From the Guidelines
Red light therapy on the scalp is not recommended as a primary treatment for hair loss compared to minoxidil, finasteride, or PRP, due to limited and less robust evidence supporting its effectiveness. When considering treatment options for hair loss, it's essential to evaluate the available evidence and choose the most effective treatments.
- Minoxidil (typically 5% solution applied twice daily) and oral finasteride (1mg daily) remain the gold standards with FDA approval and extensive clinical data supporting their effectiveness for pattern hair loss, as seen in studies such as 1.
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy involves injecting concentrated platelets from your own blood into the scalp every 1-3 months and has moderate evidence supporting its use.
- Red light therapy, using devices that emit wavelengths between 630-670nm applied for 15-25 minutes several times weekly, works by stimulating hair follicle cells and increasing blood flow to the scalp, but results tend to be less dramatic than with pharmaceutical treatments, and its effectiveness is supported by less robust evidence compared to minoxidil and finasteride, as noted in studies such as 1. Some key points to consider when evaluating these treatment options include:
- The level of evidence supporting each treatment, with minoxidil and finasteride having more extensive clinical data, as seen in 1.
- The potential side effects and risks associated with each treatment, with red light therapy generally having minimal side effects, but also less dramatic results.
- The individual patient's needs and preferences, including the severity of hair loss and any underlying medical conditions. Overall, while red light therapy may have some benefits, it is not recommended as a primary treatment for hair loss, and patients should consider established treatments like minoxidil, finasteride, or PRP, which have more robust evidence supporting their effectiveness.
From the Research
Comparison of Red Light Therapy with Minoxidil, Finasteride, and PRP
- There are no direct studies comparing red light therapy on the scalp with minoxidil, finasteride, or PRP in the provided evidence.
- However, the efficacy and safety of minoxidil, finasteride, and PRP as treatments for hair loss are discussed in several studies 2, 3, 4, 5, 6.
- Minoxidil is a well-established treatment for hair loss, with topical and oral forms available 2, 3, 4, 5.
- Finasteride is also a commonly used treatment for hair loss, although its comparison with red light therapy is not found in the provided evidence.
- PRP (platelet-rich plasma) therapy is a non-surgical treatment option for hair loss, but its comparison with red light therapy is not available in the provided studies 6.
- Low-level laser therapy (LLLT), which includes red light therapy, is mentioned as a non-invasive treatment option for hair loss, but its specific comparison with minoxidil, finasteride, or PRP is not found in the provided evidence 6.