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Outcomes of Red and Green LED Light Therapy in Individuals With Androgenetic Alopecia
TAKE-HOME MESSAGE
- This clinical comparative study evaluated the efficacy of red (633 nm) versus green (522 nm) LED light therapy in patients with androgenetic alopecia. After 6 months of weekly 20-minute treatments (40 J/cm2) to the frontal scalp, both red and green LED light treatments resulted in significant improvements in hair diameter, non-vellus hair density, and patient satisfaction scores. Although both wavelengths demonstrated efficacy within the first 3 months, patients receiving red LED light treatment maintained this improvement in hair density by 6 months and showed comparatively greater improvements in hair diameter from baseline. This was thought to be due to the deeper penetrating capacity of red light.
- Both red and green LED light therapy seem to show promising results in patients with androgenetic alopecia, with red LED therapy generally providing more sustained positive outcomes. Consideration of red LED therapy is warranted as part of a multifaceted treatment approach for patients who can afford it.
abstract
This abstract is available on the publisher's site.
Access this abstract nowBACKGROUND
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) affects both men and women, characterized by progressive hair thinning. While current treatments like minoxidil and finasteride have efficacy limitations and side effects, low-level light therapy (LLLT) using red or near-infrared light has emerged as a promising alternative. Recent animal studies suggest potential benefits from green LED light, though human data are sparse.
METHODS
This study utilized an innovative LED helmet emitting red and green LED light on respective halves of the frontal scalp, delivering an energy density of 40 J/cm2 over 20 min. Clinical photography, physician evaluations on a 7-point scale, patient satisfaction, and measurements of hair density and hair diameter were employed. Data were analyzed using linear mixed-effects models, with significance set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS
Seventeen participants (47.1% male, 52.9% female, average age 46.47 years) demonstrated notable improvements after 6 months of treatment. Red and green LEDs both significantly increased hair diameter, non-vellus hair density, and satisfaction scores. Notably, the red LED therapy resulted in a statistically significant decrease in vellus hair density and achieved a greater increase in hair diameter compared to the green LED therapy. Minimal adverse effects were reported, primarily consisting of tolerable scalp heat and mild redness.
CONCLUSION
Both red and green LED therapies effectively enhanced hair growth, increasing density and thickness over 6 months. Red LED demonstrated superior improvements in specific measures. Consequently, both therapies present safe and viable alternatives for the management of AGA, expanding the repertoire of available treatment options.
Additional Info
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Red and Green LED Light Therapy: A Comparative Study in Androgenetic Alopecia
Photodermatol Photoimmunol Photomed 2024 Nov 01;40(6)e13004, J Tantiyavarong, S Charoensuksira, J Meephansan, S Hanvivattanakul, Y Rayanasukha, T Boonkoom, K TantisantisomFrom MEDLINE®/PubMed®, a database of the U.S. National Library of Medicine.
Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss among both men and women that leads to progressive thinning with miniaturization of the hair follicle, leading to a significant psychological impact. Minoxidil and finasteride are the only FDA-approved treatments; however, they have side effects and limited efficacy.
This split-scalp study looked at the use of an LED helmet with both red and green light as monotherapy (weekly 20-minute sessions) in men and women with moderate AGA aged 18 to 60 years. It was found that both red and green LED therapy increased hair diameter, terminal hair density, and patient satisfaction after 6 months of treatment, with the side treated with red LED showing greater improvement. There were minimal side effects, and the treatments were well-tolerated. In summary, LED treatment should considered in the treatment plan for males and females with all AGA stages.