Photobiomodulation Devices for Hair Regrowth and Wound Healing: A Therapy Full of Promise but a Literature Full of Confusion

July 2016 in “ Experimental Dermatology ”

Charles Mignon, Natalia V. Botchkareva, N. Uzunbajakava, Desmond J. Tobin

photobiomodulation PBM hair regrowth wound healing optical parameters wavelength irradiance photoreceptors molecular targets pathways clinical trials FDA-approved hair growth drugs light therapy PBM devices hair growth skin receptors clinical studies FDA-approved treatments

TLDR Photobiomodulation may help with hair growth and wound healing, but research is inconsistent and needs better quality studies.

The 2016 document reviews photobiomodulation (PBM) therapy for hair regrowth and wound healing, noting its potential effectiveness but also the confusion due to inconsistent study parameters. The authors analyzed 90 reports and found major inconsistencies in optical parameters like wavelength and irradiance. They suggest that the skin's various photoreceptors may explain the differing effects of light observed. The review calls for more rational research, including studies on molecular targets and pathways, and high-quality clinical trials to better quantify hair growth. Despite PBM devices being as effective as FDA-approved hair growth drugs without side effects, a deeper understanding of mechanisms and optimal clinical parameters is needed.

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