Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia – A Randomized Controlled Trial

January 2023 in “ International Journal of Trichology ”

DharmMansukh Sondagar, HitaH Mehta, RashmibenSabbirali Agharia, MilanK Jhavar

low-level laser therapy LLLT androgenetic alopecia AGA minoxidil topical 5% minoxidil hair density physician global assessment patient satisfaction laser therapy Rogaine hair loss hair growth

TLDR Low-level laser therapy is safe but not significantly better than minoxidil alone for hair growth.

The study aimed to compare the efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) combined with topical 5% minoxidil versus topical 5% minoxidil alone in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Fifty-four patients were randomly divided into two groups: Group A received LLLT twice a week plus minoxidil, and Group B received only minoxidil. After 16 weeks, Group A showed a 14.78% improvement in hair density, while Group B showed an 11.43% improvement. However, the difference was not statistically significant (P = 0.45). Both physician global assessment and patient satisfaction scores revealed no significant difference between the groups. The study concluded that while LLLT is safe and effective, it did not show a significant advantage over minoxidil alone in improving hair density.

View this study on ijtrichology.com →

Discuss this study in the Community →

Research cited in this study

13 / 13 results

research Comparative Study Between Mesotherapy and Topical 5% Minoxidil by Dermoscopic Evaluation for Androgenic Alopecia in Males: A Randomized Controlled Trial

11 citations, January 2019 in “International Journal of Trichology”

Mesotherapy is not significantly better than minoxidil for treating male hair loss.

Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Thai Men and Women: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Thai Men and Women: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

45 citations, December 2018 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

LLLT promotes hair growth and improves hair density safely in men and women.

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”

Red light therapy at 655 nm significantly improved hair growth in men with hair loss.

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for Treatment of Hair Loss

165 citations, August 2013 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Low-Level Laser Therapy is effective and safe for hair growth with minimal side effects.

research Guidelines for Management of Androgenetic Alopecia Based on BASP Classification: The Asian Consensus Committee Guideline

29 citations, November 2012 in “Journal of The European Academy of Dermatology and Venereology”

Use 5% minoxidil or oral finasteride for mild-to-moderate hair loss, combine with hair transplant for severe cases.

research Effects of the Lexington LaserComb on Hair Regrowth in the C3H/HeJ Mouse Model of Alopecia Areata

81 citations, July 2011 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

The Lexington LaserComb helped regrow hair in mice with a condition similar to human hair loss.

research Prevalence of Androgenetic Alopecia in China: A Community-Based Study in Six Cities

126 citations, January 2010 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Baldness is more common in Chinese men than women, increasing with age, and is influenced by genetics.

research Scalp Dermoscopy of Androgenetic Alopecia in Asian People

67 citations, February 2009 in “Journal of Dermatology”

research HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

160 citations, January 2009 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”

HairMax LaserComb® effectively promotes hair growth and stops hair loss in males with androgenetic alopecia, with no serious side effects.

research The Use of Low-Level Light for Hair Growth: Part I

90 citations, January 2009 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy”

Low-level laser therapy might help hair growth, but more research is needed.

research The Current Role of Laser and Light Sources in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

68 citations, January 2007 in “Journal of Cosmetic and Laser Therapy”

Laser/light treatments for hair loss are popular but lack scientific data proving effectiveness.

research A Study of Patterns of Androgenetic Alopecia in Men: An Indian Perspective

7 citations, March 2005 in “British Journal of Dermatology”

Indian men have 62.1% hair loss, mostly grade II vertex, and less extensive than other populations.

research Family History and Risk of Hair Loss

49 citations, January 2004 in “Dermatology”

Men with a family history of hair loss are more likely to experience it themselves, especially if both parents have hair loss.

Related Research

7 / 7 results

research Ethnopharmacological Review of Medicinal Plants for the Treatment of Alopecia

March 2023 in “International Journal of Advanced Research in Science, Communication and Technology”

Various medicinal plants like Polygonum multiflorum, Red ginseng extract, and Zizyphus jujuba can potentially treat hair loss, offering benefits like low cost and multiple ways of working. Other effective natural substances include Pygeum africanum, Seneroa, Urtica dioica, and more.

research Pediatric Androgenetic Alopecia: An Updated Review

January 2023 in “Journal der Deutschen Dermatologischen Gesellschaft”

Early diagnosis and personalized treatment are crucial for managing hair loss in children.

research Biomaterials For Treatment Of Baldness

November 2022 in “Cureus”

New biomaterial treatments for baldness show promise, with options depending on patient needs.

research Comprehensive Review of Oral Minoxidil in Alopecia

September 2022 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Oral minoxidil effectively treats different types of hair loss with fewer side effects.

research Noninvasive Hair Rejuvenation

August 2022 in “Facial Plastic Surgery Clinics of North America”

Noninvasive treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, and low-light laser therapy can help with hair loss.

research Hair Loss in Lichen Planopilaris and Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia: Not Always Irreversible

9 citations, January 2020 in “Skin appendage disorders”

Hair loss from conditions like LPP and FFA can potentially be reversed with the right treatment.

research Androgenetic Alopecia in Men

4 citations, May 2002 in “Therapeutische Umschau”

AGA treated with finasteride, minoxidil, and hair transplantation.