Red and Green LED Light Therapy: A Comparative Study in Androgenetic Alopecia. - National Genomics Data Center (CNCB-NGDC)

Advanced Search

Red and Green LED Light Therapy: A Comparative Study in Androgenetic Alopecia.

Jiratchaya Tantiyavarong, Sasin Charoensuksira, Jitlada Meephansan, Sirashat Hanvivattanakul, Yossawat Rayanasukha, Thitikorn Boonkoom, Kittipong Tantisantisom

Author Information

Jiratchaya Tantiyavarong: Division of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Sasin Charoensuksira: Division of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Jitlada Meephansan: Division of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand. ORCID
Sirashat Hanvivattanakul: Division of Dermatology, Chulabhorn International College of Medicine, Thammasat University, Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Yossawat Rayanasukha: National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Thitikorn Boonkoom: National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, Thailand.
Kittipong Tantisantisom: National Nanotechnology Center (NANOTEC), National Science and Technology Development Agency (NSTDA), Pathum Thani, Thailand.

PMID: 39368074 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.13004

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/cm 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.

androgenetic alopecia green LED light hair regeneration low‐level light therapy red LED light

U. Blume‐Peytavi, A. Blumeyer, A. Tosti, et al., “S1 Guideline for Diagnostic Evaluation in Androgenetic Alopecia in Men, Women and Adolescents,” British Journal of Dermatology 164, no. 1 (2011): 5–15, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1365‐2133.2010.10011.x.

K. E. Salman, I. K. Altunay, N. A. Kucukunal, and A. A. Cerman, “Frequency, Severity and Related Factors of Androgenetic Alopecia in Dermatology Outpatient Clinic: Hospital‐Based Cross‐Sectional Study in Turkey,” Anais Brasileiros de Dermatologia 92, no. 1 (2017): 35–40, https://doi.org/10.1590/abd1806‐4841.20175241.

L. Dhami, “Psychology of Hair Loss Patients and Importance of Counseling,” Indian Journal of Plastic Surgery 54, no. 4 (2021): 411–415, https://doi.org/10.1055/s‐0041‐1741037.

P. Suchonwanit, S. Thammarucha, and K. Leerunyakul, “Minoxidil and Its Use in Hair Disorders: A Review,” Drug Design, Development and Therapy 13 (2019): 2777–2786, https://doi.org/10.2147/dddt.S214907.

J. M. Hirshburg, P. A. Kelsey, C. A. Therrien, A. C. Gavino, and J. S. Reichenberg, “Adverse Effects and Safety of 5‐Alpha Reductase Inhibitors (Finasteride, Dutasteride): A Systematic Review,” Journal of Clinical and Aesthetic Dermatology 9, no. 7 (2016): 56–62.

M. Zarei, T. C. Wikramanayake, L. Falto‐Aizpurua, L. A. Schachner, and J. J. Jimenez, “Low Level Laser Therapy and Hair Regrowth: An Evidence‐Based Review,” Lasers in Medical Science 31, no. 2 (2016): 363–371, https://doi.org/10.1007/s10103‐015‐1818‐2.

A. K. Gupta and K. A. Foley, “A Critical Assessment of the Evidence for Low‐Level Laser Therapy in the Treatment of Hair Loss,” Dermatologic Surgery 43, no. 2 (2017): 188–197, https://doi.org/10.1097/dss.0000000000000904.

Y. Sakurai, M. Yamaguchi, and Y. Abiko, “Inhibitory Effect of Low‐Level Laser Irradiation on LPS‐Stimulated Prostaglandin E2 Production and Cyclooxygenase‐2 in Human Gingival Fibroblasts,” European Journal of Oral Sciences 108, no. 1 (2000): 29–34, https://doi.org/10.1034/j.1600‐0722.2000.00783.x.

Y. Zhang, X. Zou, H. Chen, Y. Yang, H. Lin, and X. Guo, “Clinical Study on Clinical Operation and Post‐Treatment Reactions of HMME‐PDT in Treatment of PWS,” Photodiagnosis and Photodynamic Therapy 20 (2017): 253–256, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.pdpdt.2017.09.013.

J. K. Pillai and V. Mysore, “Role of Low‐Level Light Therapy (LLLT) in Androgenetic Alopecia,” Journal of Cutaneous and Aesthetic Surgery 14, no. 4 (2021): 385–391, https://doi.org/10.4103/jcas.Jcas_218_20.

A. Cios, M. Cieplak, Ł. Szymański, et al., “Effect of Different Wavelengths of Laser Irradiation on the Skin Cells,” International Journal of Molecular Sciences 22, no. 5 (2021): 2437, https://doi.org/10.3390/ijms22052437.

L. Kittigul, J. Meephansan, P. Sirithanabadeekul, et al., “The Efficacy of LED Microneedle Patch on Hair Growth in Mice,” Archives of Dermatological Research 315, no. 4 (2023): 971–982, https://doi.org/10.1007/s00403‐022‐02476‐3.

T. Fushimi, S. Inui, T. Nakajima, M. Ogasawara, K. Hosokawa, and S. Itami, “Green Light Emitting Diodes Accelerate Wound Healing: Characterization of the Effect and Its Molecular Basis In Vitro and In Vivo,” Wound Repair and Regeneration 20, no. 2 (2012): 226–235, https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1524‐475X.2012.00771.x.

H. Kim, J. W. Choi, J. Y. Kim, J. W. Shin, S. J. Lee, and C. H. Huh, “Low‐Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24‐Week, Randomized, Double‐Blind, Sham Device‐Controlled Multicenter Trial,” Dermatologic Surgery 39, no. 8 (2013): 1177–1183, https://doi.org/10.1111/dsu.12200.

P. Avci, A. Gupta, M. Sadasivam, et al., “Low‐Level Laser (Light) Therapy (LLLT) in Skin: Stimulating, Healing, Restoring,” Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 32, no. 1 (2013): 41–52.

K. Yano, L. F. Brown, and M. Detmar, “Control of Hair Growth and Follicle Size by VEGF‐Mediated Angiogenesis,” Journal of Clinical Investigation 107, no. 4 (2001): 409–417, https://doi.org/10.1172/jci11317.

D. Barolet, “Light‐Emitting Diodes (LEDs) in Dermatology,” Seminars in Cutaneous Medicine and Surgery 27, no. 4 (2008): 227–238, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.sder.2008.08.003.

L. S. Hansen, J. E. Coggle, J. Wells, and M. W. Charles, “The Influence of the Hair Cycle on the Thickness of Mouse Skin,” Anatomical Record 210, no. 4 (1984): 569–573, https://doi.org/10.1002/ar.1092100404.

J. W. Oh, J. Kloepper, E. A. Langan, et al., “A Guide to Studying Human Hair Follicle Cycling In Vivo,” Journal of Investigative Dermatology 136, no. 1 (2016): 34–44, https://doi.org/10.1038/jid.2015.354.

R. M. Porter, “Mouse Models for Human Hair Loss Disorders,” Journal of Anatomy 202, no. 1 (2003): 125–131, https://doi.org/10.1046/j.1469‐7580.2003.00140.x.

F1/2566/Research Fund of Chulabhorn International College of Medicine
/Thammasat University Research Unit in the development of LED microneedle patches for aesthetic and skin diseases
/BDMS Health Research Center, Bangkok Dusit Medical Services Plc.

Humans

Alopecia

Female

Male

Middle Aged

Adult

Low-Level Light Therapy

Patient Satisfaction

Hair

Journal Article Comparative Study Clinical Trial