Evaluation of wavelength-dependent hair growth effects on low-level laser therapy: an experimental animal study

Lasers Med Sci. 2015 Aug;30(6):1703-9. doi: 10.1007/s10103-015-1775-9. Epub 2015 Jun 6.

Abstract

In this study, we aimed to investigate the wavelength-dependent effects of hair growth on the shaven backs of Sprague-Dawley rats using laser diodes with wavelengths of 632, 670, 785, and 830 nm. Each wavelength was selected by choosing four peak wavelengths from an action spectrum in the range 580 to 860 nm. The laser treatment was performed on alternating days over a 2-week period. The energy density was set to 1.27 J/cm(2) for the first four treatments and 1.91 J/cm(2) for the last four treatments. At the end of the experiment, both photographic and histological examinations were performed to evaluate the effect of laser wavelength on hair growth. Overall, the results indicated that low-level laser therapy (LLLT) with a 830-nm wavelength resulted in greater stimulation of hair growth than the other wavelengths examined and 785 nm also showed a significant effect on hair growth.

Publication types

  • Evaluation Study
  • Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't

MeSH terms

  • Animals
  • Hair / cytology
  • Hair / growth & development*
  • Hair Follicle / cytology
  • Hair Follicle / radiation effects
  • Lasers, Semiconductor
  • Low-Level Light Therapy / methods*
  • Male
  • Organ Size / radiation effects
  • Rats, Sprague-Dawley
  • Skin / cytology
  • Skin / radiation effects