cells but Lacks CD200-Rich and CD34-Positive Hair Follicle Progenitor Cells

research Bald Scalp in Men with Androgenetic Alopecia Retains Hair Follicle Stem Cells but Lacks CD200-Rich and CD34-Positive Hair Follicle Progenitor Cells

235 citations , January 2011 in “Journal of Clinical Investigation”

This study found that androgenetic alopecia may involve a defect in the conversion of hair follicle stem cells to progenitor cells, as demonstrated by a reduced presence of progenitor cells in bald scalp samples.

research Efficacy and Safety of Finasteride Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia

152 citations , October 2010 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This study found that daily oral finasteride may increase hair count and improve hair appearance assessments in men with androgenetic alopecia, but it also appears to raise the risk of sexual dysfunction.

research Androgens and Hair Loss: An In-Depth Analysis of Androgenetic Alopecia

52 citations , June 2009 in “Current Opinion in Endocrinology, Diabetes and Obesity”

This review discusses the pathogenesis and treatment of androgenetic alopecia, highlighting genome associations and newer topical formulations, but reports no new clinical results.

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.

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.

research Treatment of Hair Loss

370 citations , September 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

This article discusses the treatment of androgenetic alopecia and alopecia areata with finasteride and minoxidil but reports no new clinical results.

research The Biology of Hair Follicles

1113 citations , August 1999 in “The New England Journal of Medicine”

This article discusses the biologic and psychosocial significance of hair, the current limitations in hair growth drugs, and anticipates future therapies based on advancing hair follicle research.