The use of low-power laser light in the treatment of hereditary hair l

Introduction

Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common form of hair loss in both men and women. Current standard treatments include minoxidil and finasteride , which have shown promise, but some patients have poor response or experience side effects. Low-Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) , specifically the US Food and Drug Administration (FDA)-cleared HairMax LaserComb® (655 nm) device, has attracted interest as a potential treatment option for AGA, both as monotherapy and as concomitant therapy.

Method of study

Study type: Retrospective observational study
Place of study: Center for Dermatology and Hair Diseases, Wallisellen, Switzerland
Period: July 2011 – July 2013
Participants: 32 AGA patients.

11 men (average age 39 years)
21 women (average age 43.6 years)

Treatment: Uses the HairMax LaserComb® device (models 7, 9, and 12 beams).

3 times/week, 8–15 minutes each time, as per the manufacturer's instructions.
The median follow-up period was 8.7 months (maximum 24 months).

Measurement:

Assessment from standard head photographs (frontal and vertex views)
Rated by 2 assessors as “Very good / Moderate / No change”

Study results

Efficacy in stimulating hair growth

Eight participants (25%) had very good results , 20 (62.5%) had moderate results , and 4 (12.5%) had no change.
See changes from the first 3 months and continue for 24 months.
“Very good” results were seen in both the LLLT alone and LLLT combined with Minoxidil or Finasteride.
No statistically significant difference was found between the use of LLLT alone or in combination with medications (p = 0.829).

Response by gender and symptom level

Both men and women responded equally well (p = 0.091).
Those with moderate AGA levels (Hamilton–Norwood III–IV / Ludwig I–II) performed best.

safety

No serious side effects were found.
All participants tolerated the treatment well.

Mechanism of action

LLLT stimulates the activity of cytochrome c oxidase (COX) in mitochondria.
It increases ATP (cellular energy) production and stimulates biochemical signals for hair root cell division.
Increases tissue oxygenation and reduces inflammatory stimuli.
The overall effect is to stimulate the hair roots to enter the new growth phase (Anagen phase) faster and reduce hair root atrophy.

Summary of results

The HairMax LaserComb® (655 nm) is an effective and safe LLLT device for the treatment of AGA in both men and women.
It can be used both alone and in combination with Minoxidil or Finasteride.
Results are usually seen within 3 months and are most noticeable with continued use.
It is likely that their combined use may produce a synergistic effect in stimulating hair growth.
LLLT may also be beneficial for people undergoing hair transplants, reducing inflammation and speeding recovery after surgery.

References

Munck, A., Gavazzoni, M.F., & Trüeb, R.M. (2014). Use of low-level laser therapy as monotherapy or concomitant therapy for male and female androgenetic alopecia. International Journal of Trichology , 6(2), 45–49. https://doi.org/10.4103/0974-7753.138584

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The use of low-power laser light in the treatment of hereditary hair loss, both alone and in combination with medications (Munck et al., 2014).