Does laser therapy really work to help cure male pattern baldness?

Question

Does laser therapy really work to help cure male pattern baldness?

Answer 1

I don't know

Interestingly, the FDA has approved a device called the LaserComb that claims to do just that.  In their FDA application they claim to have done a randomized placebo control trial, and the LaserComb did better than placebo.  Sounds good.  Remember that the FDA doesn't certify efficacy, just safety.

http://www.fda.gov/cdrh/pdf6/K060305.pdf

However, I can't find that study published anywhere except for the brief summary in their FDA application.  I would want to read the actual study, how many people, how many dropouts, was it truly a randomized double blind control trial, how did they analyze hair growth, was there an independent analysis of their numbers, what were the actual statistics rather than a descriptor.

So to borrow from the MythBusters, as far as lasers and their uses in health:

-Confirmed- lasers for dermatologic procedures, hair and tatto removal, for various surgical applications

-Busted- lasers for smoking cessation, laser acupuncture. and "Star Wars" weapons systems.

-Possible, but I'm still skeptical...lasers for hair growth