Low-Level Light Therapy and Hair Loss
January 2012
in “
Human health handbooks
”
Low-Level Light Therapy LLLT male pattern hair loss MPHL female pattern hair loss FPHL red light near-infrared light FDA-approved hair count tensile strength terminal hair density ATP production mitochondria HairMax Lasercomb hair follicles scalp thickness follicle depth skin color hair length red light therapy near-infrared light therapy
TLDR Low-level light therapy is FDA-approved for male pattern hair loss, increases hair count and strength, and is considered safe for use.
The document from 2012 examines Low-Level Light Therapy (LLLT) as a treatment for hair loss, including male and female pattern hair loss (MPHL and FPHL). LLLT, which uses red to near-infrared light, has been FDA-approved for MPHL and is considered safe with minor side effects. Studies have shown its effectiveness, such as one with 35 participants (28 men and 7 women) that reported increased hair count and tensile strength, and another with 110 men that found increased mean terminal hair density. The mechanism is believed to involve increased ATP production in mitochondria, leading to hair growth. LLLT devices are available for both professional and home use, with the HairMax Lasercomb® being the only FDA-approved product. The therapy is recommended for 10-15 minutes, three times a week, with results taking 3-6 months. Further research is needed to understand the cellular changes in hair follicles and to determine which individuals may benefit most from LLLT. Safety concerns include potential eye damage and minor side effects like initial hair loss increase, itching, and redness. Factors such as scalp thickness, follicle depth, skin color, and hair length may affect individual responses to LLLT.
