Evidence-based consensus on the clinical application of photobiomodulation

April 2025 in “ Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology ”

Jalal Maghfour, Jessica Mineroff, David Ozog, Jared Jagdeo, Henry W. Lim, Indermeet Kohli, R. Rox Anderson, Kristen M. Kelly, Andrew Mamalis, Gilly Munavalli, Ferraresi Cleber, Daniël J. Siegel, Ivayla I. Geneva, Robert A. Weiss, Akimich Morita, Anders Juanita, Mitchel P. Goldman, Paraveen R. Arany, David H. Sliney, Omar A. Ibrahimi, Michael Chopp, Samia Esmat, Jan Tunér

A panel of 21 experts developed a consensus on the clinical application of photobiomodulation (PBM), concluding it is a safe and effective treatment for conditions like peripheral neuropathy, androgenic alopecia, wound ulcers, diabetic foot ulcer pain, and acute radiation dermatitis. Red light PBM does not cause DNA damage, supporting its safety for adults. The guidelines are intended to help clinicians use PBM safely and effectively, with future research anticipated to improve understanding of this noninvasive technique.

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research The Use of a Light-Emitting Diode Device for Neck Rejuvenation and Its Safety on Thyroid Glands

11 citations , April 2021 in “Journal of Clinical Medicine”

The LED device safely improves neck skin appearance without affecting thyroid function.

Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

research Efficacy of Non-Surgical Treatments for Androgenetic Alopecia in Men and Women: A Systematic Review with Network Meta-Analyses and an Assessment of Evidence Quality

15 citations , April 2020 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Minoxidil and finasteride work best for hair loss; more research needed.

research Meta-Analysis of Photobiomodulation for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia

10 citations , November 2019 in “Journal of Dermatological Treatment”

Photobiomodulation helps hair growth safely in men and women, with laser devices working better than LED ones.

research The Use of a 1,540 nm Fractional Erbium-Glass Laser in the Treatment of Alopecia Areata

15 citations , July 2019 in “Lasers in surgery and medicine”

The erbium-glass laser effectively promotes hair regrowth in alopecia areata.

research Treatment of Alopecia Areata with Nonablative Fractional Laser Combined with Topical Minoxidil

8 citations , June 2019 in “Journal of Cosmetic Dermatology”

Using a nonablative fractional laser with topical minoxidil can effectively and safely promote hair regrowth in alopecia areata patients.

Comparative Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Adult Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

research Comparative Effectiveness of Low-Level Laser Therapy for Adult Androgenic Alopecia: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis of Randomized Controlled Trials

21 citations , January 2019 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

Low-level laser therapy significantly increases hair density in adults with hair loss, with low-frequency treatment being more effective.

Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Thai Men and Women: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

research Low-Level Laser Therapy for the Treatment of Androgenetic Alopecia in Thai Men and Women: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

45 citations , December 2018 in “Lasers in Medical Science”

LLLT promotes hair growth and improves hair density safely in men and women.

Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

research Efficacy and Safety of Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Self-Comparison, Sham Device-Controlled Trial

31 citations , June 2018 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level light therapy safely improves hair coverage, thickness, and count in androgenetic alopecia patients.

Low-Level Light and Minoxidil 5% Combination Versus Either Modality Alone in Management of Female Patterned Hair Loss: A Randomized Controlled Study

research Low-Level Light and Minoxidil 5% Combination Versus Either Modality Alone in Management of Female Patterned Hair Loss: A Randomized Controlled Study

34 citations , May 2017 in “Lasers in Surgery and Medicine”

Combining low-level light therapy and minoxidil 5% is more effective for female hair loss than using either treatment alone.

Novel Approach to Treating Androgenetic Alopecia in Females With Photobiomodulation (Low-Level Laser Therapy)

research Low-Level Light Therapy for Androgenetic Alopecia: A 24-Week, Randomized, Double-Blind, Sham Device-Controlled Multicenter Trial

106 citations , April 2013 in “Dermatologic Surgery”

Low-level light therapy safely improves hair growth and thickness for androgenetic alopecia.

research HairMax LaserComb Laser Phototherapy Device in the Treatment of Male Androgenetic Alopecia

160 citations , January 2009 in “Clinical Drug Investigation”

HairMax LaserComb® effectively promotes hair growth and stops hair loss in males with androgenetic alopecia, with no serious side effects.

research The Use of Low-Level Light for Hair Growth: Part I

90 citations , January 2009 in “Journal of cosmetic and laser therapy”

Low-level laser therapy might help hair growth, but more research is needed.