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Background: Androgenetic alopecia (AGA) is a hair loss disorder that frequently affects the male population. Conventional treatment modalities are limited to minoxidil, 5α reductase inhibitors, and hair transplantation procedures. The efficacy of low-level laser therapy (LLLT), also known as photobiomodulation, in the treatment of AGA has been reported, yet little is known about the outcomes of combining photobiomodulation with other conventional therapies., Objective: To evaluate hair growth improvement in males with AGA, during the administration of minoxidil with and without photobiomodulation, using a half-head model., Study Design/materials and Methods: Twenty-one men with AGA agreed to undergo 12 minutes of low-level laser irradiation (using a modified Capellux®), followed by topical minoxidil application (1 ml of 5% solution), to the affected scalp two times per day for 6 months. The photobiomodulation devices were modified such that the left half emitted light, and the right half did not. Efficacy was assessed by blinded analyses of clinical photos and automated phototrichograms (Trichoscan®) taken before treatment and after 3 and 6 months of therapy., Results: None of the study participants experienced any adverse events. All patients showed improvements in hair coverage on both sides of the scalp at 3 and 6 months. On the side with combined treatments, the number of total hairs was significantly increased after 3 (P < 0.001) and 6 months (P = 0.001). A similar increase was also observed on the minoxidil-only side, at both 3 (P < 0.001) and 6 months (P < 0.001). No statistically significant differences were detected between sides (P > 0.05)., Conclusion: Additional improvement was not observed with the association of photobiomodulation to topical minoxidil in male AGA. Differences from previous studies that might have influenced our result include non-collimated light source, higher dosimetry, and a cohort with darker skin phototype and more severe alopecia. Lasers Surg. Med. 2021. © 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC., (© 2021 Wiley Periodicals LLC.)

Female pattern hair loss (FPHL) is the most common form of alopecia in women. FPHL may compromise body image and strongly affect self‐esteem, negatively impacting quality of life. Currently, the only Food and Drug Administration (FDA) approved drug for its treatment is topical minoxidil, with a variable response rate. Recently, a few studies in FPHL have pointed out bicalutamide as an emergent selective androgen receptor antagonist with a favorable safety and tolerability profile. This review aimed to summarize and discuss the key information on this new therapy for FPHL. Bicalutamide has no diuretic effect. It does not cross the blood–brain barrier, and it has little effect on serum luteinizing hormone. Additionally, bicalutamide was found to be effective on women presenting with other features of hyperandrogenism such as seborrhea, acne, and hirsutism with mild and well‐tolerated adverse effects. Despite the high prevalence and psychosocial impairment, FPHL treatment remains challenging. Therefore, although future prospective, comparative, randomized clinical trials are essential to establish the ideal dose and efficacy of the drug, oral bicalutamide appears to be a promising option to expand the arsenal of FPHL treatment. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]

Introduction: Telogen effluvium (TE) is a common cause of diffuse, non-scarring hair shedding, particularly affecting women. Chronic telogen effluvium (CTE), although less common than the acute form, presents as gradual hair loss that persists for more than six months and can last for years. Current treatment options are limited, and while topical minoxidil is often used, there is insufficient evidence to fully support its effectiveness in CTE. This has led to the exploration of innovative treatment methods, such as Microinfusion of drugs into the skin (MMP®), a form of microneedling. Case Presentation: A 28-year-old female patient with a three-year history of hair loss underwent MMP® combined with 0.5% minoxidil on the right side of the scalp, targeting the frontal, parietal, and vertex areas. The treatment was administered over 3 monthly sessions, followed by the daily application of 5% minoxidil at home on both sides of the scalp. Six weeks after the final session, a trichoscopic reassessment using TrichoLAB® revealed the following results: In the frontal region, hair density increased slightly by 1 hair (from 206 to 207), while hair shaft thickness decreased by 2 µm (from 61 to 59 µm). In the parieto-vertex region, there was a more notable increase of 47 hairs (from 223 to 270), with a slight decrease in hair shaft thickness by 3 µm (from 67 to 64 µm). Conclusions: The patient reported a modest improvement in hair volume, supported by trichoscopic data, particularly in the parieto-vertex region. The combination of MMP® and minoxidil shows potential as a treatment for CTE, emphasizing the need for further research in larger, controlled trials to confirm its efficacy. [ABSTRACT FROM AUTHOR]