LLLT Trialled Against High Strength Hair Loss Solution

There are currently only two hair loss treatments that are both licensed by the MHRA and FDA-approved for androgenetic alopecia, perhaps better known as the common hereditary conditions, Male Pattern Baldness and Female Pattern Hair Loss.

These are finasteride 1mg - an oral one-a-day DHT-blocker for medically-suitable men only that requires a prescription - and high strength minoxidil, a dose-dependent topical hair loss solution that is available over the counter without prescription only in its 2% and 5% formulations.

What may be less well-known is that an adjunct therapy which can be self-administered at home has also shown successful clinical trial results for promoting hair growth, and comes in a number of FDA-cleared devices, such as the LaserBand.

This is known as Low Level Laser Therapy (LLLT) and although it can be used on its own, it is generally recommended to be used in addition to a solid pharmaceutical approach, by professional hair loss specialists.

According to an article in the July 2019 edition of the British Association of Dermatologists journal, a 15% strength minoxidil has been trialled against LLLT to see which provided the best hair regrowth results for patients.

Both found to be effective

The published notes regarding this oral presentation state that the 24-week trial was randomised, with 58 patients diagnosed with androgenetic alopecia (AGA) taking part.

These were split into two groups, one of which was administered 15% minoxidil topical hair loss solution to apply twice per day; participants in the other group received three x 30 minute sessions of LLLT per week for the duration of the trial.

Researchers advised that, although both modalities were found to be effective in terms of producing visible hair growth and patient satisfaction, the minoxidil group reported the largest percentage increases, saying:

"The percentage of recovery from AGA and the patients' satisfaction with their treatment were significantly higher in the minoxidil group than in the LLLT group. A significantly greater improvement from baseline in hair thickness, hair count, hair coverage and IGA [Investigator's Global Assessment] was also observed with minoxidil 15% than with LLLT at the 12- and 24-week visits."

In addition to stating that no adverse events were reported during the study, the following conclusion was given:

"As a new dosage of treatment, minoxidil 15% can help improve the percentage of recovery from AGA alopecia and increase patients' satisfaction with their treatment."

Wider ranging, larger-scale, longer-term clinical trials are required to confirm the efficacy, tolerability and safety of this higher strength solution, but this is certainly a positive initial step.

Combination hair loss treatment courses

At Belgravia, our genetic hair loss clients benefit from personalised advice from their dedicated hair loss specialist as to which precise formulations and components are likely to be best-suited to their level and pattern of shedding, as well as their medical profile and any lifestyle requirements that may be applicable. After all, there is no point in recommending something a client knows they will never use and, in the majority of cases, there are options and alternatives available that the patient may find more convenient.

A personalised combination hair loss treatment course which mixes appropriate medications with supplementary hair growth supporting products, can be put together following an in-person or online consultation.

These supporting products range from LLLT devices to Hair Vitalics food supplements formulated by Belgravia hair experts to contain a highly-targeted blend of key vitamins, minerals, amino acids and botanicals, including biotin, zinc and selenium to help maintain normal hair growth.