Low Level Light Therapy for Hair Loss
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Low Level Light Therapy (LLLT)
Low-level light therapy involves the delivery of a 650 nanometer (red) low-fluence light energy directly to the scalp for the purpose of stimulating hair growth. It is packaged in a variety of handheld devices such as combs and brushes. They are available on the internet and through various hair loss clinics. Their exact mechanism of action is unknown. The Hairmax Lasercomb received 510K FDA approval as a medical device in 2008. So far we have three peer-reviewed studies showing the efficacy of these devices in treating male and female pattern hair loss1,2,3.
Low-level light therapy is a good choice for patients who cannot tolerate other medical treatment options and are not good candidates for surgery. There is some evidence that it may be used for other forms of hair loss such as alopecia areata4 or chemotherapy-induced alopecia5. As more data is available, we will know the best way to recommend LLLT for various hair loss disorders.
1 Leavitt M, Charles G, Heyman E et al. HairMax LaserComb laser phototherapy device in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia: A randomized double-blind sham device-controlled, multi-centre trial. Clin Drug Investig. 2009;29:283-92. ⇑
2 Avram MR, Rogers NE. The use of low-level light for hair growth: part I. J Cosmet Laser Ther. 2009;11:110-7. ⇑
3 Kim H, Choi JW, Kim JY et al. Low-level light therapy for androgenetic alopecia: A 24-week, randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled multicenter trial. Dermatol Surg. 2013;1-7 (Epub ahead of print). ⇑
4 Wikramanayake TC, Rodriguez R, Choudhary S, et al. Effects of the Lexington LaserComb on hair regrowth in the C3H/HeJ mouse model of alopecia areata. Lasers Med Sci. 2012;27:431-6. ⇑
5 Wikramanayake TC, Villasante AC, Mauro LM et al. Low-level laser treatment accelerated hair regrowth in a rat model of chemotherapy-induced alopecia (CIA). Lasers Med Sci. 2012 June 14. [Epub ahead of print] ⇑
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