Study Finds Red and Green LED Light Therapies Effective in Boosting Hair Growth for Androgenetic Alopecia

The research published in Photodermatology, Photoimmunology, and Photomedicine revealed that red and green LED therapies significantly promoted hair growth, enhancing density and thickness over six months. Notably, red LED therapy showed greater improvements in certain metrics. As a result, both therapies offer safe and effective alternatives for managing androgenetic alopecia, broadening the range of available treatment options.

Androgenetic alopecia, often referred to as male or female pattern baldness, is characterized by progressive hair thinning and loss due to genetic and hormonal factors. While existing treatments such as minoxidil and finasteride have limitations in efficacy and potential side effects, low-level light therapy (LLLT) utilizing red or near-infrared light has emerged as a promising alternative. Recent animal studies indicate possible advantages of green LED light, although data on its effects in humans remain limited.

To address this knowledge gap, Jitlada Meephansan, Samitivej Sukhumvit Hospital, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services PLC, Bangkok, Thailand, and colleagues evaluated the impact of both light therapies on hair growth, density, and thickness in individuals experiencing this condition.

For this purpose, the researchers designed an innovative LED helmet that emitted red and green light on opposite halves of the frontal scalp, delivering an energy density of 40 J/cm² over a 20-minute session. The study employed clinical photography, physician evaluations on a 7-point scale, patient satisfaction surveys, and measurements of hair density and diameter. Data analysis utilized linear mixed-effects models, with significance determined.

The following were the key findings of the study:

• Seventeen participants were involved in the study (47.1% male, 52.9% female), with an average age of 46.47 years.
• After 6 months of treatment, participants showed significant improvements in various metrics.
• Both red and green LED therapies notably increased:
  • Hair diameter
  • Non-vellus hair density
  • Patient satisfaction scores
• Red LED therapy resulted in:
  • A statistically significant decrease in vellus hair density.
  • A greater increase in hair diameter compared to green LED therapy.
• Minimal adverse effects were reported, primarily consisting of:
  • Tolerable scalp heat
  • Mild redness of the scalp.

The findings showed that red and green LED light therapies deliver promising results for patients with androgenetic alopecia, with red LED therapy typically yielding more sustained positive effects.

"Incorporating red LED therapy into a comprehensive treatment plan is advisable for patients who can invest in it," the researchers concluded.

Reference:

Tantiyavarong, J., Charoensuksira, S., Meephansan, J., Hanvivattanakul, S., Rayanasukha, Y., Boonkoom, T., & Tantisantisom, K. (2024). Red and Green LED Light Therapy: A Comparative Study in Androgenetic Alopecia. Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine, 40(6), e13004. https://doi.org/10.1111/phpp.13004