Alopecia Studies Library

  • The effectiveness of low-level laser therapy for androgenetic alopecia

    By Adil A, Godwin M et al.

    • 2017

    • Journal: Journal of Dermatological Treatment

    Abstract: Systematic review and meta-analysis showing LLLT significantly increases hair density in androgenetic alopecia.

    One Sentence Outcome:LLLT significantly increased hair density compared to control

    Study Parameters:Multiple trials analyzed

    Device Parameters: 630–660 nm laser; ~5 mW per diode; power density ~3–5 mW/cm²

    Evidence Level:High

    Study Type: Systematic Review & Meta-analysis

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • Efficacy of low-level laser therapy in the treatment of androgenetic alopecia

    By Jimenez JJ et al.

    • 2014

    • Journal: American Journal of Clinical Dermatology

    Abstract: Randomized controlled trial demonstrating increased terminal hair density in men and women treated with LLLT.

    One Sentence Outcome:Increased terminal hair density in men and women

    Study Parameters:Randomized, sham-controlled

    Device Parameters: 650 nm laser helmet; total output ~100–200 mW; ~5 mW per diode; ~4–6 mW/cm²

    Evidence Level:High

    Study Type: RCT

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • HairMax LaserComb laser phototherapy device in the treatment of male androgenetic alopecia

    By Leavitt M et al.

    • 2009

    • Journal: Clinical Drug Investigation

    Abstract: Sham-controlled trial showing statistically significant hair growth with a laser comb device.

    One Sentence Outcome:Statistically significant increase in hair growth vs placebo

    Study Parameters:Sham-controlled

    Device Parameters: 655 nm laser comb; 7–9 beams at ~5 mW each; ~3–5 mW/cm²

    Evidence Level:High

    Study Type: RCT

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • Low-level laser therapy for hair loss: mechanisms and efficacy

    By Avci P et al.

    • 2014

    • Journal: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine

    Abstract: Review describing mitochondrial stimulation and hair follicle cycling mechanisms underlying PBM.

    One Sentence Outcome:Supports mitochondrial stimulation and hair follicle cycling

    Study Parameters:Literature review

    Device Parameters: 630–680 nm (typical PBM range); variable power 1–100 mW; dose-dependent

    Evidence Level:Moderate

    Study Type: Review

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • Low-level laser therapy for the treatment of female pattern hair loss

    By Lanzafame RJ et al.

    • 2013

    • Journal: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine

    Abstract: Randomized trial showing significant increase in hair density in women with androgenetic alopecia.

    One Sentence Outcome:Significant increase in hair density in females

    Study Parameters:Randomized trial

    Device Parameters: 655 nm laser; ~5 mW per diode; multi-diode array; ~4–6 mW/cm²

    Evidence Level:High

    Study Type: RCT

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • Hair regrowth and increased hair tensile strength using the HairMax LaserComb

    By Satino JL, Markou M

    • 2003

    • Journal: Journal of Cosmetic Laser Therapy

    Abstract: Controlled study demonstrating improved hair regrowth and strength following laser treatment.

    One Sentence Outcome:Improved hair regrowth and tensile strength

    Study Parameters:Controlled study

    Device Parameters: 650 nm laser comb; ~5 mW per beam; low power density ~3–5 mW/cm²

    Evidence Level:Moderate

    Study Type: Controlled Trial

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • Effect of low-level light therapy on hair growth in patients with androgenetic alopecia

    By Kim WS et al.

    • 2013

    • Journal: Annals of Dermatology

    Abstract: Double-blind trial showing increased hair density using an LED helmet device.

    One Sentence Outcome:Significant increase in hair density

    Study Parameters:Double-blind trial

    Device Parameters: 630–660 nm LED array; total output ~100 mW; ~3–6 mW/cm²

    Evidence Level:High

    Study Type: RCT

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • Low-level laser therapy accelerates hair regrowth in a mouse model of alopecia

    By Wikramanayake TC et al.

    • 2012

    • Journal: Lasers in Surgery and Medicine

    Abstract: Animal study showing stimulation of hair regrowth via PBM in alopecia model.

    One Sentence Outcome:Stimulated hair regrowth in alopecia model

    Study Parameters:Mouse model

    Device Parameters: 655 nm red light; low power ~5–50 mW; animal exposure model

    Evidence Level:Moderate

    Study Type: Animal Study

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • Effect of laser irradiation on hair growth

    By Mester E et al.

    • 1967

    • Journal: Initial experimental reports

    Abstract: Early experimental work first demonstrating laser-induced hair growth effects.

    One Sentence Outcome:First observation of laser-induced hair growth

    Study Parameters:Early experiments

    Device Parameters: ~694 nm early ruby laser; low power experimental exposure

    Evidence Level:Early

    Study Type: Experimental

    Outcome Direction: Positive

  • Low-level laser therapy for androgenetic alopecia: a review

    By Gupta AK, Foley KA

    • 2017

    • Journal: Dermatologic Surgery

    Abstract: Review summarizing consistent positive outcomes of PBM across alopecia studies.

    One Sentence Outcome:Consistent positive outcomes across studies

    Study Parameters:Review

    Device Parameters: 630–660 nm range; typical PBM outputs 5–100 mW; dose dependent

    Evidence Level:Moderate

    Study Type: Review

    Outcome Direction: Positive