Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) or female pattern
hair loss (FPHL) is the most common form of
hair loss in men and women. Despite its common occurrence, our understanding of the etiology of AGA and FPHL remains incomplete. As such, traditional
therapies demonstrate modest efficacies and new
therapies continue to be sought.
Low-level light therapy (
LLLT) is a relatively new technique used to promote hair growth in both men and women with AGA and FPHL. Currently, there exist several
LLLT devices marketed for the treatment of
alopecia, which claim to stimulate hair growth; yet marketing these devices only requires that safety, not efficacy, be established. A handful of studies have since investigated the efficacy of
LLLT for
alopecia with mixed results. These studies suffered from power, confounding and analysis issues which resulted in a high risk of bias in
LLLT studies. Due to the paucity of well-conducted randomized controlled trials, the efficacy of
LLLT devices remains unclear. Randomized controlled trials of
LLLT conducted and reported according to the Consolidated Standards of Reporting Trials (CONSORT) statement would greatly increase the credibility of the evidence and clarify the ambiguity of the effectiveness of
LLLT in the treatment of AGA and FPHL.