To evaluate the efficacy and safety of low-level laser therapy (LLLT)for androgenetic alopecia, and to compare the therapeutic effect of LLLT alone versus in combination with finasteride tablets.

Thirty-nine male patients were randomly divided into the LLLT group (n = 21)and combination group (n = 18)to be treated with LLLT alone or in combination with oral finasteride tablets (1 mg/d)for 6 months. LLLT was given twice a week, and each session lasted 30 minutes. All the patients were photographed and asked to fill a questionnaire about subjective symptoms, and hair density (the number of hairs per unit area on the scalp)was determined by using a dermatoscope to evaluate the grade of alopecia, before the treatment, and 3 and 6 months after the treatment.

The hair density in the LLLT group was significantly higher after 6 months than after 3 months of treatment and before the treatment (184.59±21.17 vs. 169.24±29.21 and 166.67±32.94 hairs/cm², both P < 0.05), but was insignificantly different between before and after 3 months of treatment (P > 0.05). The hair density in the combination group significantly increased after 6 and 3 months of treatment compared with that before the treatment (201.80±16.55 and 186.39±17.97 vs. 157.85±27.97 hairs/cm², both P < 0.05), and was significantly higher after 6 months than after 3 months of treatment (P < 0.05). No significant difference was observed in hair density between the two groups before the treatment (P > 0.05), but the combination group showed increased hair density compared with the LLLT group after 3 and 6 months of treatment (both P < 0.05). After 6 months of treatment, LLLT alone was effective in 17 patients, but ineffective in 4 patients, and the combination therapy was effective in 16 patients, but ineffective in 2 patients, with no significant difference in the response rate between the LLLT group and combination group (χ²= 0.057, P > 0.05). During the treatment, 24 (62%)patients felt less greasy, and 22 (56%)reported less hair loss, with no discomforts reported by the patients except local warm feeling.

LLLT is indeed effective for the treatment of androgenetic alopecia with no adverse reactions.

Alopecia; Laser therapy, low-level; Finasteride; Treatment outcome; Randomized controlled trial