Lasers in the Management of Alopecia: A Review of Established Therapies and Advances in Treatment

Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) has been proven effective in treating Androgenetic Alopecia (AGA) by promoting hair regrowth, as supported by multiple studies. It stimulates the growth of dormant hair follicles, enhances microvascular circulation, and increases tensile strength. Randomized controlled trials (RCTs) with 110, 269, and 40 participants respectively, showed that LLLT led to significantly greater hair density and regrowth compared to control groups. Another RCT with 45 participants found LLLT as effective as topical 5% minoxidil, and a combination of both therapies yielded significantly better results. The 308 nm excimer laser, 1550-nm nonablative fractional erbium glass laser (Er: glass laser), and Fractional carbon dioxide (FRCO2) laser have also shown promise in treating alopecia. The FRCO2 laser, used alone or in combination with other treatments, was found to be a safe and effective treatment for localized Alopecia Areata (AA). A study on 28 participants showed that the combination of ablative fractional CO2 laser and hair regrowth factors significantly increased hair density. Other therapies like Narrowband ultraviolet B phototherapy (NB-UVB), Ultraviolet A-1 phototherapy (UVA1), and the Neodymium-doped Yttrium Aluminum Garnet (Nd: YAG 1,064 nm) laser also showed potential as therapeutic options for AA.