LLLT and Minoxidil Combination Treatment in Androgenetic Alopecia: A Review of the Literature

July 2022 in “ Journal of Investigative Dermatology ”

M. L. Kaiser, Susana Marta Almeida, Nahema Issa, Moses Rodriguez, N. Issa, Jose L. Jimenez

Low Level Light Therapy LLLT minoxidil androgenetic alopecia AGA hair density hair diameter combination therapy monotherapy Rogaine

TLDR Combining Low Level Light Therapy and minoxidil may help with hair growth, but more research is needed.

The review analyzed five randomized clinical trials (RCTs) on the efficacy of combining Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT) and topical minoxidil for treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The studies compared LLLT with 2% or 5% minoxidil to either no treatment, 5% minoxidil alone, or LLLT alone. Results varied, with some studies showing greater improvement in hair density and diameter with combination therapy, while others found no significant difference between combination therapy and minoxidil monotherapy. Early outcomes suggested a potential advantage of combination therapy, but this benefit diminished over time. The review concludes that more rigorous clinical trials with larger sample sizes and stratification by alopecia severity are needed to determine the true efficacy of combination therapy.

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