Are the clinical low laser light treatments (LLT) more effective than the home devices for AGA hair loss in women?

Question

I am a 53 year old female. I recently visited a hair restoration clinic for possible andronogenic alopecia hair loss (appointment pending with dermatologist). LLLT therapy was recommended as hair loss is recent and I have a lot of new growth. How effective is it ? Are the clinical treatments, which are much more expensive, any more effective than the home devices available (igrow, laser cap)?

Jae Pak, MD · Answer

Low level laser therapy for hair does not work. It may be safe to use but it probably will not grow hair.  I’ve offered it at my practice for FREE. I even gave it away as a study. I have not seen results. Maybe you can claim the patients didn’t use it right.The studies or papers that are out there do not show clear results. If they work, it is so minimal it’s not worth the effort or cost to justify a result that can not be seen with a naked eye for someone to say “that was worth it”.Most lasers are in the range of 650 to 670nm wavelength This is not a magic number wavelength for hair growth.650-670nm is the RED wavelength in almost ALL lasers.  (red laser)The $1 WallMart laser pointer is ALSO a low power (low level) laser that emits at 650-670nmThese hair lasers are just a dome or a hat that incorporates 20 to 30 of these $1 lasers.You can make one for yourself for probably under $50.

Jeff Rapaport, MD · Answer

In my opinion low level laser treatments are effective. However I would only consider them to be an add-on modality to several other therapies. Recent studies show that finasteride in doses of 5 milligrams was effective in women. Minoxidil seems to work better in women than men. I feel that micro needle rolling is also helpful. Recently, we have been getting good results with injecting platelet rich plasma in women. In my practice, it has been the single best treatment for female pattern baldness. Seek a dermatologist who will do a complete evaluation of your scalp to confirm the diagnosis. Hope this helps. Good luck.

Jeff Donovan, MD, PhD · Answer

This is a great question and nobody knows that answer because proper comparative studies have not been done. There is no evidence to suggest the office devices are more effective despite more power. The studies simply need to be done.Low level therapy has a role in the treatment of AGA but studies and clinical experience would seem to suggest they are less effective than FDA approved minoxidil.

Brian Goertz, MD (retired) · Answer

Laser therapy has been used for many years healing skin ulcers in Europe. The therapy does not appear to do harm and some of my patients feel they benefit from it as part of approach to keeping as much hair as possible. We do not provide in office LLLT, nor do we sell devices. If you are going to use it, it is much more cost effective to purchase a device if you feel it has been beneficial.

William Rassman, MD (retired) · Answer

There are many studies that show that the lasers do not grow hair. The people that promote it are those that make money on selling these devices.  See the web reference below for information on this and some clinical studies

Are the clinical low laser light treatments (LLT) more effective than the home devices for AGA hair loss in women?

Answers (5)

Answer: Low Light Laser Therapy

Answer: Low Light Laser Therapy

Answer: Laser therapy has not been proven to work

Answer: Laser therapy has not been proven to work

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Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Are the clinical low laser light treatments (LLT) more effective than the home devices for AGA hair loss in women?

Answers (5)

Answer: Low Light Laser Therapy

Answer: Low Light Laser Therapy

Answer: Laser therapy has not been proven to work

Answer: Laser therapy has not been proven to work

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Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Hair Loss Treatment

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.