Efficacy of Finasteride Treatment Versus Low-Level Laser in Frontal Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

January 2012

Ibrahim M.A. Mohamed, Ibrahim M. Zoheiry, Samah H. Nagib

finasteride low-level laser therapy frontal pattern hair loss 7-point assessment scale hair counting measurement Propecia LLLT 7-PAS HCM

TLDR Finasteride and low-level laser therapy are similarly effective for frontal pattern hair loss.

The study from 2012 compared the effectiveness of finasteride treatment (FST) and low-level laser (LLL) therapy in 40 patients aged between 35 to 50 years with frontal male and female pattern hair loss. Patients were divided into two groups, with one receiving 1mg oral finasteride daily and the other undergoing LLL therapy for 15 minutes per session daily, both for 3 months. The efficacy was assessed using the 7-point assessment scale (7-PAS) and hair counting measurement (HCM) before and after treatment. Results indicated that both FST and LLL significantly increased 7-PAS and HCM scores, showing that they were nearly equivalent in improving hair regrowth. The study concluded that both treatments could be effective for frontal pattern hair loss, but recommended further research for confirmation.

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