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

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.