The efficacy of light-guiding microneedle patch for stimulating hair growth in androgenetic alopecia.
Level 2 - randomized trial
Individual randomized within-subject (split-scalp) trial
PubMed 39325239 · doi:10.1007/s00403-024-03396-0
What was done
In a randomized split-scalp clinical trial of 16 patients with androgenetic alopecia (AGA), participants received weekly treatments for 24 weeks targeting the frontal recession area. Light-guiding microneedle patches (LMNPs; 900 µm height, 105 needles/cm²) were applied and illuminated using a portable LED helmet (50 mW/cm² power, 40 J/cm² energy). The right side of the scalp received green light (522 nm) and the left side received red light (633 nm). Hair density, hair diameter, and patient/physician satisfaction scores were measured monthly.
What was found
The abstract reports no numerical values, effect sizes, or p-values. Both red and green LED treatments with LMNP reportedly enhanced hair density and diameter significantly, with increasing satisfaction scores over time. Comparative analyses showed no statistically significant differences in satisfaction scores or changes in hair density and diameter between the red and green light groups by 24 weeks. No serious adverse effects were reported.
Why it matters
This study provides preliminary pilot data on combining light-guiding microneedle patches with LED illumination for androgenetic alopecia, suggesting green and red wavelengths may yield comparable results.
Limits
The sample size is very small (n = 16). There was no sham-light or microneedle-only control group to isolate the effect of phototherapy from the mechanical stimulation of microneedling. No raw numbers or statistical metrics are reported in the abstract.
Cited by
- partial Microneedling combined with infrared light stimulates hair follicle rejuvenation to treat hair loss.