Role of Low-Level Light Therapy in Androgenetic Alopecia

January 2021 in “ Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery ”

Jisha S. Pillai, Venkataram Mysore

low-level light therapy androgenetic alopecia minoxidil finasteride hair regrowth randomized controlled trials LLLT AGA Rogaine Propecia

TLDR Low-level light therapy can safely and effectively stimulate hair growth in people with androgenetic alopecia.

The document reviewed the role of low-level light therapy (LLLT) in treating androgenetic alopecia (AGA), a common form of hair loss affecting over half of men and women. It analyzed 15 relevant studies and found that LLLT stimulated hair growth in both genders, with the largest randomized controlled trials showing significant hair regrowth. One study indicated that LLLT and minoxidil had similar efficacy, and their combination was even more effective. LLLT was considered a non-invasive, safe, and potentially effective treatment for AGA, especially for those unresponsive or intolerant to standard treatments. Combining LLLT with minoxidil and finasteride might enhance hair regrowth. However, the studies' evidence level was low, necessitating more large-scale controlled studies.

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