The growth of human scalp hair in females using visible red light laser and LED sources.

ABSTRACT: Low level laser (light) therapy (LLLT) has been demonstrated to promote hair growth in males. A double-blind randomized controlled trial was undertaken to define the safety and physiologic effects of LLLT on females with androgenic alopecia.Forty-seven females (18-60 years old, Fitzpatrick I-IV, and Ludwig-Savin Baldness Scale I-2, I-3, I-4, II-1, II-2 baldness patterns) 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 diode 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?J/cm(2) irradiance/25?minute treatment, 2.9?J dose), 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.Forty-two patients completed the study (24 active, 18 sham). No adverse events or side effects were reported. Baseline hair counts were 228.2?±?133.4 (N?=?18) in the sham and 209.6?±?118.5 (N?=?24) in the active group (P?=?0.642). Post Treatment hair counts were 252.1?±?143.3 (N?=?18) in the sham group and 309.9?±?166.6 (N?=?24) in the active group (P?=?0.235). The change in hair counts over baseline was 23.9?±?30.1 (N?=?18) in the sham group and 100.3?±?53.4 (N?=?24) in the active group (P?

SUBMITTER: Lanzafame RJ 

PROVIDER: S-EPMC4265291 | biostudies-literature | 2014 Oct

REPOSITORIES: biostudies-literature