Integrating Low-Level Light Therapy into Clinical Practice for Hair Loss

With increasing patient demand for non-invasive treatment options, low-level light/laser therapy (LLLT) is gaining traction in the management of androgenetic alopecia (AGA). While evidence for efficacy is established through multiple Level I trials and meta-analyses, the key question for clinicians is: how do we implement this therapy effectively in practice?

Patient selection:
LLLT is most effective in patients with mild to moderate AGA. Trials consistently demonstrate improvements across both sexes, but the degree of response is reduced in advanced scalp miniaturisation. Clinicians should set realistic expectations - LLLT does not restore complete density but enhances hair calibre and growth.

Comparative outcomes:
Recent evidence (Neema et al., 2025) indicates LLLT provides outcomes comparable to 5% topical minoxidil at 6 months, highlighting its validity as an alternative first-line intervention. For patients intolerant to, or non-adherent with, pharmacological options, device-based therapy offers a practical solution with minimal adverse events.

Device considerations:
Commercially available LLLT devices vary in wavelength, design, and treatment schedules. Both comb- and helmet-type devices show efficacy; however, helmet-type devices may enhance compliance through ease of use. A lower-frequency treatment schedule has been associated with greater improvement than higher-frequency regimens (Liu et al., 2019).

Adjunctive role:
There is growing support for combining LLLT with minoxidil or finasteride, with early data suggesting synergistic effects. This combined approach may be particularly valuable in patients seeking maximal improvement without escalating systemic drug exposure.

Practical take-home:
LLLT is backed by robust clinical evidence, with excellent safety and tolerability across studies. By incorporating LLLT into a multimodal treatment framework, clinicians can expand therapeutic options, improve adherence, and better meet patient expectations in managing AGA.