TLDR Home-use medical-cosmetic devices like lasers for hair removal may be convenient but need more research to confirm safety and effectiveness.
The 2010 document reviews the state of home-use medical-cosmetic devices, with a focus on laser and IPL devices for hair removal and regrowth. It points out the lack of long-term studies and discrepancies in manufacturer claims regarding safety and efficacy. While these devices are seen as convenient and potentially effective, especially for removing dark hair on light skin, they come with risks such as paradoxical hair growth or leukotrichia if not used correctly. The HairMax LaserComb for hair regrowth showed promise in a study with 110 men over 26 weeks, but further research is needed to confirm these results. LED devices for skin conditions are also mentioned, but without strong scientific backing for home use. The document calls for more controlled trials to establish the safety and efficacy of these consumer devices.
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.
90 citations,
January 2009 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy” Low-level laser therapy might help hair growth, but more research is needed.
63 citations,
January 2006 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy” The pulsed infrared diode laser is effective for treating hair loss in alopecia areata.
101 citations,
June 2005 in “Journal of The American Academy of Dermatology” Very few people experience increased hair growth after laser hair removal, especially those with darker skin and black hair.
24 citations,
March 2015 in “Dermatologic Surgery” Home-use cosmetic laser and light devices show modest results for hair removal and acne treatment, but more research is needed for confirmation.
40 citations,
February 2012 in “Dermatology Online Journal” Lasers might help hair growth in some alopecia cases, but more research is needed to confirm their effectiveness and safety.
60 citations,
December 2015 in “Lasers in Medical Science” Low-level laser therapy is safe and can increase hair growth for male and female pattern hair loss.
32 citations,
July 2011 in “Facial Plastic Surgery” New hair transplant methods offer more natural results and better graft survival, with ongoing research to increase donor hair options.
41 citations,
December 2017 in “Lasers in Medical Science” Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) is a safe and effective treatment for common hair loss, but more research is needed to find the best power and wavelength for treatment.
