Utilizing Electromagnetic Radiation for Hair Growth
January 2013
in “Dermatologic Clinics”
TLDR Low-Level Laser Therapy and other light treatments for hair growth lack strong evidence and need more research.
The document from 2013 reviews the use of Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and other light-based treatments for hair growth, particularly in conditions like Male Pattern Hair Loss (MPHL), Female Pattern Hair Loss (FPHL), and Alopecia Areata (AA). It highlights the limitations of conventional treatments and the need for more effective alternatives. The paper notes the phenomenon of light-induced hair growth and discusses the proposed mechanisms of action for LLLT, although it acknowledges that these mechanisms are not well understood. The document mentions a 26-week trial with 110 men that showed an increase in hair density using the HairMax LaserComb for MPHL, but no improvement in global investigator assessment and a lack of independent study confirmation. It also references a study on mice that indicated hair regrowth with LLLT for AA, but points out the need for human studies. Other forms of radiation therapy are discussed with varying results. The conclusion is that there is insufficient consistent clinical trial evidence to support the efficacy of LLLT and other radiation treatments for hair loss, and further research is necessary to establish optimal treatment parameters and to compare these treatments with standard options like minoxidil and finasteride.
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