Low-Level Light Therapy Downregulates Scalp Inflammatory Biomarkers in Men With Androgenetic Alopecia and Boosts Minoxidil 2% for Sustainable Hair Regrowth

May 2021 in “ Lasers in Surgery and Medicine ”

Yann Mahe, Ahsène Cheniti, Charlotte Tacheau, Rosaria Antonelli, Lien Planard-Luong, Simon de Bernard, Laurent Buffat, Philippe Barbarat, Leila Kanoun-Copy

low-level light therapy LLLT GentleWaves androgenetic alopecia AGA scalp inflammation hair regrowth CD69 mRNA Minoxidil 2% Minoxidil 5% perifollicular inflammation Minoxidil Rogaine

From the encyclopedia

Low Level Laser Therapy →

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

Minoxidil →

An essential vasodilator with some anti-androgenic effects

Studysummary This study observed that adding low-level light therapy with the GentleWaves® device to Minoxidil significantly boosted hair regrowth in men with androgenetic alopecia by reducing scalp inflammation. Our plain-language summary of this paper — not a Tressless recommendation.

The study investigated the potential benefit of low-level light therapy (LLLT) using visible to infrared light on scalp inflammation and hair regrowth activity in men with androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The study conducted a clinical trial on 64 men with AGA using LLLT/GentleWaves® and performed a whole-genome analysis of treated scalp biopsies. The results showed downregulation of scalp inflammatory biomarkers and the disappearance of CD69 mRNA in about 50% of the studied volunteers prior to the LLLT/GentleWaves® treatment. In the second clinical study, including 135 alopecic volunteers, LLLT/GentleWaves® was able to boost the hair regrowth activity of a Minoxidil 2% lotion to the extent of the highest concentration (5%) in terms of efficacy, number of responders, and perceived performance. The study suggests the potential benefit of LLLT/GentleWaves® as a non-invasive adjunctive technology for skin and scalp conditions, where a mild perifollicular inflammation is involved.

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Research cited in this study

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