Examining the Safety and Efficacy of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss: A Review of the Literature

Abstract

Pattern hair loss is the most common type of alopecia. Standard of care involves long-term use of topical medications with limited effectiveness. Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has become a popular alternative treatment. Here, we examine published clinical trials to establish whether the breadth of evidence supports LLLT for pattern hair loss. Methods: A literature search was conducted within the PubMed, Embase, Scopus, and Cochrane Trials databases to identify original articles evaluating hair regrowth following LLLT. Articles were selected based on use of 600-1,100 nm wavelengths, treatment time ≥16 weeks, and objective evaluation for hair regrowth. Results: Ten randomized controlled trials were included, of which 8 compared LLLT to sham device and 1 to no treatment. The study populations varied, with 3 studies evaluating only women. All sham-device controlled studies demonstrated statistically significant increase in hair diameter or density (p < 0.01) following LLLT. Discussion: Based on our review of the literature, LLLT appears to be effective for treating pattern hair loss in both men and women. These laser devices have good safety profiles, with only minor adverse effects reported. However, physicians should be cautious when drawing conclusions as some studies included have a relationship with industry.

Novel Application of Light-Emitting Diode Therapy in the Treatment of Eyebrow Loss in Frontal Fibrosing Alopecia

“…This could be explained as the hair cycle being modulated by the LED therapy [ 18 ]. It is presumed that LLLT irradiation prolongs the duration of the anagen phase, stimulates anagen reentry in telogen hair, prevents premature catagen, and increases rates of proliferation in active anagen hair [ 12 , 28 ]. Such a modulation of the hair cycle leads to an increased hair diameter and density [ 12 ], which is in accordance with our results.…”

Treatment options for androgenetic alopecia: Efficacy, side effects, compliance, financial considerations, and ethics

“…These devices can be self‐administered at home and controlled by a mobile application to also record daily compliance. Treatment is generally performed for 10 min daily for 6 months, which is easy to incorporate into a patient's schedule 108 …”

Alopecias in humans: biology, pathomechanisms and emerging therapies

“…In women with AGA, antiandrogen agents include systemic therapies through spironolactone and cyproterone acetate. Procedural options include hair transplantation 49 as well as emerging surgical treatments such as platelet-rich plasma injections, 50,51 low-level laser therapy, 52,53 microneedling 54 or autologous fat transfers. 52 Minoxidil has long been used topically for the treatment of AGA.…”