Outcomes of Red and Green LED Light Therapy in Individuals With Androgenetic Alopecia Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine

Abstract

BACKGROUND

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/cm2over 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.

Photodermatology, Photoimmunology & Photomedicine

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 Tantisantisom

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.

–  Nour Yacoub, MD

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Benjamin Hidalgo-Matlock
Skin Care Physicians of Costa Rica

Clinica Victoria en San Pedro: 4000-1054
Momentum Escazu: 2101-9574

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