Hair loss has been known to cause significant distress in both men and women, which impairs individual’s quality of life in various apsects. 1,2 Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is the most common type of hair loss in men, which occurs in genetically susceptible individuals under the influence of androgens. AGA is characterized by follicular miniaturization in a distinctive pattern of hair loss. It usually appears in the third and fourth decades, while adolescent AGA starts after puberty between 13.5 and 15 years of age. 3,4 Pathophysiologic features of AGA include alteration of hair cycle, follicular miniaturization, and inflammation. 5 Topical minoxidil and oral medication, such as finasteride, have been approved by Food and Drug Administration for the treatment of AGA.
Lately, several documents have been reported, which aim to investigate the therapeutic role of low-level laser device in AGA. 6-8 Low-level laser therapy (LLLT) utilizes non-thermal effect of red or near-infrared laser light in a low intensity, which promote tissue repair and stimulate cellular activities. It is also termed as photobiomodulation or photobiostimulation. Beneficial and therapeutic effects of LLLT has been recruited in a wide range of medical situations, including wound healing, nerve regeneration, pain control, and alopecia. 6,9
A clinical study was designed as a randomized, double-blind, sham device-controlled trial at a single research center (Seoul National University Bundang Hospital, Seongnam, Korea). Study protocol was approved by the Institution Review Board of the research center and Ministry of Food and Drug Safety of Korea (E-1909/564-002).
Forty-eight healthy volunteers aged 19 to 65 were recruited. Prior to participation in the study, each subject provided an Informed consent and they were screened to verify that they met the inclusion and exclusion criteria for the study. All subjects had androgenetic hair loss. (Norwood-Hamilton classification of IIa to V for men or Ludwig classification of I to II for women, or BASP classification specific type V1, V2, F1, and F2) and Fitzpatrick skin type I to IV. Subjects were excluded if they had taken and treated following medications that might affect hair growth and loss within 6 months prior to first visit and during the study: finasteride, cyclosporine, minoxidil, dutasteride. Medical history was collected and physical examinations of subjects were performed. Subjects who have chronic dermatologic conditions (e.g., eczema, psoriasis, infection), photosensitive conditions on skins, a history of keloid formation or poor wound healing, a history of human immunodeficiency virus infections, a history drug or alcohol abuse, and have pacemaker, defibrillator, or other active implantable devices. Subject who have tattoo and hair weave also excluded.
The Pra.L HGN1 (LG Electronics, Seoul, Korea) is a LLLT (3R-Laser level, IIIa) device with a light source consisting of light-emitting diodes (LEDs; 104 units), 5 mW pulsed laser diodes (LDs; 50 units) and 50 mW pulsed LDs assembled with a waveguide (16 units) (Fig. 1). The waveguide manufactured by the plastic injection-mold process is distributed to the light output surface via the process of passing one light generated from the LD through the primary and secondary reflective surfaces. The secondary reflective surface is designed to distribute the light reflected from the primary reflective surface into six (Fig. 2).
Figure 1. (A) Image of LG Pra’L HGN1. Inside layout of LG Pra’L HGN1 device with light source consisting of LED (104 units), laser diodes (50 units), and laser diodes with a waveguide (16 units). (B) Real image of 250 red light sources when the device is operating.
Figure 2. (A) Novel array of light sources with a waveguide. Schematic view of laser diode assembled waveguide. The waveguide distributed to 6 light sources via the process of passing one light generated from the laser diode through the primary and secondary reflective surfaces. (B) Actual image of light through a waveguide. (C) Laser light pathway via waveguide. 1) Laser off, 2) Laser on~1st mirror, 3) 1st mirror~2nd mirror, 4) 2nd mirror~ Scalp.
The emitting wavelength is 630±20 nm in LED (CTSRZ12A, SEOULVIOSYS, Ansan, Korea), 655±5 nm in 5 mW LD (QL65D6SA, QSI Co., Ltd, Cheonan, Korea) and 660±7 nm in 50 mW LD (QL65J7SA, QSI Co., Ltd). All of the LDs run pulsed light through 250 Hz.
The mean energies per unit of each light source with USB2000 (Spectrometer and optical fiber; Ocean optics, Largo, FL, USA) for LEDs and PM400+S120C (Optical Power and Energy Meter Console + photodiode power sensor, Thorlabs GmbH, Bergkirchen, Germany) for LDs were 3.04 mW/cm2 for 630 nm LED, 2.99 mW for 655nm LD, and 3.08 mW/spot for 660 nm LD with waveguide.
The sham device was identical in appearance and its regulator operated, although it emitted white LED light. We randomly assigned all of the subjects who satisfied the inclusion and exclusion criteria to the LLLT or sham device group, and they were totally blinded. Subjects were instructed on how to operate each device at the baseline visit.
Subjects were randomized into experimental and control group according to random sequence using the complete randomization method. Each group using the test devices or sham devices were contained in sealed boxes recorded with a serial number in order of registration. During whole process, double-blind status was maintained for both investigators and subjects.
To analyze hair growth, an area was selected in vertex zone of the scalp of each subject. The hairs in the selected area were cut to a maximum height of 3 mm and in area at about 1 cm in diameter. The distance between LED or LD and scalp reaches almost 1cm in maximum, although slight variations may exist according to specific area of scalp such as vertex, temporal or occiput. The area was marked with a tattoo using black ink in aseptic condition.
Each subject was assigned in a 2:1 ratio to use either LG Pra.L HGN1 or a sham device. Subjects were instructed how use to an assigned device from blinded investigator and used it themselves at home for 27 minutes and 3 times per week. During one session of intervention with 27 minutes, total energy released from test device was calculated to be 3.3 J/cm2. The study duration was 16 weeks, and monitored at 0, 8, and 16 weeks after the first visit. Subjects and investigators remained totally blinded until study completion.
Primary efficacy endpoint was change in hair density in the target area at 16 weeks from baseline. Hair density and thickness were evaluated with phototrichogram using Folliscope (LeadM, Seoul, Korea) at baseline, 8-week, and 16-week. Phototrichogram images were taken in a central location with tattoos, with 100-fold magnification lens. The image was analyzed and calculated the counts per unit area and the hair thickness using Folliscope 5.0 software (LeadM) by blinded investigators.
Global photographic assessment was evaluated using customized photographic device. The customized photograph device is designed to take pictures of the top, the front, and the sides of both sides at a fixed angle of each subject’s head. Global photographs were taken at baseline, 8-week, and 16-week in a space with constant brightness. The global photographs were evaluated by three independent investigator to the degree of improvement, based on 5-point rating method (Excellent, Good, Slight, No growth, and Worse).
Subjects answered questionnaires for self-assessment of improvement and satisfaction of hair growth at the 8-week and 16-week visits. The degree of improvement of hair regrowth by subjects was assessed using a 100 mm visual analog scale (VAS). The higher the VAS score, the higher the degree of improvement.
All adverse events were collected from investigator and subjects during the study period. Investigator observed the scalp condition of subjects at every visits, and the subjects also informed the investigator of their abnormal cases.
After the end of the study, statistical analysis was conducted using SAS Software (version 9.4; Cary, NC, USA). At the base point and 16 weeks after the treatment, we analyzed amount of change compared to base using a covariance analysis method (ANCOVA) with a covariate for the base value. Treatment site anomalies were classified by body organ class (SOC) criteria in MedDRA (Ver.23.0), and Fisher’s exact test was used for the analysis of adherence and adverse reactions. All statistical analyses were two-sided at a 5% level of significance.
The total 48 subjects registered for the study, of which 39 subjects were men and 9 subjects were women. 32 subjects are assigned in test group and used LG Pra.L HGN1, and the other 16 subjects are control group and used sham device. 2 subjects were excluded from per-protocol analysis. One was dropped out of the study by having a perm that might affect hair analysis, while another subject was excluded with less than 70% compliance. There were no statistically significant differences between two groups in age, gender, height, and weight (All
Table 1 . Study population and characteristics of the subjects at baseline.
| LG Pra’L HGN1 (N=32) | Sham device (N=16) | Total (N=48) | p-value | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gender | 0.2380 | |||
| Male (%) | 24 (75.00) | 15 (93.75) | 39 (81.25) | |
| Female (%) | 8 (25.00) | 1 (6.25) | 9 (18.75) | |
| Age (years), mean (SD) | 42.06 (8.93) | 46.69 (7.74) | 43.60 (8.75) | 0.0842 |
| Height (cm), mean (SD) | 171.05 (10.07) | 170.39 (6.43) | 170.83 (8.96) | 0.5995 |
| Weight (kg), mean (SD) | 74.61 (12.52) | 71.39 (8.43) | 73.53 (11.33) | 0.3592 |
| Norwood-Hamilton classification, N (%) | ||||
| Total N | 17 | 14 | 31 | |
| II A | 5 (29.41) | 1 (7.14) | 6 (19.35) | |
| III | 0 (0.00) | 1 (7.14) | 1 (3.23) | |
| III Vertex | 5 (29.41) | 7 (50.00) | 12 (38.71) | |
| III A | 0 (0.00) | 0 (0.00) | 0 (0.00) | |
| IV | 3 (17.65) | 4 (28.57) | 7 (22.58) | |
| IV A | 0 (0.00) | 0 (0.00) | 0 (0.00) | |
| V | 4 (23.53) | 1 (7.14) | 5 (16.13) | |
| Ludwig classification, N (%) | ||||
| Total N | 7 | 1 | 8 | |
| Type I | 7 (100.00) | 1 (100.00) | 8 (100.00) | |
| Type II | 0 (0.00) | 0 (0.00) | 0 (0.00) | |
| BASP classification, N (%) | ||||
| Total N | 18 | 9 | 27 | |
| V1 | 8 (44.44) | 2 (22.22) | 10 (37.04) | |
| V2 | 2 (11.11) | 5 (55.56) | 7 (25.93) | |
| F1 | 6 (33.33) | 1 (11.11) | 7 (25.93) | |
| F2 | 2 (11.11) | 1 (11.11) | 3 (11.11) | |
| LG Pra’L HGN1 (N=30) | Sham device (N=16) | Total (N=46) | ||
| Hair density (hairs/cm2), mean (SD) | 77.23 (17.34) | 95.56 (18.56) | 83.61 (19.66) | |
| Hair thickness (µm), mean (SD) | 77.66 (15.09) | 76.94 (18.31) | 76.76 (16.08) |
SD, standard deviation.
After 16 weeks using LG Pra.L HGN1, the test group had significantly improved on hair density and hair thickness compared to group using sham device by phototricogram (
Figure 3. Phototrichogram images taken in a central location with 100-fold magnification at (A) baseline, (B) 8-week, and (C) 16-week of LG Pra’L HGN1-treated subject (R-01-48). The images were analyzed and calculated by Folliscope 5.0 software (Lead M, Seoul, Korea), which are shown on the right side of each row of images.
In the group using LG HGN1, mean change of hair thickness increased 7.21 ± 1.83 µm at 8 weeks, and 11.80 ± 1.67 µm at 16 weeks compared to baseline. Mean change of hair thickness in control group decreased 0.94 ± 2.50 µm at 8 weeks and 3.45 ± 2.29 µm at 16 weeks from baseline. The differences in hair thickness between the test and control group were 15.26 µm (19.46%) at 16 weeks.
Global photographic analysis for hair regrowth after 8 weeks and 16 weeks compared to baseline by three independent investigators are summarized in Fig. 4A. After 16 weeks in test group, 1 person (3.33%) was rated “good improved”, 12 subjects (40%) were rated “slightly improved”, and 16 subjects (53.33%) were rated “no growth”. On the other hand, 8 subjects (50%) were rated “slightly improved” and 8 subjects (50%) were rated “no growth” in the control group. In the global photographic analysis, the test group showed slightly higher improvement rates, but differences between two groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.8978) (Fig. 5). The images of subjects evaluated as "slightly improved" is shown in Fig. 6 and "good improved" is shown in Fig. 7.
Figure 4. The mean changes from baseline in hair density (a) and hair thickness (b) at 8 week and 16 week after treatment of LG Pra’L HGN1 and sham devices.
Figure 5. The global photographic assessment at 16-week compared to baseline by three independent investigator (A) and self-assessment at 16-week compared to baseline subjects (B).
Figure 6. Global photographic images with top, front, right side, left side angles of baseline and 16-week of LG Pra’L HGN1-treated subject (R-01-13) who was rated as “slightly improved” by three independent dermatologists.
Figure 7. Photographic images with top side angle of baseline, 8-week, and 16-week of LG Pra’L HGN1-treated subject (R-01-48) who was rated as “good improved” by three independent dermatologists.
Self-assessment for hair regrowth after 8 weeks and 16 weeks by subjects are demonstrated in Fig. 4B. The VAS score from baseline to 16 weeks in self-assessment was 54.47 VAS in test group versus 45.56 VAS in control group. The VAS score at 8-week in self-assessment was 40.47 VAS in test group and 30.63 VAS in control group. However, differences between two groups were not statistically significant (p = 0.3154).
There was no serious adverse event occurred in any subjects. Two subjects (6.25%) in test group were experienced abnormal cases in the area of treatment at least once during study. All of the abnormal cases in test group were about itching in the scalp. These subjects spontaneously resolved within the period of study without and aftereffects. Another two subjects (6.25%) in test group were complained abnormal cases in a non-treatment area; one subject complained of eye disorder (asthenopia) and the other felt dizzy. As these adverse events were closely monitored, they gradually decreased in terms of severity and frequency, which didn’t require any further examinations. All of these abnormal cases in non-treatment area were confirmed as non-serious adverse event, and these subjects recovered without any further treatment and aftereffect.
Androgenetic alopecia is the most common form of non-scarring alopecia in men and women. So far, treatments of AGA with highest levels of evidence include topical minoxidil solution and oral 5-alpha reductase inhinitors. 10 LLLT has recently gained attention in research fields for treatment of AGA, though LLLT for photobiostimulation have been introduced in medicine for more than 30 years. 11,12
In the present study, the test group who used LLLT device for 16 weeks showed significant increase in hair density (18.34%,
Another randomized sham-device controlled study conducted in Thai used helmet type LLLT device containing LDs with 660 nm of wavelengths (5 mW, 224 units). The result was consistent with our study, showing mean increase of hair density from baseline as 10.21 hairs/cm2 in experimental group, 13 which was significantly higher than hair density of sham device-control group.
Although topical minoxidil and oral 5-alpha reductase inhibitors have been corroborated as standard treatment, patients may be discouraged to use them for various reasons as follow: irritation to scalp, underlying conditions such as liver or kidney dysfunction, and adverse events including sexual dysfunction, gynecomastia, and psychiatric disorders. 14 For those who are unwilling to use these medications, LLLT can be an alternative therapeutic option which has virtually no adverse effect.
This device has a novel array of LD light source. Instead of setting every LD source to support every emitting spot, we made a mirror system that splits one laser source into six emitting spots. With this technology, we could reduce the weight of the device with same potency.
Another progress of this device is the personalized treatment program. Some patients may have relatively severe hair loss in the vertex, while others in the frontotemporal apexes. The device has a wide range of treatment programs to choose according to individual’s specific type of AGA.
This study has some limitations. It was designed as a single center study of which study population may be less representative for general population. Although sham device was almost identical to test device in every aspect, minute differences such as temperature or light color may have been recognized by patients. Nevertheless, this study has strength in that the results from double-blind, randomized controlled study have high level of evidence. Our study confirmed the beneficial therapeutic effects of LLLT device with novel array of light source for AGA patients as significant increase of hair density and thickness was observed in experimental group compared to control group.
The home-use LLLT device with novel array of light source and individualized program according to the types of hair loss appears to be an effective and safe treatment modality for both male and female AGA patients.
Yeo-Seon Kwon, Yoon-Young Chang, and Sung-Ho Hong are employees of LG electronics (Seoul, Korea).
LG Electronics.
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