Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenic Alopecia: A Review

December 2017 in “ Lasers in Medical Science ”

Evan Darwin, Alexandra Heyes, Penelope A. Hirt, Tongyu C. Wikramanayake, Joaquin J. Jimenez

Low-Level Laser Therapy androgenic alopecia minoxidil finasteride LLLT Rogaine Propecia

From the encyclopedia

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Finasteride →

Frontline, gold standard treatment for combatting androgenic alopecia

Low Level Laser Therapy →

laser therapy for anti-inflammatory and likely insignificant hair regrowth effects

Studysummary This study found that low-level laser therapy may significantly improve androgenic alopecia in both men and women, either alone or alongside treatments like minoxidil and finasteride. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

In 2018, a review of 13 clinical trials was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) in treating androgenic alopecia, a common form of hair loss. The review found that 10 out of 11 trials showed significant improvement in hair growth with LLLT treatment. The largest study involved 128 male and 141 female subjects. In total, 849 subjects were involved across all studies. LLLT was also found to be effective when used in combination with topical minoxidil or finasteride. Despite some studies having small sample sizes and potential selection bias, the review concluded that LLLT is a safe and effective treatment option for androgenic alopecia. However, more research was needed to determine the optimal power and wavelength for LLLT treatment.

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Research cited in this study

25 / 25 results

Comparison of the Effects of 665 nm Low-Level Diode Laser Hat Versus a Combination of 665 nm and 808 nm Low-Level Diode Laser Scanner on Hair Growth in Androgenic Alopecia

research Comparison of the Effects of 665 nm Low-Level Diode Laser Hat Versus a Combination of 665 nm and 808 nm Low-Level Diode Laser Scanner on Hair Growth in Androgenic Alopecia

24 citations , May 2017 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

This study reported that a new laser scanner using 655 nm red and 808 nm infrared lasers significantly improved hair density in patients with androgenic alopecia compared to both a laser hat and no treatment, without observable adverse effects.

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 Differences in Reproductive Toxicology Between Alopecia Drugs: An Analysis on Adverse Events Among Female and Male Cases

24 citations , October 2016 in “Oncotarget”

This study found that finasteride was associated with more reproductive adverse effects, including sexual dysfunction in men and fetal harm in women, compared to minoxidil in reported alopecia cases.

research The Effect of One Session Low Level Laser Therapy on Extracted Follicular Units in Hair Transplantation

6 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of lasers in medical sciences”

This study found that a single session of low level laser irradiation did not significantly affect hair growth outcomes in transplanted follicles for patients with androgenic alopecia.

research Could Topical Minoxidil Cause Non-Arteritic Anterior Ischemic Optic Neuropathy?

6 citations , January 2016 in “Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research”

This case report describes a non-arteritic anterior ischemic optic neuropathy that resolved after discontinuing topical 5% minoxidil treatment.

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.

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.

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18 citations , February 2014 in “PubMed”

This article reviews current diagnostic and treatment approaches for androgenetic alopecia but reports no new results, focusing on its progression and medical management options.

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 Organic Causes of Erectile Dysfunction in Men Under 40

2152 citations , November 2013 in “Urologia Internationalis”

This study reviews the significant prevalence of organic etiologies, especially vascular causes, in erectile dysfunction among men under 40 and emphasizes thorough evaluation and consideration of treatment options like exercise and PDE-5 inhibitors.

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 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.

research Types of Hair Loss and Treatment Options, Including the Novel Low-Level Light Therapy and Its Proposed Mechanism

46 citations , September 2010 in “Southern Medical Journal”

This review discusses low-level light therapy for androgenetic alopecia and female pattern hair loss, noting minimal clinical evidence on its efficacy and the need for more controlled studies.

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.

research Evaluation and Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

203 citations , December 2004 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This article reviews the historical developments in understanding and treating male pattern hair loss, emphasizing the role of dihydrotestosterone and 5α-reductase inhibitors, but reports no new clinical findings.

research Minoxidil vs Finasteride in the Treatment of Men With Androgenetic Alopecia

40 citations , September 2003 in “Archives of Dermatology”

This webpage provides access options for JAMA Dermatology but does not contain research findings or results.

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.

research The Effects of Minoxidil, 1% Pyrithione Zinc, and a Combination of Both on Hair Density: A Randomized Controlled Trial

57 citations , August 2003 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

This study found that daily use of 1% pyrithione zinc shampoo modestly improved hair growth over 26 weeks, although these effects were less than those of 5% minoxidil.

research Patient-Perceived Importance of Negative Effects of Androgenetic Alopecia in Women

32 citations , October 1999 in “Journal of women's health and gender-based medicine”

This study found that women with androgenetic alopecia report various negative impacts on their lives due to hair thinning, highlighting emotional concerns and dissatisfaction with appearance.

research Clinical Dose Ranging Studies with Finasteride, a Type 2 5α-Reductase Inhibitor, in Men with Male Pattern Hair Loss

46 citations , October 1999 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

This study found that finasteride at 1 mg/day was the most effective dose for treating male pattern hair loss, with similar efficacy to 5 mg/day and better results than lower doses.

research Finasteride in the Treatment of Men with Androgenetic Alopecia

581 citations , October 1998 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology”

In male pattern hair loss, this study found that finasteride 1 mg daily significantly slowed hair loss and increased hair growth over two years compared to placebo.