Assessment of Effects of Low-Level Light Therapy on Scalp Condition and Hair Growth

BACKGROUND: The appearance of the scalp and hair is very important aesthetically regardless of age or sex. Although there are many drugs and treatment methods for scalp problems and hair loss, the treatment response is still insufficient. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the efficacy of low-level light therapy in a helmet-like device. MATERIALS AND METHODS: This study was designed as a 24-week trial with 50 participants. All participants used a helmet-shaped device emitting 630–690, 820–880, and 910–970 nm light wavelengths, for 20 minutes, daily for 24 weeks. A phototrichogram for hair density and thickness, Global Aesthetic Improvement Scale score, erythema index, and sebum secretions of the scalp were evaluated at baseline and at 12 and 24 weeks. RESULTS: After 24 weeks of treatment, hair density and hair thickness were found to have significantly increased (P <.01 and P =0.013, respectively) and sebum secretion of vertex area had decreased significantly (P <.01). Of 49 participants, 73.47% of the participants showed improvement in the overall appearance of the scalp (n = 36). CONCLUSION: A helmet-like low-level light therapy device can improve the appearance of the hair, with thickening and increase in the density of the hair, and can improve scalp condition by decreasing sebum secretion.