Effectiveness and safety of the ablative fractional 2940-nm Er: YAG laser for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Laser sources have established their potential effect in inducing hair regrowth. No large cohort study has evaluated the effect of ablative fractional 2940-nm erbium yttrium aluminum garnet (Er: YAG) laser in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). To investigate the efficacy and safety of the ablative fractional 2940-nm Er: YAG laser in combination with medication therapy for the treatment of AGA. We performed a retrospective study between first July 2021 to 30th December 2021. All included patients received oral finasteride and topical minoxidil, or combined with six sessions of Er: YAG laser at 2-week intervals. Patients were divided into medication or combined therapy groups. The efficacy of the two therapies was evaluated by the investigator's Global Assessment (IGA) scores and the patient's Likert satisfaction scale at week 12 and week 24. Changes in total, terminal and villous hair count, total and terminal hair diameter, and AGA grade were also recorded. Adverse events were evaluated at each follow-up. A total of 192 male patients with AGA were included, including 67 receiving combination treatment, and 125 receiving medication treatment. At week 24, the combination treatment afforded superior outcomes in the IGA score, patient's global assessment, total and terminal hair counts, and diameters (all P<0.05). No severe adverse events were reported in both groups. The combined therapy of ablative fractional Er: YAG laser and medication was superior in treating male AGA than single medication therapy without serious adverse effects.

Photobiomodulation and alopecia: a crowdsourced survey study on patient preferences.

Photobiomodulation is a treatment option for hair loss and is currently FDA cleared for androgenetic alopecia. There are a variety of photobiomodulation devices intended for at-home patient use. However, data examining user preferences is lacking. A social media-based, online survey study was completed to understand patient preferences when selecting a photobiomodulation device. Secondary outcomes examined patient experience with the device. Sixty participants responded to the 21-question survey. The majority of participants had never used a photobiomodulation device (n = 50; 86.2%). Most respondents (n = 40; 67.8%) felt the efficacy of the device was the most important aspect to consider when selecting a photobiomodulation device. Additionally, a majority of participants thought 15 (n = 22; 37.3%) or 20 minutes (n = 17; 28.8%) would be a reasonable treatment duration and would prefer a hand-free device (n = 51; 86.4%). Of the eight participants who had used a photobiomodulation device, only one was dissatisfied with the device and discontinued treatment.

Use of fractionated laser therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and meta-analysis.

Procedural management, including fractionated laser therapy, has been increasingly investigated for the management of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). However, no comprehensive resources exist detailing the efficacy of fractionated laser therapies used for the treatment of AGA. A systematic review investigating fractionated laser use for AGA was performed, separated into each distinct fractionated laser modality. A meta-analysis was performed to examine improvement in hair counts and hair shaft diameter. Fourteen studies were included for systematic review, which identified the use of erbium-glass, thulium, erbium-ytrrium:aluminum garnet (YAG), and carbon dioxide (CO2) fractionated laser for the treatment of AGA. In the meta-analysis, fractionated laser combination therapy showed significant improvement in hair shaft diameter (2.51, 95% CI 2.37-2.65, I2 = 90.54). Fractionated laser monotherapy alone significantly improved hair shaft diameter (2.28 95% CI 2.03-2.52, I2 = 91.20%). This effect was durable on subgroup analysis for both erbium-glass (2.36 95% CI 2.01-2.71, I2 = 92.05%) and thulium (1.61 95% CI 1.08-2.15, I2 = < 0.00%). There was no improvement in hair shaft count for any laser modality. Erbium-glass laser is an effective modality as either monotherapy or combination with topical/injectable therapies to improve hair shaft diameter in AGA.

Single-cell transcriptome analysis of fractional CO2 laser efficiency in treating a mouse model of alopecia.

OBJECTIVES: Hair loss, including alopecia, is a common dermatological issue worldwide. At present, the application of fractional carbon dioxide (CO2 ) laser in the treatment of alopecia has been documented; however, the results vary between reports. These varying results may be due to the limited knowledge of cellular action in laser-irradiated skin. The objective of this study was to investigate the molecular and cellular mechanisms of laser treatment under effective conditions for hair cycle initiation. METHODS: A fractional CO2 laser was applied and optimized to initiate the hair cycle in a mouse model of alopecia. Several cellular markers were analyzed in the irradiated skin using immunofluorescence staining. Cellular populations and their comprehensive gene expression were analyzed using single-cell RNA sequencing and bioinformatics. RESULTS: The effective irradiation condition for initiating the hair cycle was found to be 15 mJ energy/spot, which generates approximately 500 µm depth columns, but does not penetrate the dermis, only reaching approximately 1 spot/mm2 . The proportion of macrophage clusters significantly increased upon irradiation, whereas the proportion of fibroblast clusters decreased. The macrophages strongly expressed C-C chemokine receptor type 2 (Ccr2), which is known to be a key signal for injury-induced hair growth. CONCLUSIONS: We found that fractional CO2 laser irradiation recruited Ccr2 positive macrophages, and induced hair regrowth in a mouse alopecia model. These findings may contribute to the development of stable and effective fractional laser irradiation conditions for human alopecia treatment.

Photobiomodulation Therapy With Different Wavebands for Hair Loss: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis.

BACKGROUND: Photobiomodulation is a promising therapy for hair loss with negligible side effects. However, the reported effects of photobiomodulation therapy for hair loss are inconsistent. OBJECTIVE: To assess the curative effect of photobiomodulation therapy for the treatment of hair loss. METHODS: A systematic review of self-controlled studies and randomized controlled trials was conducted. ScienceDirect, PubMed, and Wiley Online Library were searched from the earliest date to May 30, 2021. RESULTS: Thirty-six studies (966 patients) were included. Two to 4 meta-analyses with different indices were performed separately on 4 groups of studies to test the effectiveness of the following hair loss treatments: ultraviolet light for alopecia areata (AA), red light for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), infrared light for AA, and infrared light for AGA. All meta-analyses showed that treatments were superior to control ( p < .05). CONCLUSION: The meta-analyses strongly suggested that photobiomodulation therapies with ultraviolet and infrared light were effective for treating AA, and photobiomodulation therapies with red light and infrared light were effective for treating AGA.

Efficacy assessment for low-level laser therapy in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: a real-world study on 1383 patients.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has been a treatment modality by many androgenetic alopecia (AGA) patients in recent years. It remained unclear as to how long the treatment regime should be maintained, and which characteristics of patients should this be recommended. A real-world study was carried out with an FDA-cleared low-level laser helmet for 1383 patients. Ordinal logistic regression analysis with propensity score matching (PSM) was used to investigate the factors related to efficacy assessment. More than 80% of users were between 18 and 40 years old. The median use times were 133 for mild AGA patients and 142 for moderate-to-severe AGA patients, which equated to 38 weeks and 40 weeks, respectively. The overall clinical effectiveness was nearly 80%. PSM analysis revealed that gender (P = 0.002), use period (P = 0.068), scalp conditions with dandruff, rash, and itchy symptoms were associated with the grading of efficacy assessment. Male users (ordinal OR: 1.35, CI: (1.01, 1.79)); use for more than 180 times or use period for 1 year (ordinal OR: 1.40, CI: (1.11, 1.96)); and those with scalp dandruff (ordinal OR: 1.34, CI: (1.01, 1.87)), rash (ordinal OR: 1.47, CI: (1.04, 2.07)), and itchy symptoms (ordinal OR: 1.51, CI: (1.12, 2.03)) had better efficacy assessments. The recommended treatment regime with low-level laser helmet was more than 1 year or 180 use times. Male patients with dandruff, rash, and itchy symptoms in scalps tended to have a better efficacy assessment.

Results of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of hair growth: An Egyptian experience.

Recently, low level laser therapy was evaluated as an effective stimulating hair growth. Hair loss is the most common complaint in dermatology (specially females). It causes a significant psychosocial distress and decreased quality of life in affected patients and exists in different types, but the most common types are androgenetic alopecia and telogen effluvium (TE). Although there are many treatments with highest levels of medical evidence, but patients who exhibit intolerance or poor response to these treatments need additional treatment modalities. To evaluate the efficacy and safety low level laser therapy for female pattern hair loss (FPHL) and TE. A prospective interventional study included 20 female patients, 13 were diagnosed as FPHL, and 7 were diagnosed TE. Patients received two sessions per week with Hair Growth System (TOPHAT655) a bicycle-helmet type device. Treatment session of 20 minutes for 16 successive weeks (total of 32 treatments) with follow-up. Patients were evaluated by software-analyzed trichoscopic images, as the primary endpoint was the percent increase in hair counts from baseline to post-treatment. Global photography and patient satisfaction were determined as a secondary end point. Twenty patients completed the study (13 FPHL, 7 TE). FPHL patients baseline hair counts were 222.3 ± 33.5 (N = 13), in TE patients baseline hair counts were 271.2 ± 39.0 (N = 7). Post-treatment hair counts were 255.3 ± 30.4 (N = 13) In FPHL patients (P = .007), and 294.2 ± 38.1 (N = 7) in TE patients (P = .143). Low level laser therapy of the scalp at 655 nm significantly improved hair counts in FPHL, and there is no significance difference in TE patients with no serious adverse events. Additional studies should be considered to determine the long-term effects of low-level laser therapy treatment on hair growth and maintenance, and to optimize laser modality.

Photobiomodulation for the management of hair loss.

Photobiomodulation, otherwise known as low-level laser (or light) therapy, is an emerging modality for the management of hair loss. Several randomized trials have demonstrated that it is safe and potentially effective on its own or in combination with standard therapies. These devices come in many forms including wearable caps or helmets that afford hands-free and discreet use. Models with light-emitting diodes (LEDs) are less expensive compared to laser-based devices and do not require laser safety considerations, thus facilitating ease of home use. Limitations include cost of the unit, risk of information bias, and lack of standardized protocols. Finally, as with any hair loss treatment, patients' expectations with regards to therapeutic outcomes must be managed.

Comparison of low-level light therapy and combination therapy of 5% minoxidil in the treatment of female pattern hair loss.

This study was conducted in order to compare the safety and efficacy of LLLT, 5% minoxidil, and combination therapy in the treatment of FPHL. A randomized controlled trial was developed to study the effect of LLLT on FPHL using a device called iHelmet®, which is equipped with 200 5mW laser diode source (650 nm) arrays. Ninety Ludwig's types II-III FPHL patients were randomly divided into 3 groups: LLLT group (A), 5% minoxidil group (B), and combination group(C). Hair density, hair diameter, and scalp oil-secretion were detected to evaluate the treatment effect. Significant improvement of hair density and hair diameter was observed in all stages of FPHL after treatment. Oil-secretion of the three groups was decreased after treatment. The effectiveness of reducing oil-secretion in LLLT group and combination group was higher than minoxidil group (P < 0.05). For improving hair diameter and hair density, combination group was better than LLLT and minoxidil groups. No side effects were reported. Our study illustrated that LLLT is a safe and effective treatment for FPHL. Besides, LLLT can significantly improve its efficacy when used in combination with 5% minoxidil.

Proposed mechanisms of low-level light therapy in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a global challenge, affecting a large number of people worldwide. Efficacy of the existed treatments can barely meet the demands of patients. Patients who are poorly responding to those treatments are seeking for a more effective and suitable technique to treat their disease. Low-level light therapy (LLLT) is a newly developed technique, which has been proved to stimulate hair growth. Based on the function principle of LLLT in other domains and refer to the published literatures, we write this review to neaten and elucidate the possible mechanism of LLLT in the treatment of AGA. A review of published literature which is associated with keywords LLLT, photobiomodulation, AGA, treatment, hair growth, and mechanism was performed to elucidate the proposed mechanism of LLLT in the treatment of AGA. The present study shows that LLLT can accelerate hair growth in AGA patients. The proposed mechanism of LLLT in treating AGA may vary among different specialists. But we can summarize the consensual mechanisms as follows; low-level light absorbed by chromophores can lead to the production of nitric oxide (NO) and the modulation of reactive oxygen species (ROS). These mobilized molecules subsequently activate redox-related signaling pathways in hair follicle cells and perifollicular cells. Finally, these activated cells participate in the regrowth of hair follicle. Even though the efficacy of LLLT in the treatment of AGA in both men and women has already been confirmed, the present studies focusing on discovering LLLT are still inadequate and unsystematic. More studies are needed to standardize the optimum treatment parameters applied in promoting hair growth and determine the long-term safety and efficacy of LLLT. Current recognitions about the mechanisms of LLLT, mainly focused on the molecules that may take effect, neglected different cellular components that are functional in the hair follicle macro-environment.

Factors influencing the effect of photobiomodulation in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia: A systematic review and analyses of summary-level data.

Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) is used to treat androgenetic alopecia (AGA). The therapeutic effect of LLLT on AGA has been evaluated; however, there is a paucity of studies that investigated device- and usage-related factors that may influence the effect of LLLT on hair regrowth. The literature was systematically searched to identify eligible studies; PubMed, Scopus, EMBASE and clinicaltrials.gov databases were searched on 30 April 2020. Eligible studies were randomized trials that investigated the effect of LLLT on hair density in AGA. Robust linear regressions were used to make comparisons. An increase in the per-session energy fluence by 1 J/cm2 is significantly associated with an increase in hair density by 0.23 hairs/cm2 (95% CI: 0.21 hairs/cm2 , 0.25 hairs/cm2 ). The number of laser or light-emitting diodes is not significantly associated with change in hair density. Increasing the total duration of exposure to treatment is associated with a significant increase in hair density (ß = .53, P < .05). Switching from continuous to pulse irradiation was associated with a significant increase in hair density (ß = 10.11, P < .01). Energy fluence, irradiation session duration, and light pulsing have a significant therapeutic effect on AGA, while the number of diodes does not.

Low-level laser therapy and narrative review of other treatment modalities in androgenetic alopecia.

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA), also termed as androgenic alopecia or common baldness, is a condition where there is androgen mediated conversion of susceptible terminal hair into vellus hair. Although it is reported more commonly in males, it also affects females but the incidence is relatively unknown. AGA tremendously affects the psychology of the patient due to its chronicity of treatment and cosmetic implications. There are numerous treatment options available for AGA but the choice of treatment has to often be tailored according to the patient's needs, affordability, and compliance. This review focusses on the various treatment options available, with special emphasis on the role of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the management of AGA. The literature research considered published journal articles (clinical trials or scientific reviews). Studies were identified by searching electronic databases (MEDLINE and PubMed) and reference lists of respective articles. Only articles available in English were considered for this review.

Comparative effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for adult androgenic alopecia: a system review and meta-analysis of randomized controlled trials.

The purpose of this review is to explore the effectiveness of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) in the treatment of adult androgenic alopecia (AGA). A systematic search of studies on LLLT for AGA was conducted mainly in Pubmed, Embase, and Cochrane Systematic Reviews. The standardized mean difference (SMD) in the changes of hair density treated by LLLT versus sham devices was analyzed. The meta-analysis included 8 studies comprising a total of 11 double-blinded randomized controlled trials. The quantitative analysis showed a significant increase in hair density for those treated by LLLT versus sham group (SMD 1.316, 95% confidence interval, CI 0.993 to 1.639). The subgroup analysis demonstrated that LLLT increases hair growth in both genders, in both comb- and helmet-type devices, and in short- and long-term treatment course. The subgroup analysis also showed a more significant increase of hair growth for the LLLT versus sham in the low-frequency treatment group (SMD 1.555, 95% CI 1.132 to 1.978) than in the high-frequency group (SMD 0.949, 95% CI 0.644 to 1.253). The review was limited by the heterogeneity of included trials. LLLT significantly increased hair density in AGA. The meta-analysis suggests that low treatment frequency by LLLT have a better hair growth effect than high treatment frequency. LLLT represents a potentially effective treatment for AGA in both male and female. The types of LLLT devices and LLLT treatment course duration did not affect the effectiveness in hair growth.

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia in Thai men and women: a 24-week, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial.

Low-level laser/light therapy (LLLT) has been increasingly used for promoting hair growth in androgenetic alopecia (AGA). Our institute developed a new home-use LLLT device, RAMACAP, with optimal penetrating energy, aiming to improve therapeutic efficacy and compliance. To evaluate the efficacy and safety of the new helmet-type LLLT device in the treatment of AGA, a 24-week, prospective, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Forty subjects with AGA (20 men and 20 women) were randomized to treat with a laser helmet (RAMACAP) or a sham helmet in the home-based setting for 24 weeks. Hair density, hair diameter, and adverse events were evaluated at baseline and at weeks 8, 16, and 24. Global photographic assessment for hair regrowth after 24 weeks of treatment was performed by investigators and subjects. Thirty-six subjects (19 in the laser group and 17 in the sham group) completed the study. At week 24, the laser helmet was significantly superior to the sham device for increasing hair density and hair diameter (p = 0.002 and p = 0.009, respectively) and showed a significantly greater improvement in global photographic assessment by investigators and subjects. Reported side effects included temporary hair shedding and scalp pruritus. In conclusion, the novel helmet-type LLLT device appears to be an effective treatment option for AGA in both male and female patients with minimal adverse effects. However, the limitations of this study are small sample size, no long-term follow-up data, and use of inappropriate sham devices, which do not reflect the true negative control. Trial registration: http://clinicaltrials.in.th/index.php?tp=regtrials&menu=trialsearch&smenu=fulltext&task=search&task2=view1&id=2061 , identifier TCTR20160910003.

A pilot split-scalp study of combined fractional radiofrequency microneedling and 5% topical minoxidil in treating male pattern hair loss.

BACKGROUND: Various trials have been conducted on the management of male pattern hair loss (MPHL), but the outcomes often seem to be limited. Adjuvant therapies are urgently needed. AIM: To evaluate the efficacy and safety of combined fractional radiofrequency microneedling (FRM) and 5% topical minoxidil in the treatment of male pattern hair loss. METHODS: In total, 19 Chinese men were enrolled in this randomized, controlled, split-scalp trial. Participants received monotherapy with 5% topical minoxidil twice daily to one half of the scalp, while on the other half of the scalp the treatment with twice-daily 5% topical minoxidil was combined with five sessions of FRM at 4-week intervals. Mean hair count and hair thickness, global assessment by the investigators, subject self-assessment and adverse effects were assessed. RESULTS: After 5 months of treatment, mean hair count increased from 44.12 ± 21.58 to 73.14 ± 25.45 on the combined-therapy side and from 46.22 ± 18.77 to 63.21 ± 19.22 on the monotherapy side, while mean hair thickness increased from 53 ± 13 µm to 71 ± 15 µm and from 52 ± 16 µm to 66 ± 14 µm, respectively. Compared with the monotherapy side, the combined-therapy side had a higher degree of improvement in both hair count (P = 0.01) and hair thickness (P = 0.02). CONCLUSIONS: Combined treatment with fractional radiofrequency microneedle and 5% topical minoxidil could be an effective and safe treatment option for male pattern hair loss.

Efficacy and Safety of a Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial.

BACKGROUND: Previous studies have reported the benefits of low-level/light laser therapy (LLLT) for the promotion of hair regrowth. However, the effectiveness of LLLT for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is still a topic of debate. OBJECTIVE: To investigate the efficacy and safety of LLLT on hair regrowth in patients with AGA. METHODS: This 24-week, randomized, double-blind, self-comparison, sham device-controlled trial enrolled 100 patients with AGA. All participants were randomly assigned to receive the investigational LLLT on one side of the head and sham light treatment on the contralateral side, 3 times weekly for 30 minutes each, over a 24-week period. Global scalp photography, phototrichogram assessment, the investigator's global assessment (IGA) of hair regrowth, and the subject's assessment of the treatment satisfaction were used for evaluation. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of treatment, the LLLT-treated scalp exhibited significantly greater hair coverage than the sham light-treated side (14.2% vs. 11.8%, p < .001). A significantly greater improvement from baseline in hair thickness, hair count, hair coverage, and IGA were also observed in the LLLT-treated side than in the sham light-treated side at the 12- and 24-week visits. No serious adverse events were observed. CONCLUSION: The use of LLLT might be an effective, safe, well-tolerated treatment for AGA.

Efficacy of non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia: a systematic review and network meta-analysis.

Androgenetic alopecia, or male/female pattern baldness, is the most common type of progressive hair loss disorder. The aim of this study was to review recent advances in non-surgical treatments for androgenetic alopecia and identify the most effective treatments. A network meta-analysis (NMA) was conducted of the available literature of the six most common non-surgical treatment options for treating androgenetic alopecia in both men and women; dutasteride 0.5 mg, finasteride 1 mg, low-level laser therapy (LLLT), minoxidil 2%, minoxidil 5% and platelet-rich plasma (PRP). Seventy-eight studies met the inclusion criteria, and 22 studies had the data necessary for a network meta-analysis. Relative effects show LLLT as the superior treatment. Relative effects show PRP, finasteride 1 mg (male), finasteride 1 mg (female), minoxidil 5%, minoxidil 2% and dutasteride (male) are approximately equivalent in mean change hair count following treatment. Minoxidil 5% and minoxidil 2% reported the most drug-related adverse events (n = 45 and n = 23, respectively). The quality of evidence of minoxidil 2% vs. minoxidil 5% was high; minoxidil 5% vs. placebo was moderate; dutasteride (male) vs. placebo, finasteride (female) vs. placebo, minoxidil 2% vs. placebo and minoxidil 5% vs. LLLT was low; and finasteride (male) vs. placebo, LLLT vs. sham, PRP vs. placebo and finasteride vs. minoxidil 2% was very low. Results of this NMA indicate the emergence of novel, non-hormonal therapies as effective treatments for hair loss; however, the quality of evidence is generally low. High-quality randomized controlled trials and head-to-head trials are required to support these findings and aid in the development of more standardized protocols, particularly for PRP. Regardless, this analysis may aid physicians in clinical decision-making and highlight the variety of non-surgical hair restoration options for patients.

Systematic review of low-level laser therapy for adult androgenic alopecia.

Alopecia is a common disorder affecting over half of the world's population. Within this condition, androgenic alopecia (AA) is the most common type, affecting 50% of males over 40 and 75% of females over 65. Anecdotal paradoxical hypertrichosis noted during laser epilation has generated interest in the possibility of using laser to stimulate hair growth. In this study, we aimed to critically appraise the application of low-level laser therapy for the treatment of AA in adults. A systematic review was performed on studies identified on Medline, EMBASE, Cochrane database, and clinicaltrials.org. Double-blinded randomized controlled trials were selected and analyzed quantitatively (meta-analysis) and qualitatively (quality of evidence, risk of bias). Low-level laser therapy appears to be a promising noninvasive treatment for AA in adults that is safe for self-administration in the home setting. Although shown to effectively stimulate hair growth when compared to sham devices, these results must be interpreted with caution. Further studies with larger samples, longer follow-up, and independent funding sources are necessary to determine the clinical effectiveness of this novel therapy.

Use of low-level laser therapy in treatment of the androgenic alopecia, the first systematic review.

Alopecia is a common disease affecting more than half of the world total number of people. Alopecia exists in different types, but one of the most common of these types is the Androgenic Alopecia which has affected approximately 51% of the total number of males ranging between the age bracket of 40 years and 75 years. This type of alopecia is more common in females who are above the age of 65 years and above. Despite this widespread effect, much has not been done regarding identifying the possible drugs for treating this disease. At present, there exist only two possible medications that have been scientifically approved to cure this disease, include finasteride and minoxidil. Also, another possible form of treatment has been the case of hair transplantation. Despite the new possible treatment options available for treatment of different types of hair loss, there is a need for the invention for more efficient management and treatment options that are less costly, environmentally friendly, and most importantly human consumption friendly. Due to the recent evaluation that low-level laser therapy stimulated hair growth. This systematic review and meta-analysis was to determine whether the use of low-level laser therapy is an effective therapy for treatment of the Androgenic alopecia and also to some degree we reviewed the level of the patient's satisfaction. Some earlier studies had shown that the use of low-level laser therapy stimulated the hair growth when mice were treated with chemotherapy which was induced by the alopecia and also the other type of alopecia called alopecia areata. The researchers hypothesized that the primary mechanism of treating Androgenic alopecia to be the stimulation of the epidermal stem cells which are in the hair follicle making them bulge and shift the follicles into the anagen phase.

Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of androgenic alopecia: a review.

There are many new low-level laser technologies that have been released commercially that claim to support hair regrowth. In this paper, we will examine the clinical trials to determine whether the body of evidence supports the use of low-level laser therapy (LLLT) to treat androgenic alopecia (AGA). A literature search was conducted through Pubmed, Embase, and Clinicaltrials.gov for clinical trials using LLLT to treat AGA. Thirteen clinical trials were assessed. Review articles were not included. Ten of 11 trials demonstrated significant improvement of androgenic alopecia in comparison to baseline or controls when treated with LLLT. In the remaining study, improvement in hair counts and hair diameter was recorded, but did not reach statistical significance. Two trials did not include statistical analysis, but showed marked improvement by hair count or by photographic evidence. Two trials showed efficacy for LLLT in combination with topical minoxidil. One trial showed efficacy when accompanying finasteride treatment. LLLT appears to be a safe, alternative treatment for patients with androgenic alopecia. Clinical trials have indicated efficacy for androgenic alopecia in both men and women. It may be used independently or as an adjuvant of minoxidil or finasteride. More research needs to be undertaken to determine the optimal power and wavelength to use in LLLT as well as LLLT's mechanism of action.