Home-Use Low-Level Laser Therapy Improves Androgenetic Alopecia Over 12 Months: Study
According to a 48-week study, home-based, helmet-type low-level laser therapy (LLLT) used three times weekly significantly improved hair density and thickness in patients with androgenetic alopecia. Participants experienced an average increase of 25 hairs/cm² and a 15% rise in hair thickness, with high satisfaction, good adherence, and no reported adverse events, supporting the safety and sustained efficacy of long-term Low-level laser therapy use at home.
Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) has emerged as a nonpharmacologic intervention for androgenetic alopecia (AGA), but evidence on its long-term efficacy remains limited. A study was done to evaluate the 12-month effectiveness and safety of a home-use helmet-typeLow-level laser therapy device in individuals withandrogenetic alopecia. This prospective, open-label study enrolled 68 patients (51 men, 17 women) with mild to severe androgenetic alopecia. Participants used a helmet-type Low-level laser therapy device emitting red light (646–675 nm) three times per week for 20 min over 48 weeks.
Hair density and shaft thickness were assessed using phototrichogram at predefined intervals. Additional evaluations included blinded global photographic assessments and patient-reported outcomes. Results: Hair density increased significantly from a baseline mean of 99.2 ± 27.7 to 124.2 ± 33.1 hairs/cm2 at 48 weeks (mean change +25.0 ± 28.1, p < 0.0001). Mean hair shaft thickness rose from 65.1 ± 11.8 to 74.9 ± 12.6 μm (p < 0.0001), reflecting an approximate 15% improvement. Gains were consistent across sexes and androgenetic alopecia severity levels. By Week 48, 59% of participants were rated as improved based on global photographs, and over 85% expressed satisfaction with treatment. No adverse events related to the device were reported, and adherence was high throughout the study.
Shin, Jung-Won, Paik, Kyungho, Na, Jung-Im, Lew, Bark-Lynn, Huh, Chang-Hun, Long-Term Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 12-Month Prospective Trial, Dermatologic Therapy, 2026, 6621458, 8 pages, 2026. https://doi.org/10.1155/dth/6621458
