Study – Low Laser Light Treatments Improve Hair Thickness

Conclusion from the study:

In four randomized, double-blind, sham-controlled trials of MPHL and FPHL, we detected a statistically significant increase in terminal hair density after 26 weeks of lasercomb treatment compared with sham treatment. Such improvement was independent of the sex and age of the subject, and independent of the laser comb model when similar laser dose rates were delivered. A higher percentage of lasercomb-treated subjects reported overall improvement of hair loss condition and thickness and fullness of hair in self-assessment, though the results did not always reach statistical significance. Increase in terminal hair count was comparable to the short-term trials of 5% Minoxidil Topical solution and 1 mg/day Finasteride, but less efficacious than longer term (≥1 year) trials. Further clinical trials are needed to define the optimal duration of treatment, the duration of response, and the use of the lasercomb in other alopecia conditions.

Read the rest — Efficacy and Safety of a Low-level Laser Device in the Treatment of Male and Female Pattern Hair Loss

I have not been a fan of this modality, though I am now inclined to be more open minded in using this after reading the study published in the American Journal of Clinical Dermatology.

This study was still quite small (128 men and 141 women) and I can not tell which patients would be the ideal candidates for this treatment. I would suspect that it may have value for those who have advanced miniaturization in their hair, but not for those that are completely bald.