Henry Ford Health System Henry Ford Health System Scholarly Commons Dermatology Articles Dermatology 12-30-2020 Photobiomodulation for the management of hair loss Angeli E. Torres Henry W. Lim Follow this and additional works at: https://scholarlycommons.henryford.com/dermatology_articles Received: 21 May 2020 | Revised: 27 September 2020 | Accepted: 24 December 2020 DOI: 10.1111/phpp.12649 REVIEW ARTICLE Photobiomodulation for the management of hair loss Angeli Eloise Torres | Henry W. Lim Photomedicine and Photobiology Unit, Department of Dermatology, Henry Ford Abstract Health System, Detroit, MI, USA Photobiomodulation, otherwise known as low-level laser (or light) therapy, is an Correspondence emerging modality for the management of hair loss. Several randomized trials have Henry W. Lim, MD, Department of demonstrated that it is safe and potentially effective on its own or in combination Dermatology, Henry Ford Medical Center, 3031 West Grand Boulevard, Suite 800, with standard therapies. These devices come in many forms including wearable caps Detroit, Michigan 48202, USA. or helmets that afford hands-free and discreet use. Models with light-emitting diodes Email:
[email protected] (LEDs) are less expensive compared to laser-based devices and do not require laser safety considerations, thus facilitating ease of home use. Limitations include cost of the unit, risk of information bias, and lack of standardized protocols. Finally, as with any hair loss treatment, patients' expectations with regards to therapeutic outcomes must be managed.