The growth of human scalp hair mediated by visible red light laser and LED sources in males.
OBJECTIVE
Low level laser therapy (LLLT) has been used to promote hair growth. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was undertaken to define the safety and physiologic effects of LLLT on males with androgenic alopecia.


METHODS
Forty-four males (18-48 yo, Fitzpatrick I-IV, Hamilton-Norwood IIa-V) were recruited. A transition zone scalp site was selected; hairs were trimmed to 3 mm height; the area was tattooed and photographed. The active group received a "TOPHAT655" unit containing 21, 5 mW lasers (655 ± 5 nm), and 30 LEDS (655 ± 20 nm), in a bicycle-helmet like apparatus. The placebo group unit appeared identical, containing incandescent red lights. Patients treated at home every other day × 16 weeks (60 treatments, 67.3 J/cm(2) irradiance/25 minute treatment), with follow up and photography at 16 weeks. A masked 2.85 cm(2) photographic area was evaluated by another blinded investigator. The primary endpoint was the percent increase in hair counts from baseline.


RESULTS
Forty-one patients completed the study (22 active, 19 placebo). No adverse events or side effects were reported. Baseline hair counts were 162.7 ± 95.9 (N = 22) in placebo and 142.0 ± 73.0 (N = 22) and active groups respectively (P = 0.426). Post Treatment hair counts were 162.4 ± 62.5 (N = 19) and 228.7 ± 102.8 (N = 22), respectively (P = 0.0161). A 39% percent hair increase was demonstrated (28.4 ± 46.2 placebo, N = 19; 67.2 ± 33.4, active, N = 22) (P = 0.001) Deleting one placebo group subject with a very high baseline count and a very large decrease, resulted in baseline hair counts of 151.1 ± 81.0 (N = 21) and 142.0 ± 73.0 (N = 22), respectively (P = 0.680). Post treatment hair counts were 158.2 ± 61.5 (N = 18) and 228.7 ± 102.8 (N = 22) (P = 0.011), resulting in a 35% percent increase in hair growth (32.3 ± 44.2, placebo, N = 18; 67.2 ± 33.4, active, N = 22) (P = 0.003).


CONCLUSIONS
LLLT of the scalp at 655 nm significantly improved hair counts in males with androgenetic alopecia.
Raymond J. Lanzafame, MD PLLC, Rochester, New York.
Raymond J
RJ
Lanzafame
Raymond R
RR
Blanche
Adam B
AB
Bodian
Richard P
RP
Chiacchierini
Adolfo
A
Fernandez-Obregon
Eric R
ER
Kazmirek
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000505:Alopecia / Q000532:radiotherapy*; D004311:Double-Blind Method; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006197:Hair / Q000254:growth & development; D006801:Humans; D008027:Light; D028022:Low-Level Light Therapy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010781:Photography; D012535:Scalp; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult
Alopecia; LED; RCT; clinical research; hair; human, laser; low level laser therapy (LLLT); photobiomodulation